Since 1968, Capilano University has been committed to meeting students at their individual learning level and helping them attain the education necessary to achieve their personal and professional dreams. With a 15 year history of degree granting, Capilano University provides students with a solid academic foundation and is commitment to developing new and innovative programs in response to community needs.
In 2002 Capilano U started a tourism training and capacity building project in Vietnam and has been committed to the region ever since. In June 2010, Capilano U secured a partnership with the Sapa government as well as the Sapa Sport, Trade and Tourism to continue work in sustainable tourism training and development.
The new project was granted access to the village of Taphin by the local government to deliver entrepreneurship, business development, event management, and tourism planning training. The local government has also granted permission to train the community of Lao Chai. In the Sapa region Capilano U has earned an amazing reputation, built meaningful relationships and worked hard to gain the trust of the local government and the students we train. We strive to continue this trend in assisting positive tourism development in the region and delivering exceptional student and faculty trainers alike.
The PATA Foundation is a natural extension of Pacific Asia Travel Association's dedication to the principles of conservation, which are part of the Association’s charter. When the concept of a charitable foundation was first proposed at the 33rd PATA Annual Conference in 1984, there was unanimous member approval.
Its mission is to contribute to the sustainable and responsible development of travel and tourism in Asia Pacific through the protection of the environment, the conservation of heritage and support for education.
Hanoi Open University (HOU), located in Hanoi, Vietnam was founded in 1993 and focuses on formal education, distance learning and international cooperation. HOU also specializes in hospitality, tourism, foreign languages and tour guiding skills. HOU is a member of the Association of Asian Open and Distance Universities (AAOU) and is also working with UNESCO setting up the curriculum for a virtual university in the Greater Mekong Sub-region.
HOU has worked in coordination with Capilano University to help deliver training on previous projects in the region. Working with current industry professionals, HOU is dedicated to delivering the most up to date knowledge in the field of tourism. Capilano University and PATA are fortunate to have highly qualified instructors and students alike participating in the CBT Vietnam project.
Sapa Sport Trade and Tourism has been a critical partner since the CIDA-funded project. Their leadership and support is a welcomed addition to all who are involved in the PATA / Capilano Projects. As a tourist, your point of contact with this local government organization is through the Sapa Information Centre. The centre is open throughout the day and offers information to all tourists who come to Sapa.
THANK YOU & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The relationship with Sapa O’Chau, a Hmong-run social enterprise in Sapa, started when Shu, founder and director of Sapa O’Chau, was a learner in some of the CBT Vietnam training sessions and workshops during the original CIDA-funded project. Since that time, Shu has assisted and participated in many training and community engagement sessions.
The partnership between Sapa O’Chau was fostered when the social enterprise won a grant from the Canadian Embassy in Vietnam – the proposal of which was written in combination by Sapa O’Chau, Hanoi Open University and Capilano University. In February 2013, Sapa O’Chau hosted a CBT Vietnam facilitated stakeholder meeting welcoming members from the Taphin and Lao Chai communities, as well as tourism business owners from Hanoi and Sapa. In 2014, we took some first steps in creating an Environmental Club with Sapa O’Chau students. Thank you Sapa O’Chau, we look forward to continuing this successful partnership long into the future.
One of the nicest places to stay in Sapa, the 3-star Sapa Eden Hotel was opened by a Hanoi Open University graduate. The views from the hotel are stunning and rooms are comfortable and warm. The Sapa Eden Hotel has demonstrated its support for the project with continued discounted rates and one-of-kind service. They have also been supportive by attending a stakeholder workshop in Sapa.
A special thank you to Mr. Dung, your continued support for the CBT Vietnam project has not gone unnoticed.
Footprint Vietnam Travel, a leader in responsible travel in Vietnam, has been an integral service provider and advisor since the CBT Vietnam project’s beginnings. Footprint was also the very first tour operator to partner with the village of Taphin, bringing regular overnight trips to the homestays. Footprint’s leadership has been an example to which other local operators have been able to learn from. We cannot thank Footprint enough!
As service providers for many of the project trips, they have continued to offer discounted rates and the ultimate in customer service to our volunteers. A special thank you to Mr. Son, owner and founder of Footprint, and Hanna, travel consultant, for your personalized support.
The Responsible Travel Club (RTC) is the first organization of its type in Vietnam, made up of local tour operators committed to promoting responsible travel. Their support of the project was demonstrated through their active involvement in the CBT Vietnam facilitated stakeholder workshops. Through the RTC the women from Taphin have been able to connect with numerous local tour operators (RTC members). Planning has begun to see the same for Lao Chai. Thank you RTC and RTC members for your continued support.
The Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, Hanoi’s most storied 5-star hotel, has become a significant partner within the activities of the CBT Vietnam project. Since September 2012, the hotel has welcomed the women entrepreneurs from Taphin several times. In fact, the Sofitel offered a place to stay for the women’s first ever trip to Hanoi. Since that first trip, the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has partnered with Taphin village in developing a successful highlanders’ market. The market has been set up on special occasions such as Christmas and Tet. The CBT Vietnam team would like to thank the Metropole for their continued support.
Little Hanoi Hostel is the CBT Vietnam's home-away-from-home in Hanoi. For years the Little Hanoi Hostel and its staff have welcomed us like family. Discounted rates and personalized service have been an important reason why we continue to stay at the hotel. Special thanks to Ms. Tam and Ms. Kim for your kindness.
The Vietnam Backpackers' Hostel organization continues to welcome the CBT Vietnam team as well as the villagers during their trips to Hanoi. They always kindly deal with our out of the ordinary demands of late check-outs and meeting spaces. They have also donated room and board on our villager trips to Hanoi. Further, they have made time to formally meet with the communities of Taphin AND Lao Chai more than one occasion. Special thanks to Max, Jason, Alaysia and Ms. Bach for their support and contributions.