Developing green and sustainable tourism in the new context.

Over the past three years of implementing the "Restructuring the Tourism Industry to Meet the Requirements of Developing it into a Key Economic Sector" project, the province has proactively issued numerous resolutions, plans, and action programs to effectively implement each task. Businesses and localities have clearly defined the direction of tourism development in the new phase, linked to digital transformation and green tourism development.

Tourism that combines the preservation of cultural values ​​and the ecological environment is increasingly being promoted.

Diverse tourism products

Over the years, the province has actively implemented policies to support tourism recovery as directed by the Government and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Tourism businesses have gradually invested in upgrading facilities, products, and services.

According to the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, during the period 2018-2025, the province's tourism sector is expected to welcome 38.2 million visitors, including 7.8 million international tourists, generating total revenue of over 29,000 billion VND.

The international tourist market is gradually recovering, with European tourists accounting for over 70% of the total number of foreign visitors to the province. Tourism promotion and marketing activities are intensified through more than 20 events each year, both domestically and internationally.

In particular, on November 24, 2023, the province signed a memorandum of understanding on exchange and cooperation with Niigata province (Japan), which included provisions for exchange and cooperation in the fields of culture and tourism. This also creates conditions for exploiting the tourist market in the future.

Developing new tourism products in line with green tourism trends, environmentally friendly tourism, and linked to the preservation of cultural values ​​is increasingly important.

The market is beginning to show clear segmentation with the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism group, which consists of high-end customers with high spending power, generating significant revenue for tourism. Green tourism, associated with the "Land of Coconuts" brand, is very suitable for this type of leisure traveler. Cultural tourism products also contribute to promoting the beauty of the land and people of Vinh Long .

Foreign tourists experience the "A Glimpse of Ham Luong" tour.

According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Dung, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the province's advantages lie in its cultural potential, geographical location, and convenient connection to major cities such as Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho.

Tourism development is linked to coconut culture, Khmer culture, and traditional crafts to create tourism products. Businesses have confidently used local culture to develop products for the area. Community tourism is now expanding with many different activities such as: ecotourism, agriculture, health care, etc.

The tourism sector has made a significant contribution to the province's economic restructuring, marked by a strong recovery, from a contribution of 0.5% before restructuring to nearly 3% today.

The socio-economic benefits of tourism are becoming increasingly evident, contributing to the creation of local consumption of goods and services, promoting the development of other sectors, reviving many traditional festivals and crafts, promoting economic restructuring, and fostering sustainable tourism development.

Towards green and sustainable tourism.

According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Dung, the target for 2030 is an average annual growth rate of 10% for international tourists; an average annual growth rate of 15% for domestic tourists; and a 10% annual increase in revenue. The tourism development orientation for 2030 aims for the province to become a leading short-stay resort destination in the Mekong Delta region for domestic tourists.

The green tourism model is increasingly attracting tourists seeking unique experiences.

The Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism will carry out several key tasks, including surveying and evaluating tourism resources, developing a tourism development plan until 2030, and setting directions for 2045. It will also review and submit to the Provincial People's Committee for consideration any necessary adjustments, additions, consolidations, or new policies for tourism development.

At the same time, focus on developing tourism products based on local characteristics, agricultural specialties, cultural and historical traditions, agricultural economy, and marine economy. Develop large-scale, unique tourism clusters that are adaptable to climate change and oriented towards green and sustainable tourism…

Speaking at a meeting with the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism on the province's tourism development situation, Ms. Phan Linh Chi, Deputy Director of the Tourism Department (Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism), suggested that the province prioritize the development of unique tourism products that reflect the distinctive character of the riverine and garden areas; strengthen regional linkages, and connect tourism development with agriculture, culture, and environmental protection. She also emphasized the importance of building a professional tourism workforce to improve service quality and aim for green, sustainable, and responsible tourism development.

Text and photos: PHUONG THU

Source: https://baovinhlong.com.vn/xa-hoi/du-lich/202511/phat-trien-du-lich-xanh-ben-vung-trong-boi-canh-moi-6ff13aa/