GMS International Conference with Focus on Sustainable Tourism Development

	Vietnamese Football Tournament in Japan Raises Funds for Central Vietnam
	International Visitors in South Africa Experience Vietnamese Cuisine

The National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), through the Swiss for Sustainable Development in Vietnam (ST4SD) Project, co-hosted the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) International Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development in Ninh Binh province.

Working with regional partners, the conference served as a platform to discuss and share valuable experiences on sustainable tourism from GMS countries and Switzerland. The event aimed to seek a balance between economic growth, social benefits, and environmental protection.

This conference was a side event of the 56th Greater Mekong Subregion Tourism Working Group (GMS TWG) Meeting and related conferences.

Representatives of GMS countries and international experts discuss solutions for implementing sustainable tourism in the Greater Mekong sub-region. Source: ST4SD

The event drew 100 delegates from the six GMS member countries including Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. Participants represented national tourism bodies, associations, tourism businesses active in sustainable development, and key GMS partners such as the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and the Asian Ecotourism Network.

Experts from Switzerland played a key role by sharing international standards and valuable experiences from the leading country in sustainable tourism.

The conference took place as the GMS region faces significant challenges, including climate change and pressure from resource exploitation, underscoring that sustainable development is the key pathway for tourism to maintain long-term competitiveness.

Addressing the event, Etienne Jenni, SECO's Program Manager of Trade Promotion, emphasized, “Switzerland is pleased to share its experience in sustainable tourism to support the development of this sector. By strengthening policy frameworks, applying internationally recognized sustainability standards, building the capacity of tourism enterprises, and developing executive hospitality skills, we aim to promote tourism growth that delivers lasting economic, social, and environmental benefits to communities.”

Dr. Ha Van Sieu, Vice Chairman of Vietnam National Authority of Tourism stressed that he adoption of GMS Tourism Development Strategy toward 2030 marks a significant milestone, charting a new course for regional tourism. This strategy envisions a green, sustainable, innovative, and integrated GMS, with people and nature at its heart of development. With this regard, the conference serves as a vital platform for member countries, international experts, and partners to share experiences, lessons learned, and most importantly, to discuss actions to realize the GMS Tourism Development Strategy toward 2030 into reality.

The in-depth discussion sessions at the conference focused on two main sessions. The first session was Knowledge and Experience of Sustainable Tourism Development in GMS Countries, where delegates had lively discussions on effective tourism development models, applicable international standards, how to mobilize resources, and how to promote international cooperation in the sector. Meanwhile, the second session, GMS Vision and Actions for Sustainable Tourism Development, aimed to define the ambitious shared vision and objectives for 2030. This session also clarified the coordinating role of the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) and the necessity of active participation from all stakeholders in implementing the common regional strategy.

Like Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar and China, Vietnam pays special attention to and respects cultural and human factors, placing cultural subjects at the center of sustainable development to join hands with communities to protect and develop their heritage.

Accordingly, Vietnam's Green Tourism Program also focuses on four strategies in line with the GMS's sustainable development goals, including developing green tourism destinations, ensuring resilience to climate change, sustainable conservation and supporting community livelihoods, focusing on promoting and proposing national green tourism model awards, developing support for local human resources and international cooperation.

Quynh Son village with peaceful, rustic scenery. Photo: Quynh Son community cultural tourism village

MTCO representatives also affirmed that the two villages of Quynh Son (Lang Son province) and Lo Lo Chai (Tuyen Quang province) "World's Best Tourist Villages in 2025" are a testament to Vietnam's commitment to preserving local culture and sustainable development on the basis of protecting natural resources.

Also at the conference, Vietnam proposed developing sustainable tourism based on GSTC standards, supporting businesses, building green and sustainable regional brands, and coordinating with GMS countries in implementing common proposals.

The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism will report to the government on sustainable tourism policies, aiming at the NetZero goal by 2050, and continue to organize the National Green Tourism Forum to promote green transformation in the tourism industry.

Together with five countries in the region, Vietnam's unanimous participation in and development of the GMS Tourism Development Strategy to 2030 is considered an important milestone orienting the new development phase, towards a green, sustainable and connected GMS.

Vietnam Shines with Dual Wins at the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards Vietnam has outshined many strong contenders to secure a place among the top 10 most beloved global destinations in two major categories: “World’s Best Destination” ...

Phu Quoc - Top Choice for Eastern European Tourists Visiting Vietnam In recent months, Vietnam’s expanded visa exemption policy has made it easier for European travelers to visit and explore the country, with the number of ...