Criteria for Agricultural Tourism Development for Farms in Thanh Hoa, Vietnam

The study focuses on developing a set of criteria for developing agricultural tourism for farms in Thanh Hoa - a locality with great potential for agricultural resources and indigenous culture. Based on theoretical analysis and summarizing international (Japan, Korea, Europe) and domestic (Lam Dong, An Giang, Hanoi, Ninh Binh) experiences, the study has pointed out the important role of agricultural tourism in transforming the rural economic structure, increasing farmers' income, preserving culture and promoting sustainable development. From the current status of pilot models in Thanh Hoa such as Pu Luong or Hai Tien, the authors propose a set of criteria consisting of five groups: (i) basic conditions; (ii) organization and management; (iii) products and services; (iv) community culture; (v) sustainable development. The set of criteria is highly compatible with international (GSTC), regional (ASEAN Homestay, CBT Standard) and national (OCOP) standards, and reflects local characteristics. The study concludes that the application of the set of criteria will help standardize, improve the quality and competitiveness of Thanh Hoa agricultural tourism, contributing to creating a foundation for sustainable rural development in the context of integration.