Nguyen Thanh Binh
Major
Campus
Graduation Year
Initiative/Project/Organisation
Role at the organisation
Current location
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Step into the heart of Tay Ninh and discover its vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and rich history. "Tour Guide in Tay Ninh" is proud to operate as a dedicated sustainable travel initiative. Our tours are thoughtfully designed around core principles: deeply respecting the diverse local religions and spiritual sites, ensuring authentic connections, and actively participating in charity work to support local communities. We also champion international integration in remote areas, believing that exposure and exchange can uplift communities. We aim to create unforgettable memories for you while genuinely benefiting the people and places of Tay Ninh.
Prioritize genuine relationships, be patient, measure your impact, and collaborate extensively.
Motivation & Business problem: I was motivated by Tay Ninh's untapped potential and the clear need for responsible tourism development. I saw an opportunity to create tours that not only showcase the region but also genuinely benefit local communities and preserve cultural heritage. The problem I am solving is preventing the negative impacts of traditional tourism, alleviating poverty in remote areas through direct economic opportunities, and ensuring respect for Tay Ninh's diverse religious and cultural traditions.
Impact: Our sustainable approach has been our unique selling proposition, leading to a 30% increase in international bookings from 16 countries in 2024 and higher repeat customer rates. We're setting a new standard for responsible practices locally, inspiring other businesses, including restaurants, homestays, and traditional craft & market vendors. A major challenge was building trust with local religious communities due to initial skepticism and cultural barriers. We overcame this with slow, patient engagement and by empowering a local liaison.
Balancing profitability with our sustainable mission was also tough, addressed by focusing on long-term value and securing small grants.
Moment: My proudest moment was seeing the local newspaper Bao Tay Ninh publish an article about my work. It specifically highlighted how I introduced the Cao Dai religion to tourists and, most importantly, how I helped build stronger relationships between visitors and local residents. That recognition for fostering cultural understanding and community connection was truly a special moment for me.
RMIT Network: The RMIT network was crucial. My sustainability-focused curriculum provided the foundational knowledge. Through the alumni network, I connected with mentors experienced in social entrepreneurship, whose guidance was invaluable. Pitching our concept within the RMIT ecosystem also provided key feedback and connections.