Brandon Chew - Scots College

The issue of the economic stagnation of the ethnic minorities despite the growth of
tourism is complex and goes beyond the limited scope of this study. In Sapa Valley,
the "beneficiaries" of tourism seem to be the elite, wealthy and powerful
entrepreneurs. The ethnic minorities are left to wait for the beneficial effects to trickle
down due to their limited economic capital, cultural isolation, lack of education and
political status. More needs to be done to consult them in the development of
targeted anti-poverty measures that meet their circumstances and special needs.
(300 words)
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