"Green transformation in tourism is no longer an option but a mandatory requirement"

On the morning of April 11, the Vietnam Tourism Association organized the Forum “Developing Green Destinations, Elevating Vietnam Tourism”. The Forum was held within the framework of the 2025 International Tourism Fair (VITM 2025).

In his opening speech, Chairman of the Vietnam Tourism Association Vu The Binh said that tourism is not only a comprehensive economic sector that makes important contributions to GDP growth, job creation and cultural exchange, but is also an indispensable part of the national sustainable development strategy.

However, in the context of the world facing unprecedented challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, environmental pollution and resource depletion, the tourism industry is also forced to transform strongly. Green transformation in tourism is no longer an option, but a mandatory requirement if we want to develop sustainably, responsibly and have a future.

Forum "Developing Green Destinations, Elevating Vietnam Tourism"

Since 2018-2019, the Vietnam Tourism Association has mobilized tourism businesses to join hands to protect the environment and reduce plastic waste. After the COVID-19 pandemic, after completing the project on Reducing Plastic Waste in the Tourism Sector funded by UNDP, the Association has focused on developing and promulgating the Green Tourism Criteria (VITA GREEN), with the goal of creating a practical, clear tool that can be applied to destinations and member tourism businesses across the country.

According to Mr. Vu The Binh, only when there is a specific set of criteria, destinations and businesses can gradually self-assess, improve and enhance green practice capacity in a systematic and sustainable manner. HHDLVN has implemented these criteria and as a result, yesterday, at the Ceremony to Honor Outstanding Enterprises and Individuals of Vietnam Tourism in 2024, HHDLVN announced the list of the first 29 Vietnamese tourism businesses that met Green Tourism standards and received the VITA GREEN certificate issued by HH.

Chairman of Vietnam Tourism Association Vu The Binh spoke.

Today's forum is one of the key activities to spread awareness, share experiences and promote practical actions in the green transformation process of Vietnam's tourism industry. We will listen and discuss together: green transformation trends in tourism taking place globally and in Vietnam; initiatives and models to reduce plastic waste, promote zero-waste tourism; piloting the application of the VITA GREEN Criteria in some localities and businesses; the key role of media and technology in changing awareness and consumer behavior. In particular, there are inspirational stories from pioneering destinations and businesses that dare to change and invest for a green future.

Speaking at the forum, Mr. Patrick Haverman, Deputy Head of UNDP Vietnam, said that by 2024, Vietnam's tourism industry will truly be a strong economic driver, welcoming more than 17.5 million international visitors - an increase of nearly 40% - along with 110 million domestic visitors, generating an impressive revenue of VND840 trillion. This dynamism shows the industry's great potential.

The positive impacts of tourism are far-reaching, not only creating new job opportunities but also boosting local economies, revitalizing communities across the country. The focus is on ensuring growth not only in quantity but also in a sustainable, green, environmentally friendly tourism that benefits everyone.

UNDP Viet Nam believes that tourism plays a powerful role in promoting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Mr. Patrick Haverman, Deputy Representative, UNDP Vietnam.

According to Mr. Patrick Haverman, the theme of today’s forum, “Developing Green Destinations – Elevating Vietnam Tourism”, resonates deeply with UNDP’s commitment to sustainable development. The impressive tourism growth figures for 2024 are a testament to the industry’s intrinsic strength, and the insights shared today remind us that true elevation requires a fundamental shift towards green practices.

"The path to elevating Vietnam's tourism through developing green destinations is not only an aspiration but also an inevitable requirement and a strategic opportunity. UNDP Vietnam is committed to standing side by side with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Vietnam Tourism Association and all partners on this landmark transformation journey. Because a green transformation in tourism is not only a strong driver for economic growth but also a solid shield to protect Vietnam's invaluable natural heritage for future generations," said Mr. Patrick Haverman.

At the forum, experts, management agencies and businesses will exchange and discuss raising awareness and solutions for green transformation in Vietnam tourism; building effective linkage and coordination mechanisms to mobilize resources for green transformation in the tourism sector; realizing initiatives to approach and expand the market for green tourism business models...

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/chuyen-doi-xanh-trong-du-lich-khong-con-la-lua-chon-ma-la-yeu-cau-bat-buoc-20250411105953159.htm