Exploiting cultural identity to attract tourists

In a space rich in cultural colors, in some communes and wards of Can Tho City - where many Khmer people live, cultural and artistic clubs have become bright spots in the movement to preserve Southern Khmer culture. At the same time, they open up potential directions for sustainable tourism development in the locality.

Tourists come to visit and exchange cultural activities with members of the Rom Vong dance club.

Having the opportunity to attend a meeting at the cultural, artistic and flat rice pounding clubs of Thuan Hoa commune, we were impressed by the enthusiasm of the members practicing. The sounds of the five-tone orchestra, Chhay-dam drums, or the graceful Khmer folk melodies, the sound of flat rice pounding... created a vivid picture, bringing an attractive experience to visitors. Cao Ngoc Giau, a member of the Rom vong dance club, expressed: "Joining the club helps me understand and love my ethnic culture more, confidently perform and connect with friends near and far".

Cultural and artistic clubs also actively participate in performing at cultural events, festivals, serving visitors, and experiencing Khmer pagodas and traditional craft villages. Mr. Ly Sim, the club's director, shared: "We not only perform for festivals and visitors from near and far, but also want to pass on our skills to the younger generation, preserving the spirit of national culture."

Faced with the risk of many traditional cultural forms being lost, the Project "Preserving and promoting the fine traditional cultural values of ethnic minorities associated with tourism development" has been implemented. In 2024, many cultural and artistic clubs, traditional costume performances, and the craft of making flat rice of the Khmer people in Phu Tan commune (formerly, now Thuan Hoa commune) were established, attracting nearly 30 members. In parallel with preserving and promoting the values of traditional cultural identity, the functional sector also combines the development of community tourism . Craft villages such as weaving, flat rice, and five-tone music are encouraged to develop, both serving tourists and creating additional income for the people.

Mr. Luu Thanh Hung, Head of the Khmer Art Group, said: “The group supports and teaches art to cultural and artistic clubs in communes and wards. The clubs not only contribute to preserving Khmer cultural identity, but also attract tourists on their journey to explore Khmer culture in the South.”

Article and photos: THACH PICH

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/khai-thac-ban-sac-van-hoa-thu-hut-khach-du-lich-a188934.html