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Nam Dong District in Thua Thien-Hue Province, home to the Co Tu ethnic people, is turning into a destination for tourists wishing to learn about the ecological system and the culture of ethnic communities in far-away areas.
Arriving at Thuong Lo Commune in Nam Dong, visitors will be greeted with the lively dances of the Co Tu, performed by local people themselves. The performances are the result of three years' work of the local authorities and people. Old people in the villages and well known artists in folk music have been invited to teach village people traditional songs and dances. A Rac Thoa in Thuong Lo Commune said his commune has a dancing team who train three times a week and now can perform many dances that the Co Tu used to dance at such festivals as buffalo-sacrificing or harvest celebrations.
In 2003, the Netherlands Development Organisation and Thua Thien-Hue's tourism department provided nearly VND 500 million to build infrastructure for tourism at Ka Zang Fall in Thuong Lo, and collect unique working tools and costumes of ethnic people in the area. Many people agreed to welcome tourists into their houses and serve them with local specialties. Together with the flow of tourists who come to enjoy the majestic view of primitive forests or beautiful falls as well as the rich local culture and customs, the life of Co Tu people in Nam Dong has seen a lot of improvements.
Vice Chairman of Nam Dong's People's Committee Nguyen Ngoc Thang said the local authority has mapped out an investment plan, which gives priority to areas with potential to develop ecological and community-based tourism, with the hope that this type of tourism will help reduce poverty while still preserving the culture and traditions of local ethnic people.
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