Community-Engaged Learning Tourism: A Tool for Community Development, Sustainable Livelihoods, and Ecological–Cultural R

Community-Engaged Learning Tourism: A Tool for Community Development, Sustainable Livelihoods, and Ecological–Cultural Regeneration

Register here: https://forms.gle/ir6o5Ed6DJzmzgyw7

Since the dawn of time, the idea of travel has stemmed from humanity’s innate desire to move — to leave behind the familiar, to break away from daily routines, and to seek novelty and inspiration for the soul.

In Sino-Vietnamese, “Du” means to wander, to explore and broaden one’s horizons; “Lịch” means to experience, to go through, to learn through practice. Combined, “Du lịch” (tourism) is not merely about moving from one place to another — it is a journey of learning, self-discovery, and growth through lived experience.

Today, tourism has become a bridge between cultures and an opportunity to explore the beauty of nature and local identities. However, the rapid growth of mass tourism has brought many challenges: environmental degradation, cultural erosion, and the loss of local voices in their own homelands.

That’s why Community-Engaged Learning Tourism (CELT) has emerged as a necessary alternative — transforming tourism into a tool for cultural preservation, ecological regeneration, and community empowerment. CELT places local residents at the heart of the experience — they are the hosts, storytellers, and stewards of their land — turning tourism into a force that improves livelihoods and nurtures cultural pride.

This model creates economic opportunities through homestay services, storytelling, traditional crafts, and local livelihoods, while fostering pride in one’s homeland. Moreover, CELT promotes ecological regeneration, encouraging both travelers and local communities to protect natural resources and adopt sustainable practices.

For travelers, CELT offers authentic, immersive, and deeply connecting experiences. By choosing CELT, you not only enrich local lives and protect the environment but also embark on an inspiring and meaningful journey.

Are you ready for an inspiring 8-day, 7-night learning journey?

Join us in Cẩm Kim (Hội An) and Sa Huỳnh (Quảng Ngãi) — where culture, nature, and people intertwine — to learn, live, and co-create a sustainable future for tourism.

What makes this program special for you?

Immerse Yourself in Local Life

Experience the daily life of fishermen and traditional artisans in Cẩm Kim Village — people whose lives are intertwined with the river. Learn about the riverine ecosystem, traditional livelihoods such as fishing, carpentry, and boatbuilding. Feel the transformation of a craft village along the flow of time and urbanization.

Continue your journey to Sa Huỳnh, where you’ll meet the salt makers who have preserved their craft for generations. Understand the ancient process of salt crystallization on clay beds formed over millennia — rich in minerals and natural vitality. Feel the essence of sun, wind, and salt — the harmony of nature and human touch. Discover how Sa Huỳnh locals are using CELT to preserve salt fields, restore coastal forests, and protect ancestral heritage in modern times.

Learn Directly from the Expert:

• Dr. Chu Mạnh Trinh – the pioneer of CELT models in the Cù Lao Chàm Biosphere Reserve (Quảng Nam), Hòa Bắc (Đà Nẵng), and Quảng Ngãi.

Understand Community-Engaged Learning Tourism

• Learn the fundamentals: What is CELT? Why do it? Who benefits, and how?

• Explore strategies for developing it from the ground up.

• Apply sustainability and community-based tourism research tools such as ABCD, DPSIR, PRA, and SWOT to analyze and mobilize local assets.

• Discover activities that foster meaningful learning and positive community impact.

• Develop CELT projects tailored to your local context.

• Learn step-by-step implementation strategies to bring ideas into reality.

Reflect and Deepen Your Learning

• End your day by journaling by the Thu Bồn River, surrounded by the tranquil, poetic beauty of Cẩm Kim.

• In Sa Huỳnh, gaze upon a star-filled sky above the vast salt fields and embrace the serene peace of Vietnam’s central coast.

Inspire Change:

• Gain practical tools and strategies to create positive change within your own community.

• This journey brings transformation — filled with joy, learning, and the opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Expert & Facilitator: Dr. Chu Mạnh Trinh

After completing his PhD and conducting research in the U.S. and the Netherlands, Dr. Trinh returned to Vietnam to devote himself to environmental and forestry work. Initially working in fish sauce technology, his passion for marine ecology led him to Cù Lao Chàm in 2003, where he began long-term research and conservation efforts.

When Hội An was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cù Lao Chàm faced increasing pressures from climate change and mass tourism. In response, Dr. Trinh initiated the first Community-Engaged Learning Tourism model, teaching locals how to conserve nature while earning from sustainable tourism. He trained fishermen and residents in waste management, responsible fishing, and biodiversity conservation — leading to Cù Lao Chàm’s recognition as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Beyond Cù Lao Chàm, Dr. Trinh continues to support many community-based conservation and tourism initiatives — from Cẩm Thanh’s nipa palm forests (Hội An) to Lý Sơn Island (Quảng Ngãi) and Hòa Bắc (Đà Nẵng) — empowering students and communities to restore culture and environment hand in hand.

Organizers: Vcil Community and XomTour

XomTour is a social initiative on responsible and regenerative tourism developed by Vcil Community.

Co-organizers: Kim Bồng Ecological Agriculture & Community Learning Tourism Cooperative & Sa Huỳnh Traditional Sea Salt & Community Tourism Cooperative

Dates: March 8 – 15, 2026

Locations: Cẩm Kim (Hội An) & Sa Huỳnh (Quảng Ngãi)

Who Should Join: Community leaders, tourism practitioners, and anyone passionate about the intersection of travel, learning, and regeneration.

Participation Fee:

• International participants: 18,900,000 VND

• General public: 14,900,000 VND

• Vcil Community Members: Sliding scale 8,900,000 – 14,900,000 VND (Register as a member here: https://nas.io/vcilmembers)

The cost excludes: The above cost does not include travel expenses from the locality you live to the learning sites and back.

Contact Information:

Fanpage: Vcil Community

Email: vcil.group@gmail.com

Phone/Zalo/WhatsApp: +84 918 580 257 (Trinh)