On September 5th, the high-level forum on green transformation with the theme "Net Zero Tourism – Shaping the Future" was held by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism and the Vietnam National Tourism Administration.

The Importance of the Tourism Industry in Sustainable Development

The tourism sector is not only a vital economic field but also plays a significant role in cultural preservation and environmental protection. Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr. Nguyen Van Hung, emphasized that the tourism industry must substantially contribute to Vietnam's low-emission development roadmap. He urged businesses in the sector to clearly identify their carbon footprint in order to develop appropriate policies and measures aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Proposed Solutions to Promote Green Transformation

At the forum, several solutions were proposed to promote green transformation and sustainable tourism development:

1. Enhancing the Development of Ecotourism Areas

There is a need to focus on building and developing ecotourism areas where visitors can experience nature sustainably. This not only helps protect the environment but also creates significant economic value for local communities, offering a promising future for sustainable tourism.

2. Encouraging the Use of Renewable Energy

Entities within the tourism sector should actively utilize renewable energy in all activities, from offices to transportation and accommodation services. This approach not only helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also enhances the image of businesses in the eyes of travelers.

3. Training and Raising Awareness

Training staff and encouraging customers to be mindful of environmental issues are essential. Measures such as conserving electricity, reducing water consumption, and recycling should be widely implemented, as the need to conserve resources is more urgent than ever. An educational program on environmental protection for tourists will also help raise awareness and foster positive change.

International Cooperation: Immediate Action Required

A representative from the Ministry of Tourism of the Kingdom of Cambodia also participated in the forum and emphasized that the world is facing an unprecedented environmental crisis. He called on all countries to take immediate and decisive action to reduce the environmental footprint of the tourism industry. The Cambodia government has taken significant steps to promote sustainable tourism, with a focus on developing ecotourism and community-based tourism.

Multi-Level and Cross-Sector Collaboration

Sustainable tourism development cannot be achieved without multi-level and cross-sector collaboration. A framework focused on public-private development at national, regional, and global levels is essential. Many experts have pointed out that a synchronized action program, along with a roadmap for medium- and long-term goals, is necessary to successfully achieve the Net Zero target.

Necessary Roadmap for Implementation

According to the Institute for Circular Economy Development (ICED) report, the transformation roadmap could span 10 to 20 years. This timeframe will create space for stakeholders to engage in dialogue, experiment, and adjust policies. As a result, raising awareness and changing the behavior of relevant parties will become more feasible.

Local Contributions: Ho Chi Minh City Aiming for Green Growth

Mr. Nguyen Van Dung, Deputy Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, stated that the city aims to make tourism a key economic sector, developing it towards green growth. To achieve this, Ho Chi Minh City has outlined eight strategic solutions, including:

• Signature Product Policies: Creating unique and attractive tourism products to attract visitors.

• Regional Connectivity: Strengthening connections between provinces and cities to develop tourism in a synchronized and efficient manner.

• Encouraging Innovation: Supporting startups in the tourism sector to enhance competitiveness.

• Night Economy: Promoting night-time economic activities to enrich visitor experiences while also generating additional revenue for local businesses.

The Future of Sustainable Tourism

The high-level green transformation tourism forum is not only a significant event in the tourism sector but also a major step towards realizing the Net Zero goal. Collaboration among stakeholders, from the government to businesses and communities, will play a decisive role in building a sustainable tourism industry focused on environmental protection and economic development.

Through collective efforts to promote green transformation and sustainable development, Vietnam can not only enhance its position on the global tourism map but also contribute to protecting the planet for future generations. Ho Chi Minh City is aiming to become a vibrant, dynamic, and exciting metropolis while ensuring green and sustainable development for the future.