Capilano University / PATA partnership

Building off of a successful five year Community Based Tourism Training Project funded by the Canadian International Development agency, Capilano University has partnered with the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) in an effort to further the tourism capacities in Taphin village.

The initial project - a CIDA funded capacity building project from 2002 - 2007 - delivered training in two villages within the Sapa region. In Tavan and Taphin, training in English, tourism product development, food safety, first aid, sanitation and maintenance, homestay development, and HIV / AIDS awareness were offered to community members. In addition, 50 ethnic tour guides and 20 Vietnamese guides working in the Sapa region were trained in tour guiding skills.

"training will be delivered in business development, entrepreneurship, understanding the tourist, better selling skills, environmental stewardship, community tourism planning"

For the next two years, student and faculty trainers from Capilano University and Hanoi Open University will continue what was started in the previous project, focusing on the village of Taphin. Training will be delivered in business development, understanding the tourist, better selling skills, and environmental stewardship. Attention will be placed on the local women and youth. Training in community tourism planning will also be delivered to local government.