Tourism Consultants (National and International)

Terms of Reference

Tourism Consultants (National and International)

Location	Van Ho and Moc Chau Districts, Son La and Hanoi, Vietnam Home based
Assignment duration	Between March 2020 – June 2021
Days	Details below
Start date	Progressively from March 2020
Deadline to apply	5pm, 20 March 2020

BACKGROUND

This project will build the capacity of the Moc Chau District Government and tourism stakeholders to manage the destination sustainably to ensure the benefits also flow to women and ethnic minorities. This will include strengthening of the destination management organisation, improved destination management planning, building the capacity of local government to independently develop community-based tourism and product development to create income opportunities for women through a night market and food trail.

Tourism has been growing in Moc Chau over recent years, largely underpinned by the increasing middle class in Vietnam and improved road access from Hanoi. The ethnic communities and mountain landscape are key attractions and the destination is an emerging food tourism destination with tea, dairy, fruit and vegetables. Although there has been strong growth in arrivals, visitation tends to be centred around the plum blossom season and holiday weekends. Moc Chau is very much a “selfie” destination with the economic benefits being constrained by a lack of quality accommodation and experiences to encourage people to stay longer. There is also a lack of skilled staff and a lack of local capacity in destination marketing and management. While there is already a number of community-based tourism villages in Moc Chau, there is limited coordination, a lack of capacity in marketing, and facilities and services do not always meet market demand. Consequently, although Moc Chau has a high tourism potential, the flow on benefits to local communities is limited.

This project recognises for tourism development to be sustained, it is important to have a stronger destination management organisation that can help plan and coordinate tourism. The Moc Chau District Government has identified tourism as one the key economic drivers for the region and it has demonstrated a strong desire to design and implement a comprehensive practical tourism development program that boosts economic development and creates benefits for local communities. However, within government and other stakeholders in the destination, the lack of capacity, technical expertise and experience is a major constraint to fulfilling this ambition. In addition, given the middle-income status of Vietnam, there is less likelihood of donor funds for community-based tourism development. Increasingly, it will need local government to take the lead in working with local communities and tour companies to develop community-based tourism. It is also important for women to be able to benefit from mainstream tourism - the project will support this by supporting new product, as well as introducing practical short course training. The proposed night market will also help create activities for tourists to do in the evening which is a current weakness of the destination and it will also be an important outlet for the high-quality produce and handicrafts of the region. It will be important to ensure the market is a safe and secure place for customers, women traders, children and people with disabilities. Respect for the culture of different ethnic minorities is also a critical consideration Across all activities, the engagement and flow on benefits to women, especially ethnic minority women, needs to be a priority. Women’s safety and minimising the risk for gender-based violence and child exploitation are essential elements of the project.

The District Government is very active and has a strong commitment to the project. In leading the project, it will cooperate with other stakeholders in the region including the Management Board of Moc Chau National Tourism Area and the local Tourism Association. The District Government already has in place a tourism advisory council that includes the key organisations.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

The GREAT Program is a flagship initiative of the Australian aid program in Vietnam – it commenced in November 2017 and will run for five years (2017 to 2021). The Program is promoting women’s economic empowerment (WEE) in the ethnically diverse north-west region of Vietnam. The primary beneficiaries are women living in the provinces of Son La and Lao Cai with an overarching emphasis is placed on the inclusion of women from ethnic minority communities. The Program is partnering with approximately 50 organisations to deliver results, including private sector actors, governmental and non-governmental organisations, and research institutions.

This project is being implemented by the Moc Chau District Government, led by the Department of Culture and Information (DCI), and is being supported by the Aus4Equality|Gender Responsive Equitable Agriculture and Tourism (GREAT) Program.

The day-to-day project management will be led by Vice Chairperson of the Moc Chau District People’s Committee or the Head of the Department of Culture and Information, Moc Chau.

PROJECT COMPONENTS

The project has several inter-linked components:

Building the capacity of local organisation/s in destination management including the development of inclusive destination management guidelines that can be adapted for other destinations
Development of a high-level destination management plan for the broader region of Moc Chau District and neighbouring Van Ho District that aligns with the remit of the Management Board of Moc Chau National Tourism Area covering:
- Tourism research
- Marketing
- Product development
- Investment attraction
- Tourism coordination
- Training and capacity building
- Opportunities for women, ethnic minority women
Development of a more detailed Inclusive Tourism Development Program 2020-2025 for the Moc Chau District Government. This Program will build on the Tourism Master Plan of Moc Chau and consider both demand and supply elements and will include:
- Tourism development objectives/orientation 2020-2025
- Tourism targets
- Detailed Marketing plan
- Detailed Product development plan
- Investment attraction plan
- Detailed infrastructure needs
  - Roads and transport
  - Accommodation
  - Attractions
  - Amenities
- Tourism coordination
- Tourism policy and funding mechanisms
- Training and capacity building
- Opportunities for women, ethnic minority women
Development of short industry training modules, such as marketing, that can be delivered by local organisations
Capacity support for the Moc Chau Distract Government in community-based tourism and mentoring support for the Government
Support the development of a night market and food trail to create increased income opportunities for local women. This will also include capacity development for “project owners” to ensure ongoing financial viability of the initiatives and that safety, gender cultures and social inclusion aspects are properly addressed.

