Global tourism accelerates with green and sustainable transformation journey

World Tourism Day, September 27 every year, is the most important event of global tourism, with the aim of raising awareness of the international community about the role, position and importance of the industry in cultural, economic, social and political life.

This year, the theme “ Tourism and Sustainable Transformation” was chosen to highlight the potential of the smokeless industry as an agent for positive change. However, to realize that potential, the story is not about simple growth.

Turn potential into development driving force

Experts say that in order to turn potential into a driving force for development and become a strength for sustainable growth, the world tourism industry in general and Vietnam in particular need effective management, strategic planning, a close monitoring mechanism and clearly defined priorities associated with long-term sustainable development goals.

Destinations close to nature with indigenous cultural imprints will be chosen by many tourists in 2025. (Photo: Contributor/Vietnam+)

Because tourism is not only a comprehensive economic sector, but also contributes to promoting social progress, bringing knowledge, jobs and new opportunities for all. So how to capture and exploit these benefits? According to experts from the World Tourism Organization, we need a proactive and comprehensive approach, putting sustainability, resilience and social equity at the heart of tourism development and policy making.

On the occasion of World Tourism Day 2025, United Nations Secretary-General António Manuel de Oliveira Guterres emphasized the message: “Tourism is a powerful driver of sustainable transformation. The tourism industry creates jobs, boosts local economies, supports infrastructure development and contributes to development far beyond conventional GDP indicators."

“Tourism helps to unite people and regions; build bridges between cultures; preserve traditions and restore cultural heritage. Tourism reminds us of our common humanity and the richness of cultural diversity.”

Tourism contributes to connecting people and regions, building bridges between cultures... (Illustration photo: Contributor/Vietnam+)

However, the UN Secretary-General also noted that tourism, if not properly directed, can also harm local communities. As the world faces climate change and growing inequality, it is more urgent than ever to take bold, urgent and sustainable actions that put people at the centre, with investments in education and skills, especially for young people, women and vulnerable communities.

In recent years, digitalization and innovative business models have opened up many opportunities. Therefore, supporting micro, small and medium enterprises and start-ups, especially those led by women and youth, can make an important contribution to sustainable economic diversification.

Guided by UN Tourism's Sustainable Tourism Investment Principles, the public-private sector must work together to align growth with climate goals, social impact and innovation.

Stakeholders in the tourism industry need to responsibly manage natural resources, by minimizing the impact of tourism through cutting emissions, conserving biodiversity and investing in sustainable infrastructure… This action is one of the core elements to protect natural resources, ecosystems and ensure resources are preserved for future generations.

Vietnam tourism has the highest growth rate despite global challenges. (Illustration photo: CTV/Vietnam+)

Green, sustainable tourism

On the occasion of World Tourism Day, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili affirmed the need to jointly recognize and honor the unique power of the tourism industry in creating positive changes at all levels of society, especially in the context of the world facing unprecedented challenges and pressures.

Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili particularly emphasized: “The process of sustainable transformation through tourism can only become a reality when we open up space for creative ideas. That requires us to reshape the business model, taking core values as the foundation, not just focusing on profit goals.”

In addition, the UN Tourism Secretary General also said that promoting innovation, nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit, investing in education, vocational skills training, and developing young human resources are key factors to ensure the long-term sustainable development of the industry.

In a context of growing challenges, World Tourism Day 2025 considers tourism as an agent of positive change. Tourism is identified as a catalyst for social progress, providing education, employment and creating new opportunities for all.

Agreeing with the views and perspectives of world experts and global trends, Director of the National Tourism Administration Nguyen Trung Khanh affirmed that it is time for Vietnamese tourism to accelerate towards green, sustainable development, applying digital technology to promote innovation...

“Therefore, these are also the criteria integrated throughout the categories of the Vietnam Tourism Awards 2025, held on World Tourism Day (September 27) with the message of responding to the transformation of sustainable tourism launched by the United Nations Tourism Organization (UN Tourism),” said Director Nguyen Trung Khanh./.