Hanoi (VNA) - The world is in urgent need of coming together to address climate change and to protect the Earth. As part of that trajectory, Vietnam's tourism industry is gradually transitioning to green practices, focusing on building tourism models that use natural resources sustainably to minimize the negative impact on the environment.
As part of that end, the "Vietnam Tourism Forum - Green Transformation for Sustainable Development" was held on April 12, in Hanoi.
The event took place within the framework of the Vietnam International Travel Mart - VITM Hanoi 2024.
Green transition requires green mindset
Speaking at the forum, Ha Van Sieu, Deputy Director of Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, remarked that green tourism is a priority for many tourists. Sieu also emphasized that "green" refers to a process of greening in mindset, lifestyle, and action to form a green culture. Only when this awareness is clear can the tourism industry develop green destinations, green products, and green services.
Adapting to climate change is both a responsibility and an opportunity for Vietnam's tourism to transition to green practices, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of the economy.
Chairman of the Vietnam Tourism Association Vu The Binh said the Tourism Association has actively mobilized businesses nationwide to implement Green transformation in order to jointly protect the environment. This will ensure the development of Vietnam's tourism into a Green economic sector based on the development of Green tourism products and services. Most importantly, it aims to enhance the awareness and actions of the Vietnamese tourism business system towards Green transformation for sustainable and effective tourism development in Vietnam.
Green planning should be put upfront
Dr. Vo Tri Thanh, Director of the Institute for Brand and Competition Strategy Research, says that in the face of unpredictable climate change and pandemics, tourists now seek sustainability, hence tourism must be green.
To make this transformation effective and sustainable, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP in Vietnam Patrick Haverman suggests that Vietnam needs to focus on several issues. These include green planning, efficient destination management, tourism without plastic waste and low carbon emissions, and sustainable tourism in harmony with nature.
It is crucial to start with "Green planning". In other words, national planning needs to guide the development of sustainable tourism, especially in terms of developing tourism infrastructure with minimal impact on the environment and nature, ensuring effective management of solid and wastewater, along with many other issues.
According to Mr. Patrick Haverman, Vietnam still has much to do to enhance the effectiveness of destination management. Destination management is a process that requires involvement and leadership from local authorities, close coordination with private sector entities and local communities. This helps the voices and perspectives of these important stakeholders to be heard and reflected in the tourism management solutions of each locality.
To promote strong and sustainable tourism development, experts at the forum suggested that the government have preferential mechanisms to encourage and support investment in green and sustainable tourism projects./.
