Can Tho University Conducts ECOViP Outreach Pre-Event Activities to Promote Ecotourism and Entrepreneurship
Can Tho University (CTU) successfully conducted a series of ECOViP Outreach Pre-Event Classroom Activities from September 7 to 14, 2023, as part of its commitment to promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in ecotourism. These activities served as the first phase of the ECOViP outreach plan, designed to effectively engage students and stakeholders ahead of the official outreach event scheduled for October 2023.
The adjustment of the outreach timeline was made in consideration of scheduling challenges among tourism business representatives and the academic calendar, particularly the start of the new student intake on September 18, 2023. To ensure maximum participation, the ECOViP-CTU team implemented a two-phase approach, beginning with classroom-based engagements.
Engaging Students Across Disciplines
The pre-event activities reached a total of 260 undergraduate students from more than 50 fields of study, including Tourism, English Studies, Engineering, Agriculture, and Social Sciences. These sessions were integrated into General English classes, allowing students to simultaneously enhance their language skills while learning about the ECOViP project.
The sessions introduced key topics such as:
- The Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) Programme
- The ECOViP Project and CTU’s role
- Entrepreneurship and tourism as a potential career path
Students actively participated in discussions, group work, and interactive activities, demonstrating strong interest in sustainable ecotourism. Many expressed their willingness to share knowledge about the project within their communities, particularly in the Mekong Delta region.
Promoting Awareness and Collaboration
In addition to classroom discussions, students had the opportunity to engage with representatives from tourism businesses and participate in an online ECOViP session on September 11, 2023, facilitated by European partners. These interactions provided valuable exposure to real-world applications of ecotourism and entrepreneurship.
Interactive activities, including group games and presentations, further enhanced students’ understanding of sustainability concepts. Participants highlighted the importance of practical experience and emphasized their role in promoting environmentally responsible tourism in the future.
About the ECOViP Project
ECOViP (Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Ecotourism to Support Sustainable Development in Vietnam and the Philippines) is an international initiative under the Erasmus+ Programme. The project aims to strengthen entrepreneurial skills among students, improve tourism education, and foster collaboration between universities and industry stakeholders.
As a key partner, Can Tho University plays an active role in implementing ECOViP activities, including training programs, curriculum development, student competitions, and the establishment of an Ecotourism Hub.
Looking Ahead
The successful completion of Phase 1 marks an important step in expanding awareness of the ECOViP project among students and stakeholders. The upcoming official outreach event in October 2023 is expected to gather 150–200 participants, including representatives from tourism enterprises, government agencies, NGOs, and academic institutions.
Through these initiatives, CTU continues to empower students with the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to contribute to a more sustainable and innovative tourism industry.
