Opening of the 12th General Assembly of the World Tourism Organization for Cities

Delegates take souvenir photos at the program's opening ceremony. (Photo: Organizing Committee)

Ho Chi Minh City is the first city in Vietnam to host the TPO General Assembly in 2025.

This event also has special significance as it is held at a time when Vietnam is organizing many practical activities to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (September 2, 1945 - September 2, 2025), marking a new era for Vietnam - an era of strong development with peace- loving friends and sustainable development for the future of future generations across five continents.

Hosting the TPO General Assembly within the framework of the Ho Chi Minh City International Travel Expo (ITE HCMC) in 2025 is a "one arrow, many targets" strategy, both raising international status and creating momentum for economic development, trade, tourism and innovation.

Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Nguyen Van Duoc delivered the opening speech of the program. (Photo: Organizing Committee)

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Nguyen Van Duoc said: Hosting this TPO General Assembly is an important milestone, clearly demonstrating the responsibility and commitment of Ho Chi Minh City in promoting regional tourism to develop synchronously, creatively and sustainably.

Therefore, this General Assembly will be an opportunity for member cities to share experiences, unify messages and propose highly feasible initiatives, thereby enhancing connectivity and cooperation for the goal of sustainable development of the global tourism industry."

From an international perspective, Ms. Kang Da-eun, Secretary General of TPO, said that the theme of the 12th General Assembly is “Shaping the Future of Tourism: Towards Digital Transformation and Green Transformation”.

These are key factors that help the global tourism industry both adapt to climate change and leverage the power of technology to enhance the tourist experience.

Furthermore, TPO is not just an organization but a family united by the belief that tourism is a force for good. A successful tourism industry contributes to building a better world.

Art performance in the opening program. (Photo: Organizing Committee)

Ms. Kang Da-eun added that digital transformation and green transformation have become two pillars of global tourism development.

Digital technology helps improve management efficiency, optimize visitor experience, and expand market access.

Meanwhile, green transformation aims to minimize environmental impacts, conserve resources and preserve cultural identity. Therefore, countries need to pay more attention and invest more in effective digital transformation and green transformation in industries, especially the tourism industry, to protect the world environment.

Within the framework of the 12th TPO General Assembly in Ho Chi Minh City, the Organizing Committee will organize many thematic sessions, high-level forums and bilateral and multilateral connection programs, focusing on technology application solutions, green and sustainable tourism development.

This is also an opportunity for Ho Chi Minh City to update trends, share experiences and build tourism strategies in line with international orientation; thereby, affirming the city's position on the regional and global tourism map.

LINH BAO

Source: https://nhandan.vn/khai-mac-chuong-trinh-hop-dai-hoi-dong-to-chuc-xuc-tien-du-lich-cac-thanh-pho-toan-cau-lan-thu-12-post905662.html