How does Vietnam tourism shape its development strategy in the future?

Digital transformation and green transformation are not two parallel paths, but are 'golden keys,' two 'strategic pillars' that go together, complement each other, and create a sustainable, modern, and unique tourism industry.

How is the future of Vietnam's tourism industry strategically shaped to be both sustainable, modern, and still rich in identity? (Illustration photo: Vuong Cong Nam/Vietnam+)

In the context of the global tourism industry growing strongly, opening up breakthrough opportunities in market access, destination management, personalizing tourist experiences, while also posing great challenges in competition, adaptation and innovation of green and sustainable development models, applying digital transformation, shaping the development strategy for the future of the tourism industry becomes urgent.

Therefore, within the framework of the Ho Chi Minh City International Tourism Fair - ITE HCMC 2025 (from September 4-6), the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism coordinated with the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee to organize the High-Level Tourism Forum with the theme "Shaping the future of the tourism industry: Towards digital transformation and green transformation."

A period of profound transformation

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung affirmed that the global tourism industry is recovering strongly after the COVID-19 pandemic and entering a period of profound transformation. In particular, in recent years, the remarkable development of digital technology , artificial intelligence, big data, along with urgent requirements for emission reduction, environmental protection and climate change adaptation, are reshaping the way tourism is managed, operated and experienced.

According to UN Tourism, digital transformation and green transformation are two parallel driving forces, playing a key role in enhancing competitiveness, building smart, environmentally friendly destinations, and ensuring sustainable development for the tourism industry in the next decade. “This is not just a trend, but an inevitable action strategy for every country, including Vietnam,” Minister Nguyen Van Hung emphasized.

In recent times, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has presided over and closely coordinated with localities to implement many specific programs, projects and activities: building a system of criteria for smart - green tourism destinations, launching campaigns to reduce plastic waste in tourism, supporting businesses to apply digital technology in management and marketing, and promoting promotional activities in key markets. In particular, many localities have proactively integrated digital and green transformation into tourism development planning, forming new, attractive and environmentally friendly destination models.

Hoa Lo Prison has now become a destination chosen by young people to learn about national history. (Photo: CTV/Vietnam+)

Affirming the role of tourism, Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh emphasized that the Party and State of Vietnam always pay deep attention and issue many policies to develop tourism. Resolution No. 08-NQ/TW of 2017 of the Politburo also affirmed: "Developing tourism into a spearhead economic sector of the country; simultaneously developing international and domestic tourism; aiming for green, sustainable tourism, imbued with national cultural identity."

The Vietnamese government is gradually perfecting policies and laws, creating many outstanding incentives to attract tourists to visit Vietnam and support businesses to develop tourism, notably expanding visa exemptions, implementing e-visas, extending length of stay, creating conditions for tourists to have a deeper and more complete experience.

The transportation system from air, road to railway has been upgraded, opening more direct flights connecting Vietnam with many countries around the world. Tourism promotion and advertising activities have also been stepped up, especially during major holidays…

According to Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism Ha Van Sieu: “Vietnam considers both green transformation and digital transformation as fundamental drivers for the future of tourism. After the pandemic, tourists are increasingly interested in responsible, sustainable and convenient destinations. For Vietnam, green growth helps protect the environment and the community, while digitalization contributes to modernizing management and improving the quality of tourist experiences. These two orientations complement each other, creating more attractive, safe and resilient destinations.”

Experiencing Son Doong Cave is the dream of many tourists around the world. (Photo: Hai An/Vietnam+)

Strategy for the future of the industry

Tourism leaders said that on green transformation, Vietnam has made strong commitments at the national level. The National Green Growth Strategy for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050, has set ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, green economic sectors and promote sustainable consumption. Notably, tourism has been identified as one of the priority sectors to apply these principles.

Therefore, the Vietnam Tourism Development Strategy to 2030 also emphasizes that sustainable tourism and green growth are the foundation for the industry's competitiveness.

In addition, technology is being strongly applied in tourism development. Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo identifies science, technology, innovation and digital transformation as pillars of national development, in which the tourism industry has been building a smart tourism ecosystem.

The Prime Minister has directed the entire industry to firmly adhere to the goal of sustainable development according to the motto: "Outstanding products - Professional services - Convenient and simple procedures - Competitive prices - Clean and beautiful environment - Safe, civilized and friendly destinations."

Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh shared six strategic orientations to rapidly and sustainably develop the tourism industry, from perfecting institutions, renewing thinking, expanding international cooperation, promoting regional and industry linkages, developing human resources, to supporting the business community in the context of digital transformation and green transformation. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that tourism is not just a trip, but also a journey to broaden the soul, a "cultural ambassador", a "peace ambassador" to create understanding, cooperation and development.

An ancient corner of Ho Chi Minh City amidst the bustling life. (Photo: Contributor/Vietnam+)

To promote effective digital transformation and green transformation in the tourism industry, Minister Nguyen Van Hung proposed five key groups of solutions. Accordingly, it is necessary to first improve institutions and policies to promote digital transformation and green transformation in tourism; build national standards on green tourism and a database system and digital maps of the tourism industry. Second, develop tourism associated with the conservation of resources, environment and cultural heritage, encourage businesses to invest in a green and sustainable direction, and create green tourism products and services.

Third, promote the application of digital technology and green technology; switch to using renewable energy, clean fuel, recycled materials; promote green tourism models, low emissions and green finance.

Fourth, raise community and business awareness of sustainable tourism development; increase people's participation in tourism activities; build a "green - bright - clean - beautiful" destination environment.

The fifth is to expand international cooperation and linkages, taking advantage of opportunities for technology transfer and global financial resources to develop green tourism and digital tourism in Vietnam.

“In the digital era and sustainable development, it is necessary to deeply realize that digital transformation and green transformation are not two separate parallel paths, but are the 'golden key,' two 'strategic pillars' that go together, complement each other, creating a combined strength to create sustainable, modern, humane and unique tourism development,” the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized.

The modern beauty of Da Nang city on a brilliant fireworks night. (Photo: Tran Ngoc Tien)

According to the United Nations Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), 2024 will see about 1.4 billion international arrivals, reaching nearly 99% of pre-pandemic levels, and the first quarter of 2025 will increase by 5% year-on-year, exceeding 3% compared to 2019. This is a clear sign that the need to explore, experience and connect between countries is returning strongly.

(Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/du-lich-viet-nam-dinh-hinh-chien-luoc-phat-trien-ra-sao-trong-luong-lai-post1059993.vnp