Vietnam joins ASEAN, Japan in sustainable tourism development

The ASEAN–Japan Tourism Ministers’ Special Dialogue is held to commemorate the 50th year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation. (Photo: Courtesy of VNAT)

Hanoi (VNA) – As the tourism industry is facing a challenging time, Vietnam called on ASEAN countries and Japan for assistance to overcome challenges and develop tourism in a sustainable manner, said Vice Chairman of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) Ha Van Sieu at the ASEAN–Japan Tourism Ministers’ Special Dialogue held last week in Tokyo.

Addressing the event, held to commemorate the 50th year of ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation with discussions on “The next 50 years with ASEAN and Japan: Designing the Path to Sustainable Tourism Together”, Sieu discussed major challenges for the tourism industry, including changes in behavioural patterns, slow economic recovery, a decline in spending, and climate change.

He said for sustainable tourism, Vietnam believes that cultural sustainability should be harmonized with the economic and environmental aspects of travel. Culture is an enormous and invaluable resource for tourism development. There are vast differences and indigenous cultural diversity in ASEAN countries and Japan. ASEAN countries can create unique tourism products, which can further develop the exclusive appeal of each country, its people, and their communities.

“Diverse cultures attract tourists to ASEAN countries and Japan while providing diverse experiences to tourists that encourage more tourism activities with satisfied impressions, longer stays and a positive destination image,” he said.

Vice Chairman of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) Ha Van Sieu speaks at the dialogue. (Photo: Courtesy of VNAT)

Vietnam’s experience in developing tourism during the recent rebound period shows that equal importance should be attached to both domestic and international tourism, Sieu said.

Vietnam is also focusing on digital transformation in tourism to create a smart tourism eco-system, he said, adding that the country hopes to learn from sharing experiences with Japan and other ASEAN member countries in establishing tourism big data, travel smart solutions, travel apps, abd digital maps on attractions and gastronomy.

The tourism official affirmed that Vietnam is committed to continuously and closely working together with ASEAN member states and Japan to promote mutual tourist exchanges and improve the quality and competitiveness of the tourism sector, aiming to develop tourism while still preserving and promoting cultural heritage values, creating economic benefits and protecting the environment.

Representatives from countries at the dialogue. (Photo: Courtesy of VNAT)

At the dialogue, participants agreed to promote innovative marketing activities for sustainable tourism while highlighting the unique cultural and natural attractions of ASEAN and Japan.

They indicated that it is important to boost the tourism sector’s contribution towards the achievement of global net zero carbon emissions through eco-friendly transportation, renewable energy adoption, waste management, and responsible consumption while enhancing climate change awareness within the tourism ecosystem, stakeholders and communities.

According to representatives from countries, it is neccesary to enhance travelers’ experience and convenience, and to encourage exploration of lesser-known tourism offerings. At the same time, productivity and profitability within the tourism sector should be increased through the development of high-quality destinations and promotion of innovative tourism digital transformation.

They also shared the view on the possibility of exchanging tourists between ASEAN countries and Japan, and suggested that countries promote initiatives on capacity building and knowledge sharing regarding sustainable tourism, as well as encourage cooperation between governments and the private sector in promoting innovation and initiatives for sustainable tourism./.