OCOP Programme and Rural Tourism Development in Vietnam Boost Their Local Economies, Preserve Culture and Ensure a Sustainable Future for Tourism Growth

Published on November 22, 2025

The OCOP programme in Vietnam and the development of rural tourism have taken center stage in changing the tourism landscape in the country, boosting the dual outcomes of economic progress and cultural conservation. The government has gone a long way in advancing rural regions by promoting local products, adding value to regional tourism, and infusing sustainability into Vietnamese tourism. As the country positions itself as a global tourism destination, such initiatives form the bedrock for long-term tourism growth while offering support to local communities.

The Impact of OCOP on Local Communities and Tourism Growth

The OCOP programme has been instrumental in uplifting the rural economy. With nearly 17,400 recognized OCOP products nationwide, many of these products are locally sourced from cooperatives, household producers, and small businesses. The government’s support for the programme has been essential in helping these products gain recognition and reach broader markets. This has increased the economic value of rural areas and positioned Vietnam as a strong contender in the global tourism market, especially for eco-tourism and agritourism.

Quang Ninh Province stands out as one of the leading regions in OCOP development, with 437 products rated three stars or higher. This growth is a reflection of how local authorities and businesses are embracing the tourism potential of unique, high-quality products that highlight Vietnam’s cultural diversity. As the country continues to grow in tourism stature, the OCOP programme has the potential to attract tourists and investors seeking authentic local experiences.

Promoting Sustainable Tourism through Local and Cultural Heritage

A key feature of the OCOP programme is its integration with cultural heritage tourism. As the programme grows, rural communities are encouraged to develop tourism experiences that showcase their unique customs, products, and landscapes. Thai Nguyen Province, home to the Thai Hai Ecological Stilt House Conservation Village, serves as an exemplary model of how cultural tourism can thrive alongside eco-tourism. By preserving the ancient traditions of the Thai ethnic group, including their stilt houses, customs, cuisine, and music, the village has successfully attracted thousands of visitors each year, boosting both the local economy and the tourism sector.

This model of community-based tourism not only helps preserve cultural heritage but also provides stable jobs for locals, supporting more than 100 workers in the village with an income of 6-8 million VND (230-307 USD) per month. By embracing both cultural identity and tourism, Thai Nguyen has demonstrated the power of integrating traditional practices with modern tourism demand, offering a unique travel experience for visitors while benefiting local communities.

Strengthening Rural Economy through Tourism and Local Products

As the OCOP programme gains momentum, it becomes clear that tourism growth and local product development are closely intertwined. In Quang Ninh, the successful 5-star OCOP product of Ba Che golden camellia tea serves as a prime example of how rural products can be marketed to both domestic and international tourists. This product has transformed from a small-scale household operation into a widely recognized brand in supermarkets and tourist sites, thanks to the OCOP programme.

The involvement of local producers in the OCOP initiative has resulted in more job opportunities, higher income levels, and greater economic stability for rural communities. The integration of tourism with local agriculture and handicrafts enables rural areas to thrive, ensuring that tourism revenue is directly benefiting local producers, which in turn enhances the overall tourism experience.

A Shift Toward Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Tourism

As Vietnam continues to develop its tourism sector, sustainability is a central focus of the country’s vision. The government’s plans for sustainable tourism development are being driven by initiatives like the OCOP programme, which emphasize local empowerment, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship. Many of the country’s tourism efforts now focus on developing eco-friendly tourism that minimizes environmental impact while providing an enriching experience for visitors.

In line with these efforts, the Tourism Ministry is working to integrate sustainable practices into the tourism infrastructure, such as green hotels, eco-tourism trails, and low-impact activities. The growth of agricultural tourism, which ties together farming practices and local tourism experiences, is another avenue through which Vietnam can promote both sustainability and cultural exchange.

The Thai Hai Ecological Stilt House Conservation Village, for example, blends traditional farming techniques with eco-tourism to create a sustainable model of community development. This model of eco-tourism promotes both environmental and economic sustainability, contributing to the preservation of Vietnam’s natural beauty while providing a meaningful tourism experience.

Collaboration for Tourism Success: Local Government and Businesses

The success of OCOP and rural tourism is not just due to the efforts of the government, but also to collaborations between local businesses, tour operators, and community organizations. Local authorities are working with entrepreneurs to create unique tourism packages that promote both agriculture and cultural heritage. By encouraging public-private partnerships, the government is fostering an environment where local communities and businesses can thrive while attracting tourists and creating more employment opportunities.

In Thai Nguyen, for instance, the province is looking to expand its tourism infrastructure by attracting investments in agricultural tourism and sustainable rural development. Local stakeholders are also investing in training programs to build the capacity of workers in the tourism sector, ensuring that both the quality of service and the sustainability of tourism offerings remain high.

The Road Ahead: Expanding OCOP and Tourism Initiatives

For the future, Vietnam is committed to developing its tourism sector by making full use of the increasing demand for wellness tourism, cultural tourism, and eco-tourism. Continued success in the OCOP programme will play a central role in diversification of the country’s tourism products and ensuring that local communities continue benefiting from tourism revenues. This also means that as the program expands, the tourism sector will evolve into an inclusive, sustainable industry which helps protect Vietnam’s natural resources and cultural heritage.

Vietnam’s growing focus on rural tourism and sustainable tourism practices enables the country to attract a broader range of visitors, from eco-tourists and wellness seekers through to those interested in cultural immersion. As it builds further on its rich heritage and natural beauty, the OCOP programme and rural tourism initiatives will ensure the continued development of Vietnam as a destination of choice for global travelers focused on authentic and sustainable travel experiences.