OIF implements the “Talent Eco-Destination” Project in Vietnam to contribute to promoting sustainable tourism

On the morning of May 6, Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Tourism Administration Ha Van Sieu had a meeting and worked with Mr. Edgar Doerig - Chief Representative of the Asia-Pacific Regional Office of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF).

Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism Ha Van Sieu welcomed the delegation of the OIF Asia-Pacific Regional Office. Photo: TITC

Thanking Deputy Director Ha Van Sieu for taking the time to receive and work with the delegation, Mr. Edgar Doerig - Chief Representative of the OIF Asia-Pacific Office said that the Office has been present in Vietnam for more than 30 years, with the task of implementing OIF's policies and activities in Asia-Pacific, contributing to promoting cooperation ineducation , culture, sustainable development as well as enhancing the value of the French language in the region. Currently, OIF is also cooperating with many universities in Vietnam to train students in French-language tourism, thereby supplementing human resources to serve French-speaking tourists.

Mr. Edgar Doerig - Chief Representative of OIF Asia- Pacific Office. Photo: TITC

Regarding the “Talent Eco-Destination” project, Mr. Edgar Doerig said that this is one of the OIF projects implemented in the period 2025 - 2028. The project aims to create jobs and income for youth, women and rural and suburban communities by improving their skills through education and training activities, as well as supporting the development and promotion of sustainable tourism services. Thereby promoting sustainable tourism development and preserving cultural heritage.

The project will first be piloted in four countries, including Vietnam, Cambodia, Comoros and Cabo Verde, and will then be expanded to other countries, through close consultation with stakeholders. During the pilot phase in Vietnam, the two parties will jointly study and select a location to establish a Project implementation center, which will be a place with many French-speaking tourists as well as a concentration of the Francophone community.

Ms. Adjara Diouf - Project Coordinator "Talent Eco Destination" introduces the Project. Photo: TITC

Ms. Adjara Diouf - Coordinator of the "Talented Eco-Destination" Project said that the Project focuses on 3 main pillars, including: (1) Education, vocational training, specialization and capacity building of tourism stakeholders; (2) Development, promotion and exploitation of sustainable tourism products; (3) Building and maintaining a dynamic network of partners dedicated to sustainable tourism. The project focuses on training, developing business, travel, restaurant, hotel capacity as well as sustainable development through job creation and capacity building for youth and women. The project is also researched and implemented by many experienced and highly specialized experts from stakeholders in the Francophone community.

To enhance the image and promote the implementation of the pilot initiative, OIF plans to establish “Destination Eco-Talent” (DET) centers at tourism promotion offices and tourist facilities in localities. These centers are designed as multi-functional and multilateral community spaces dedicated to sustainable tourism, thereby introducing and providing information about attractive eco-tourism destinations and promoting the French language.

OIF's Asia-Pacific Office looks forward to receiving comments from the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism on the Project as well as support in researching and evaluating registration dossiers to help the Project achieve its goals and good results.

Overview of the working session. Photo: TITC

Welcoming the delegation of the OIF Asia-Pacific Regional Office to work, Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Tourism Administration Ha Van Sieu said that in recent times, the International Organization of the Francophone has organized many meaningful activities, making practical contributions to the development of the French-speaking community as well as the tourism industry.

Appreciating the initiatives of OIF, Deputy Director Ha Van Sieu expected that the "Talented Eco-Destination" Project will open up job opportunities, improve tourism capacity, especially for young people, women and local communities, preserve and promote indigenous cultural values, and promote sustainable tourism activities. The success of the project will also be an opportunity to continue replicating the model so that localities can learn, exchange and share experiences for mutual development. The leader of the Vietnam National Tourism Administration also suggested that it is necessary to form a network of countries participating in the Project to widely connect to introduce and promote tourism, targeting the French-speaking tourist market.

Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism Ha Van Sieu and Chief Representative of the OIF Asia-Pacific Office Edgar Doerig took a souvenir photo. Photo: TITC

Deputy Director Ha Van Sieu affirmed: Vietnam National Tourism Administration will accompany and closely coordinate with OIF in this Project. At the same time, he suggested that in the coming time, the two sides will have more specific discussions on the implementation content as well as the selection of locations to set up the Project implementation center. Deputy Director Ha Van Sieu hopes that through the Project, it will contribute to the preservation of natural and cultural heritage, promote responsible tourism, travel and accommodation, create practical values, contribute to the development of local communities, and promote sustainable tourism development.

Leaders and delegates from both sides took a souvenir photo. Photo: TITC

According to Information Center, Vietnam National Administration of Tourism

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/oif-trien-khai-du-an-diem-den-sinh-thai-tai-nang-tai-viet-nam-gop-phan-thuc-day-du-lich-ben-vung-20250507082707637.htm