Sustainable Rural Development Through Agritourism in Ben Tre Province

The sustainable development of rural areas is a critical goal for many countries, and Vietnam is no exception. Ben Tre province, with its rich agricultural heritage, facing challenges in securing sustainable income for farmers who rely solely on farming. These difficulties have further been aggravated by the impacts of climate change, thus demanding alternative means of livelihood. In recent years, agritourism, which combines agricultural production with tourism functions has been introduced with the aim of promoting sustainable development and implementing the green development strategy of Ben Tre province. This approach is particularly suitable for the three districts of Chau Thanh, Mo Cay Nam and Thanh Phu. By associating economic, social, and environmental aspects of sustainability, agritourism represents an innovative and diversified strategy for rural areas. Developing agritourism is considered a promising solution to generate income, revitalize landscapes and contribute to social values for farmers. Therefore, agritourism could potentially create a sustainable and resilient economic future for the local community of Ben Tre province, thereby helping to preserve the cultural heritage and natural resources of the region. The present study explores the potential of agritourism as a tool for sustainable rural development in Ben Tre province and proposes strategies for its successful implementation Keywords: Agritourism, Sustainable development, Rural areas, Ben Tre province, Climate change