Developing green and sustainable tourism is becoming an inevitable trend.

"Developing green and sustainable tourism" was the main topic of discussion at the 14th East Asia Regional and Local Government Conference held in Hue City on June 6.

Held for the first time in Nara Prefecture (Japan) in 2010, the East Asia Regional and Local Government Conference is an annual forum for representatives of member local governments to share development experiences, enhance exchanges, connect friendships, and contribute to peace and development in the East Asia region.

In 2025, Hue City was chosen for the first time to host the 14th East Asia Regional and Local Government Conference with the participation of more than 200 delegates from 16 international localities, 10 domestic provinces and cities, 2 international organizations, ministries, branches, and diplomatic missions.

Delegates attending the 14th East Asia Regional and Local Government Conference.

The conference is also within the framework of the National Tourism Year - Hue 2025, which is expected to create a great ripple effect on communication, diplomacy, tourism and regional cooperation for Hue City in particular and Vietnam in general. In addition, it is an opportunity for leaders, experts and representatives from local governments in the East Asia region to meet, exchange and discuss important issues that the whole region is interested in.

Specifically, the conference focused on discussing difficulties and challenges; sharing experiences and development solutions on two main topics: "Developing green and sustainable tourism" and "Developing smart cities".

Focus on developing green and sustainable tourism

Speaking at the session on "Developing green and sustainable tourism", Ms. Phan Linh Chi, Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, said that in the context of increasing climate change and mass tourism putting great pressure on the natural and social environment, developing green and sustainable tourism is becoming an inevitable trend. Tourism products that are environmentally friendly, respect indigenous culture and are responsible for local communities are increasingly receiving deep attention from the government, businesses and tourists.

The Vietnam Tourism Development Strategy to 2030 has identified specific contents on green tourism development. In particular, tourism development will truly become a spearhead economic sector, creating a driving force to promote the development of other sectors and fields, contributing significantly to the formation of a modern economic structure.

Ms. Phan Linh Chi, Deputy Director of Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, spoke at the conference.

At the same time, develop sustainable and inclusive tourism, on the basis of green growth, maximizing the contribution of tourism to the United Nations sustainable development goals. Manage and effectively use natural resources, protect the environment and biodiversity, proactively adapt to climate change, ensure national defense and security.

In that spirit, the tourism industry has implemented many practical and specific programs and actions to contribute to improving the efficiency of natural resource use and gradually improving the environmental competitiveness index.

The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism pledges to continue to work closely with localities and international partners to enhance the application of green initiatives and technologies and develop high-quality human resources. Step by step, we will realize the goal of developing green and sustainable tourism – contributing to the overall socio-economic development of Vietnam and the region.

Hue is a pioneer city in developing green heritage tourism.

During the meeting, delegates focused on core issues such as promoting responsible tourism, developing tourism products associated with cultural, health and culinary values, and enhancing public-private cooperation to promote sustainable development in the tourism industry. These issues not only aim to create high-quality, unique tourism products, but also protect the environment, promote heritage values ​​and bring long-term socio-economic benefits to local communities.

A series of presentations with diverse and profound perspectives from international localities such as Nara, Tottori, Yamanashi (Japan), Linyi (China) shared practical stories, lessons learned and advanced models in the field of green tourism, creating a source of inspiration and valuable reference for participating localities.

At the meeting, representatives of the Hue City People's Committee, departments, agencies and local tourism businesses also shared their vision, efforts and commitments in transforming the tourism model towards ecology, culture and friendliness with nature./.

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/phat-trien-du-lich-xanh-ben-vung-dang-tro-thanh-xu-the-tat-yeu-20250606145824921.htm