World Tourism Conference 2025: Finding solutions for innovation and sustainable development

From the managers' point of view, growth alone is not a measure of the development of the tourism industry, but more importantly are the indicators of cultural conservation, ecosystems and social security.

With the theme “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” the World Tourism Conference 2025 opened on September 27 in Melaka, Malaysia, bringing together more than 700 international delegates to participate in discussion sessions and agendas towards the future of global tourism.

The event was organized by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in collaboration with the Malaysian Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) and the Melaka state government to celebrate World Tourism Day.

According to Mr. Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture of Malaysia, tourism is one of the most dynamic and fastest growing industries in the world.

Malaysian Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture speaks. (Photo: Minh Thu/Vietnam+)

Globally, the industry has fully recovered by 2024 and is expected to grow by 5% in the first half of 2025. Last year, Malaysia welcomed 38 million international visitors. In the first half of 2025, the country recorded 20.6 million visitors, up 17.9% from the same period in 2024.

However, Mr. Tiong King Sing said that growth alone is not a measure of development, but more importantly, ensuring tourism activities improve people's lives, preserve culture, protect ecosystems and enhance resilience to fluctuations.

Mr. Tiong King Sing affirmed that the World Tourism Congress is not only an event to celebrate World Tourism Day but also a forum, creating opportunities for tourism professionals to move from dialogue to action, from planning to implementation, to ensure sustainable, inclusive and integrated innovation in the tourism industry.

Activities promoting Malaysian culture and tourism on the sidelines of the Conference. (Photo: Minh Thu/Vietnam+)

Minister Tiong King Sing pointed out the negative impacts of tourism activities such as: Overdevelopment affecting local heritages, uneven investment, and destroyed ecosystems...

“We must act urgently to protect ecosystems, reduce congestion, expand tourist flows and ensure value stays in the hands of local people. Sustainable transformation is not optional but an urgent requirement,” said Mr Tiong King Sing.

Speaking at the conference, UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili affirmed that the transformation of sustainable tourism must start with effective governance and people-centered planning. Such a strategy will also invest in education and skills, especially for youth, women and communities affected by tourism.

In a context of ever-increasing challenges, the World Tourism Congress will be a platform for positive change. Tourism is identified as a catalyst for social progress, providing education, employment and creating new opportunities for all.

Secretary-General of the United Nations Tourism Organization (UN Tourism) Zurab Pololikashvili speaks. (Photo: Minh Thu/Vietnam+)

During the three days of September 27-29, delegates will discuss the following topics: People-centered tourism, transformation to build resilience in sustainable tourism, economic growth through tourism, sustainable tourism – from policy to practice, tourism in the era of artificial intelligence.

On this occasion, the host country organizes the International Kite Festival, Street Festival, art performances, Festival honoring traditional Malaysian games, Melaka Entrepreneurs Festival 2025, Exhibition "Historical journey of the hero of the Maritime industry"...

The Malaysian Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture hopes that the organization of World Tourism Day and the World Tourism Conference will promote the image of Melaka (Malacca) - a UNESCO-recognized World Heritage city./.

The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture of Malaysia has launched the national tourism promotion event “Visit Malaysia 2026” in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi from July 29 to August 2, 2025.

The highlight of this program is the Malaysia Tourism, Arts, Culture and Cuisine Festival 2025, the launching ceremony of the campaign to promote Malaysia National Tourism Year 2026 in Vietnam.

Malaysian Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Tiong King Sing emphasized: “Vietnam has always been one of Malaysia’s most important tourism partners in Southeast Asia. We believe that this event will open up new and stronger cooperation, aiming at the goal of sustainable tourism development and mutual benefit.”

The Malaysian tourism industry has had many promotional activities in Vietnam, including working sessions with airlines, travel companies and media partners.

(Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/hoi-nghi-du-lich-the-gioi-2025-tim-giai-phap-doi-moi-va-phat-trien-ben-vung-post1064410.vnp