The workshop was attended by leaders of the Departments of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Cao Bang and Tuyen Quang provinces; members of the Management Boards; and partners of the two Geoparks including accommodation providers, restaurants, travel agencies, transport service providers, agricultural cooperatives, and OCOP (One Coummune One Product program) units.

During the workshop, the two Geopark Management Boards reported the activities implemented in the framework of the partnership establishment program between the two Geoparks, the activities of the two Geopark partner networks, the implementation of tasks regardings the operation and promotion of the UNESCO Global Geoparks, strengthening linkages in tourism product development, and enhancing cooperation between the two Geoparks. The two sides also spent time discussing solutions to develop and improve the quality of the Geopark partner networks, and foster sustainable development.

Between 2020 and 2025, the two Management Boards have strengthened coordination and connections to develop their partner networks. Regular activities have been implemented, such as promoting Geopark destinations, supporting product development, and especially organizing workshops to offer a platform for experience exchange and connection among partners. These activities have contributed to promoting local tourism and improving economic efficiency for participating businesses. In fact, the two Geopark partners have reported significant results, with a notable increase in customer numbers, particularly regular and stable clients generated from the cooperation between the two Geopark parters, accounting for about 10-20% of each establishment’s total visitors.

At the workshop, representative of the two Geopark partner networks shared their updated activities, suggest business solutions, and strategies to improve service quality, such as diversifying touristic experiences, using local materials and products, and improving capacity for their staff, etc. However, they also highlighted existing challenges, including limited communication and customer service skills among employees, and unstable supplies of local raw materials, etc. They proposed several solutions to the two Provincial Departments of Culture, Sports and Tourism, such as facilitating participation in tourism fairs, including the Geopark partners in provincial destination lists, and issuing a code of conduct and recognition system for the Geopark partners.

Speaking at the workshop, Ms. Nong Thi Tuyen, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Cao Bang province, affirmed that Cao Bang highly appreciates the efforts of both Geopark Management Boards in building and developing the Geopark partner networks. She emphasized that although Cao Bang and Tuyen Quang share many geological similarities, each locality has distinctive landscapes and cultural values, creating a complementary estate for tourism products. Recently, Non nuoc Cao Bang Geopark partner network has focused on working with communities to preserve and promote traditional crafts, while partners of Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark have effectively leveraged strengths in architecture, cuisine, and local culture. These values provide attractive highlights, opening opportunities for sustainable linkage and paving the way for building the “One Journey – Two Geoparks” tourism route that offers visitors diverse and unique experiences. She hoped that in the coming time, the two Geoparks will continue to accompany and support each other in promoting the UNESCO Global Geopark model, strengthening product linkages, and expanding experiential tourism between Cao Bang and Tuyen Quang.

At the workshop, the two Geopark Management Boards signed a MoU on comprehensive cooperation in various areas such as: exchanging experiences in managing and developing Geoparks; cooperating in developing tourism products and connected tourism route; exchanging staff, experience exchange visits; cooperating in tourism promotion, Geopark education activities in schools; sharing ideas and expertise via online meetings and digital platforms; and organizing joint activities within the framework of GGN, APGN, and the Vietnam Geoparks Network conferences and workshops, etc.

The workshop aimed to enhance coordination and cooperation in promoting the UNESCO Global Geopark designation and developing tourism products of both Geoparks. At the same time, it fostered mutual promotion of the two Geoparks’ images, creating favorable conditions for tourists to explore the connected route between the two Geoparks and Provinces. The efforts helps strengthen the quality of cooperation between Dong Van Karst Plateau and Non nuoc Cao Bang Geoparks; harnessing geological, cultural, and natural heritage values, while fostering linkages, exchanges, and knowledge-sharing within the Vietnam Geoparks Network, thereby enhancing the significance of the UNESCO Global Geopark designation.

Author: M.C