LIVELIHOODS ASSOCIATED WITH TOURISM OF THE KHMER COMMUNITY IN THE SEVEN MOUNTAINS REGION, AN GIANG PROVINCE

Abstract

Seven Mountains is a famous place and has an important position in the development of tourism in An Giang province. This is an attractive destination for domestic and foreign tourists thanks to its beautiful scenery and unique Khmer culture. The Khmer people here have gradually integrated into tourism activities. The livelihoods associated with tourism of the Khmer community in Seven Mountains region, An Giang province, mainly focusing on activities such as: transporting passengers for sightseeing; food and beverage business; craft village tourism; accommodation services (homestay); selling specialties and souvenirs; working for travel companies; tourist garden houses. The Khmer people’s participation in this livelihood activity is influenced by many factors, such as: State policy, market economy and internal efforts of the local community. Although the Khmer people here face many difficulties and challenges in many aspects such as investment capital and service management experience, they have actively integrated and developed livelihoods related to tourism to increase income and improve their lives