On September 15, 2026, in Dan Hoa Commune, Hanoi, the University of Languages and International Studies (ULIS), Vietnam National University, Hanoi, in collaboration with the People’s Committee of Dan Hoa Commune, held the Closing Ceremony of the TRILAF Project and the Handover Ceremony of the Sustainable Community-Based Tourism Model in Dan Hoa Commune.
The ceremony was attended by representatives of ULIS’s leadership, the TRILAF Project Management Board, and project members. International partners and supporting organizations were represented by delegates from the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), representatives of tourism enterprises, and independent researchers and experts. From the local community, the event welcomed representatives of the Party Committee, People’s Council, and People’s Committee of Dan Hoa Commune, the Youth Union, representatives of local clans, residents, and households participating in the project in Tri Le Village.
The ceremony opened with a documentary highlighting the journey of the TRILAF Project, showcasing the collective efforts to work alongside local residents in preserving and promoting cultural heritage while creating sustainable livelihoods through community-based tourism.
In his remarks at the closing ceremony, Vice President of ULIS Lam Quang Dong emphasized that the TRILAF Project has served not only as a bridge connecting ULIS’s academic expertise with real-life community needs, but also as a concrete expression of the University’s commitment to supporting local communities in preserving and promoting traditional craft heritage while fostering sustainable livelihoods.
Recognizing the positive changes brought about by the TRILAF Project, Mai Xuan Truong, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People’s Council of Dan Hoa Commune, and Adjara Diouf, representing the OIF, commended the dedication and professionalism of the ULIS team. They also highlighted the project as a strategic stepping stone toward new and promising opportunities for cultural and experiential tourism in the locality.
Representatives of the project’s partners also shared their perspectives and commitments to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the model. These included Ms. Vu Thi Huyen, representing participating households; Ms. Tran Nhat Le, representing local young people and tour guides; Mr. Nguyen Minh Thang, Director of iLotus Tours; and Ms. Nguyen Thi Mai, Director of Terra Indochina and an independent tourism expert. Their contributions focused particularly on the operation of tour routes and the development of mechanisms to ensure the model remains vibrant and sustainable in the years to come.
Before the next part of the program, ULIS students delivered a special cultural performance featuring a traditional conical-hat dance accompanied by the song “Bonjour Vietnam,” creating a warm and memorable atmosphere for the ceremony.
A key highlight of the event was the signing ceremony for the official handover and transfer of the model. Under the handover agreement, ULIS officially transferred the community-based tourism operating model, the Tri Le community tourism tour guide and training materials, as well as the Traditional Heritage Exhibition Room and all project-funded equipment, to representatives of the local authorities and community for continued management and operation.
Following the formal ceremony, delegates and guests took part in a field visit and experiential activities in Tri Le’s traditional conical-hat-making village, where they had the opportunity to explore local cultural heritage and gain first-hand insights into the community-based tourism model.
The Closing and Handover Ceremony of the TRILAF Project was successfully concluded, highlighting ULIS’s commitment to serving the community, transferring knowledge, and leveraging its academic resources to contribute to the sustainable development of society.
Nguyễn Thủy Tiên/ĐSTT