Technical support from consultants should encourage local ownership and where practical, local stakeholders, should lead project activities. Whenever possible, project activities should connect and build on the learning of other GREAT supported projects.

To support the Moc Chau District Government to implement the project, the following short term national and international consulting position are being recruited.

Tourism Destination Development Specialist (International)

Summary of position: This position will lead the development of the Moc Chau/Van Ho Destination Management Plan, the tourism development program 2020-2025 for Moc Chau, the development of the food trail and oversee the quality of technical inputs from the other international consultants. Planning work will be supported by the Project Coordinator.

Proposed working days: 76 days

Tasks:

Lead the development of the Inclusive Destination Management Plan for Moc Chau and Van Ho in conjunction with the national tourism planning specialist (20 days)

Background research
- Review of previous plans and research
- Online survey of key stakeholders
- Development of short issues paper (6-8 pages)
Support a study tour on best practice destination management to Thailand.
Consultation
- 2 workshops to cover the region
Draft Strategy
- Develop draft strategy including specific opportunities to engage women
- Circulate to workshop participants for comment
- Follow up workshop to prioritie activities and assign responsibilities, timing and budget
- Prepare final strategy

Develop Moc Chau District Inclusive Tourism Development Program 2020- 2025 (45 days)

Background research
- Review Tourism Master Plan
- Meet with District Government to understand detailed requirements and establish expectations and targets
- Review of previous plans and research
- Prepare detailed methodology
Consultation and research

- Undertake research and consultation as required with relevant stakeholders in Moc Chau

Draft Strategy
- Develop draft tourism development program including specific opportunities to engage women
- Work with District Government to prioritise activities and assign responsibilities, timing and budget
- Prepare final draft tourism development program 2020-2025
- Consultation workshop to obtain additional feedback and generate support for implementation
Finalise tourism development program 2020-2025

Food trail development (8 days)

Background research
Consultation
Develop concept and implementation plan
Monitor progress

Coordination and oversight of technical experts (6 days)
1. Oversight and coordination of planning inputs from the Project Coordinator
2. Coordination and quality check of deliverables from the destination management capacity building specialist, destination marketing specialist and industry training specialist.

Deliverables:

Moc Chau – Van Ho Inclusive Destination Management Plan
Study tour report
Moc Chau District Inclusive Tourism Development Program 2020- 2025
Food trail concept and implementation plan
Written feedback on deliverables from the destination management capacity building specialist, and destination marketing specialist and industry training specialist

Requirements:

A minimum 15 years relevant experience in tourism development, including recent experience in leading the development of destination management plans
Hands on experience in tourism development in an international development context, preferably with experience in Vietnam
Excellent training and facilitation skills
Tertiary qualifications in tourism, marketing or another relevant disciple
High level English language communication and report writing skills
An understanding of women’s economic empowerment approaches within the tourism sector

Destination Management Capacity Building Specialist

Summary of Position: Build the capacity of the local destination management organization (DMO) to better manage tourism through developing a tourism destination operations manual and hands on training.

Proposed Working Days: 22 days

Tasks:

Develop a draft operational manual covering:

- DMO Structure, Governance, Operations and Revenue
- Research Analysis and Monitoring
- Branding and marketing a destination
- Destination Management Planning
- Evidence Based Advocacy and Communication
- Product development and investment attraction
- Maximizing engagement of women and ethnic minorities

Design a participatory training course covering key aspects of DMO operations
Deliver training

Finalise operations manual

Deliverables:

Operations manual
Training material
Training
Post training report (PowerPoint)

Requirements:

A minimum 15 years relevant experience in tourism development, including recent experience in capacity building for DMOs
Hands on experience in tourism development in an international development context, preferably with experience in Vietnam
Excellent training and facilitation skills
Tertiary qualifications in tourism, marketing or another relevant disciple
High level English language communication and report writing skills
An understanding of women’s economic empowerment approaches within the tourism sector

Destination Marketing Specialist (International)

Summary of position: The position will work with relevant stakeholders to develop a branding, marketing and communications strategy for Moc Chau- Van Ho

Proposed working days: 19 days

Tasks:

Review background information
Facilitate initial branding workshop
Draft strategy
Share strategy at a workshop with stakeholders
Develop design brief
Prepare content for “destination fact sheet”

Deliverables:

