This year’s Fansipan mountain climbing competition has been renamed “Fansipan Exploring Itinerary 2009” and takes place from October 29 to November 1.

Organizers say they hope tourists will fall in love with the area’s poetic natural landscape with its valleys, villages, and surrounding Hoang Lien National Park’s striking biodiversity.

Participants will also join in a photography contest, garbage clean-up project, tree-planting and more.

A seminar titled “Solutions to tourism development and management in Hoang Lien National Park” will also be held during the event with the participation of experts including the SNV-Netherlands Development Organization, Vietnam National Parks and Protected Areas Association (VNPPA), Kunming Mountain Climbing Association (China), and travel firms.

Prizes will be awarded after the competition, including Vietnam Airlines tickets and cash prizes from VND3-4 million (US$150-200) for the best ecotourism management and environmental protection ideas for Hoang Lien National Park. Awards will also be given out for best design of a Fansipan exploration tour.

VietNamNet/SGGP