The startup story of Nguyễn Lê Khang Cường, a YUP student, who began in his 3rd year at university with the ambition to develop tourism in his hometown of Phú Yên. Published in Thanh Niên.
GIVING UP AN OVERSEAS SCHOLARSHIP TO DEVELOP HOMESTAY TOURISM
Nguyễn Lê Khang Cường once received a scholarship to study in Taiwan, but his attachment to a project developing tourism in his hometown led him to give it up and follow his passion.
Khang Cường is always cheerful and likable – Photo provided by the subject
Starting his business as a 3rd-year student, after two years and many challenges, Khang Cường has achieved initial success with a homestay model in his hometown of Phú Yên, alongside experiential travel services exploring local sights and craft villages. In 2015, as a 3rd-year student at Foreign Trade University's Ho Chi Minh City campus, Khang Cường repeatedly dreamed of doing something for his birthplace. His deep love of Phú Yên and passion for experiential travel inspired him to introduce his hometown's tourism to more people. Later, he declined a scholarship to study in Taiwan, even though it was many people's dream.
Local people making cakes in Phú Yên – Quỳnh Hữu |
When Khang Cường began developing tourism in Phú Yên, it was still an unspoiled region. Designing itineraries and finding quality attractions that would keep costs down for customers required him to travel constantly between Ho Chi Minh City and Phú Yên on weekends, balancing his studies with trips home to visit fishing villages and good restaurants for discussions and work.
Young people having fun in Phú Yên – Quỳnh Hữu |
A year after conceiving the idea, Khang Cường, with support from many friends, established a homestay network in Phú Yên. Khang Cường says he lives kindly and therefore connects with people on the same wavelength. On his entrepreneurial journey, he has received help and emotional support, with many friends accompanying him alongside an angel investor.
Money is not everything
“It is easier said than done, because being meticulous about every detail sometimes tests my patience. If I cannot find a quality dining venue that cooks food the way local people do, or a fresh attraction that truly represents Phú Yên, I simply will not accept guests for the trip. Only when I am satisfied with what I have created do I dare share it with others,” said the young man who was born and raised in Phú Yên.
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Tourists enjoy an experience in Phú Yên – Quỳnh Hữu |
Many tourism operators believe they need only bring visitors to a new place and let them experience it themselves. Khang Cường and his colleagues, however, see themselves as local insiders guiding fellow travelers, sharing their love and pride so visitors grow fond of and truly discover the area. In the coming period, Khang Cường wants to create tours that reveal the identity of Phú Yên’s people more clearly, taking visitors to villages making rice paper, growing vegetables and weaving basket boats… Beyond tourism that celebrates local values, he wants to do more for the community, especially local residents and students in Phú Yên. He organizes English-speaking clubs so young people can interact with foreigners and become more confident and successful…
