On September 6th, as part of the ITE HCMC 2024, a Panel discussion on “The Power of Communication in Fostering Sustainable Development” was held, organized by the Vietnam Public Relations Network (VNPR) in collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism.

Communication plays a crucial role in developing and promoting the tourism industry, enhancing the attractiveness of destinations, boosting tourism growth, and contributing to socio-economic development. Effective communication helps organizations and businesses reach and attract potential customers while shaping community perceptions about sustainable, safe, and responsible tourism trends.

The panel discussion on “The Power of Communication in Fostering Sustainable Development” serves as a bridge for participants to access new and creative perspectives on the role of communication in promoting and disseminating messages about sustainable development. The conference not only aims to provide a comprehensive view of how communication can be utilized to foster sustainable development across the cultural, tourism, and economic sectors but also offers exciting networking opportunities among various industries, fostering collaboration and innovation.

The panel discussion on "The Power of Communication in Fostering Sustainable Development" brings together business leaders and top experts in the fields of tourism and public relations & communication in Vietnam.

The conference consists of two discussion sessions featuring reputable speakers from various fields: Mr. Le Truong Hien Hoa, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism; Mr. Nguyen Khoa My, Chairman of the Vietnam Public Relations Network (VNPR); Mr. John Gardner, Director and Founding Partner of Optimum Hospitality; Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Bich, Director of Innovation for the Swiss Tourism Project - For Sustainable Development in Vietnam, and Chairman of the Board of Rustic Hospitality Group; Mr. Jason Turnbull, CEO of Inspire Advisory Group; and Ms. Vo Thi Hoai Thu, Deputy General Director of Ana Mandara Cam Ranh Resort.

Session 01, 'Communication to Promote Sustainable Tourism - Creating the Future', will focus on analyzing the role of communication as a key tool in promoting sustainable tourism, contributing to shaping a bright and enduring future for this vital economic sector. Experts from Optimum Hospitality, Rustic Hospitality Group, and Sovico Khanh Hoa will discuss how tourism organizations can effectively use communication to raise awareness and encourage action while also exploring the opportunities and challenges in fostering consensus and positive interaction for sustainable development messages in the tourism sector.

Session 02, "Building ESG Communication Strategies - Lessons & Practices for Multiple Industries", explored issues related to ESG, particularly how businesses could convey authentic and effective ESG messages. Insights and lessons learned from companies that had successfully developed ESG communication strategies were shared, with the participation of experts from VNPR, RMIT University Vietnam, PRO Vietnam, and DUYTAN Recycling. This session aimed to provide valuable perspectives for individuals and businesses that attended the conference.

According to Mr. Nguyen Khoa My, Chairman of the Vietnam Public Relations Network (VNPR), the workshop was not only an opportunity to discuss the latest trends and practices in the field of communication but also a platform for leaders and experts to explore how communication can contribute to sustainable development.

Through the Panel Discussion on "The Power of Communication in Building and Promoting Sustainable Development", entities operating in the tourism industry were able to leverage optimal communication tools to promote tourism and enhance the country's image effectively.