Tourism development associated with green and sustainable growth

In 2025, the theme of World Tourism Day on September 27 was chosen as “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”, emphasizing the role of tourism not only as an economic driver but also as a catalyst for positive changes towards a green future.

Pu Luong community tourism area (Thanh Hoa) attracts domestic and international tourists. Photo: Hoa Mai/VNA

This theme shows the need for synchronous and consistent solutions in tourism development associated with resource conservation, demonstrating responsibility to the environment and community, contributing to economic growth coupled with sustainable development.

Join hands to create

At the 2025 Tourism Summit with the theme "Shaping the future of tourism: Towards digital transformation and green transformation" (within the framework of the 19th Ho Chi Minh City International Tourism Fair, early September), Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh emphasized the need to shift from the mindset of "growth at all costs" to the mindset of "sustainable development", from considering tourism as a service industry to seeing it as a creative, connected and value-sharing economic sector - a convergence of culture, economy, environment and technology.

According to the Deputy Prime Minister, Vietnam has many distinct potentials, outstanding opportunities, and competitive advantages for tourism development such as a peaceful, stable, secure, and safe environment; increasingly complete socio-economic infrastructure; rich cultural and historical heritage; unique cuisine; diverse and beautiful nature; friendly and affectionate people; reasonable costs, and increasingly professional and high-quality services.

Referring to the development of sustainable and responsible tourism from the perspective of state management agencies, Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism) Nguyen Trung Khanh said that the tourism industry is facing a historic opportunity thanks to the attention of the entire political system and society. The international tourist market still has a lot of room for growth when there are favorable policies on visas and immigration. Vietnam has the potential to meet new tourism trends such as sustainable tourism, responsible for the environment and society; choosing less crowded destinations; shifting from "sightseeing" to "experience"; health care tourism; multi-generational family tourism; tourism with AI-designed itineraries... This is the basis for Vietnam's tourism to develop sustainably, both exploiting potential and meeting tourist needs in the context of globalization and digitalization.

Sharing the orientation of sustainable tourism development, Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Nguyen Van Duoc affirmed that tourism is one of the pillars for the City to build an international "super city", aiming to be in the group of 100 best cities in the world, becoming an economic, financial and tourism center in Asia. The City will complete the strategy of sustainable tourism development, making tourism a spearhead economic sector, associated with green growth and digital transformation.

The Bay Mau water coconut forest in Hoi An Dong ward (Da Nang) has an area of ​​over 100 hectares, and is one of the bright spots in effective community tourism from coastal mangrove forests. Photo: Do ​​Truong/VNA

Towards fundamental solutions

Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh said that in order for Vietnam's tourism to develop rapidly and sustainably, it is necessary to continue to improve institutions, innovate tourism development thinking; strengthen actions and expand international cooperation towards digital transformation and green transformation. In particular, it is necessary to apply smart governance models, share data and knowledge to build a smart, green and sustainable tourism ecosystem. Vietnam needs to research and develop a set of principles on "digital tourism and green tourism" as a common framework of standards, encouraging countries and businesses to apply them, so that global tourism can develop harmoniously, responsibly and sustainably.

According to the Deputy Prime Minister, it is necessary to promote regional and sectoral linkages in tourism development; develop sustainable tourism value chains, linked with agriculture, culture, environment, science - technology, trade and services; invest heavily in human resources; support businesses, promote public-private cooperation, develop digital tourism models and green tourism.

Mr. Nguyen Trung Khanh, Director of the Vietnam National Tourism Administration (Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism) said that the unit, as a "conductor", will focus on improving the effectiveness of state management, implementing key solutions, orienting tourism development in depth, quality, professionalism, and brand building. Vietnam will develop high-end resort tourism products, health care, agriculture, ecology, adventure, medical treatment, cuisine, etc. towards the stature of a world destination, associated with promoting heritage values ​​and national cultural identity.

The tourism industry, localities and businesses will focus on improving service quality, bringing unique experiences to tourists; developing a system of competitive businesses, participating deeply in the global supply chain.

From a business perspective, Mr. Nguyen Quoc Ky, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Vietravel Tourism Company, stated that tourism development in any form, in addition to economic and social benefits, also has the potential to cause damage to culture and the environment if not strictly managed. The appearance of tourists and tourism activities can change or destroy local customs and traditions. Indigenous culture can be commercialized, losing its authenticity and identity. Tourism activities can also cause environmental pollution, reduce the quality of water, air, land, and degrade resources. Therefore, tourism businesses need to cooperate closely with local communities, while training staff and providing information to tourists about the importance of respecting cultural values, complying with environmental protection rules, contributing to the development of tourism in the direction of green and sustainable growth.

From the perspective of sustainable tourism destination development, Master Phan Thanh Vinh, University of Finance - Marketing, said that sustainable tourism has become a global trend, reflecting the need for balance between economic development, resource conservation and maintaining social benefits. In the context of climate change, resource degradation and social pressure, this is an inevitable approach to ensure harmony between economic growth, environmental protection and cultural value preservation. Sustainable tourism destination development is not only about conservation, but also a process of comprehensive innovation and adaptation, helping to effectively respond to global challenges. Stakeholders need to focus on maintaining a balance between the supply capacity of the destination and the needs of tourists, to ensure harmonious and sustainable development, bringing positive changes to the community.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/du-lich/phat-trien-du-lich-gan-voi-tang-truong-xanh-ben-vung-20250919095504170.htm