Branding, marketing and communications strategy
Design brief
Destination fact sheet

Requirements:

A minimum 10 years relevant experience in tourism destination marketing, preferably with experience in Vietnam
Creative and pragmatic
Excellent facilitation skills
Tertiary qualifications in tourism, marketing or another relevant disciple
High level English language communication and report writing skills

Industry Training Specialist

Summary of position: Industry training specialist will facilitate the DMO to develop and implement a market-based industry tourism training program

Proposed working days: 26 days

Tasks:

Training needs assessment
Design the training program, training approach, training material and toolkits
Training-of trainer on workshop content and approach
Support the pilot training

Deliverables:

Market-based training program, training approach, material and toolkits
Local DMO has sufficient skills to deliver similar trainings

Requirements:

A minimum 15 years relevant experience in designing practical tourism training, including in an international development context
Hands on experience in tourism development and hospitality
Excellent training and facilitation skills
Tertiary qualifications in tourism, marketing or another relevant disciple
High level English language communication and report writing skills
An understanding of women’s economic empowerment approaches within the tourism sector

Community Based Tourism Development Specialist (National)

Summary of position: The role will build capacity for the Department of Culture and Information of Moc Chau District and relevant stakeholders in Community-Based Tourism (CBT) development and policy advocacy.

Proposed working days: 55 days

Tasks:

Prepare CBT development training manual that includes how to maximise opportunities for women and ethnic minorities
Deliver CBT development training for Moc Chau Government
Coaching, mentoring and backstopping Moc Chau DCI staffs and relevant stakeholders to develop a comprehensive CBT model
Review best practices and policies on CBT development for policy advocacy
Pilot service-based CBT development fund in conjunction with the Vietnam Bank for Social Policy
Work with district, provincial and national level tourism stakeholders to advocate for CBT policy

Deliverables:

CBT development training manual
CBT development training
Comprehensive CBT model developed by Moc Chau DCI
Set of best practices and policies on CBT development transferred to local authority and provincial and national stakeholders

Requirements:

A minimum 15 years relevant experience in tourism development
Hands on CBT experience, preferably in North West Vietnam
Excellent facilitation skills
Tertiary qualifications in tourism, marketing or another relevant disciple
Sound English language communication and report writing skills
An understanding of women’s economic empowerment approaches within the tourism sector

Project Coordinator (National)

Summary of position: The Project Coordinator will work with the Moc Chau Government, stakeholders and short-term experts to implement the project activities and will support the local government in day-to-day project management and reporting.

Proposed working days: 16 months (320 working days)

Proposed tasks:

Support DCI staff to undertake project activities
Coordinate relevant stakeholders to implement the project activities
Provide admin and other necessary support to consultants to implement assigned project activities
Provide technical inputs into tourism planning
Provide technical support to the development of food trail and night market
Support project work planning and reporting
Provide interpretation

Deliverables:

To be determined

Requirements:

A minimum 15 years relevant experience in tourism development, destination management, CBT, and project management/coordination
Excellent facilitation skills
Tertiary qualifications in tourism, marketing or another relevant disciple
High level English language communication and report writing skills

Night Market Development Specialist (National)

Summary of position: The Night Market Development Specialist will work with project team to set up and operate a night market in Moc Chau Town

Proposed working days: 45 working days

Tasks:

Conduct short feasibility study
Facilitate a study tour on the development of the night market
Design the night market concept that is in line with the local band
and full implementation plan
Work with local authorities to establish full implementation plan and operational procedures including:
- Management structure such as a Market Management Board
- Financial sustainability
- Strong inclusion of women and ethnic minorities
- Appropriate and positive portrayal of ethnic minority cultures
- Inclusion of people with disabilities
- Food safety
- Sanitation
- Safety and security
Provide training to management
Work with relevant stakeholders to set up and promote the night market

Deliverables:

Rapid feasibility report
Study tour report
Night market concept and plan
Operation and management mechanisms

Requirements:

Hands on experience in establishing markets
Strong understanding of tourism and tourism value chains
Excellent facilitation skills
Tertiary qualifications in tourism, business, marketing or another relevant disciple
High level communication and report writing skills
Understanding of gender and social inclusion

Please email your CV (maximum 5 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) addressing the requirements for the role with position/s you are applying for in the subject header by 15 March 2019 to Moc Chau District People’s Committee at: nguyenhoamc@gmail.com and dungthien224@yahoo.com.vn and cc to Cao Dai Hung, Tourism Advisor GREAT Program at hung.cao@aus4equalityvn.org

A contract will be negotiated with individual consultants, however it is possible to propose a grouping of consultants in your cover letter.

Only shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview.

Local DSA and accommodation rates will apply. Please note that the agreement with the successful consultant/s has to be compliant with the partner’s head contract with Cowater including ownership of final deliverables.

Tags: Moc Chau DCI