Hanoi (VNA) – The Vietnam International Travel Mart (VITM) Hanoi 2024, slated
to take place from April 11-14 under the theme “Vietnam tourism – Green
transition for sustainable development,” is said to closely follow a new
global trend of “Net zero tours” which promotes sustainable tourism
and reduces negative impacts on the environment.
With
the theme, VITM Hanoi 2024 aims to promote responsible tourism, turning
Vietnam’s tourism into a green economic industry with green destinations and
products. It also prompts tourism businesses to equip their staff with
knowledge about green tourism.
According
to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) under
the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, “Net zero tours” is a concept
related to the organisation of tours in which all activities from
transport, lodging and catering services and other activities are
set to minimise the amount of carbon emissions.
In
Vietnam, some models of “Net zero tours” and sustainable green
tourism have been initially implemented such as “Hotel with no plastic
waste” model in Hoi An city, and Con Dao’s participation in the Urban
Plastic Reduction Programme within the framework of a project on reducing ocean
plastic waste in the 2020-2024 period.
For
the last two years, Visit Vietnam Year focused on promoting green tourism.
Visit
Vietnam Year 2022 with the theme “Quang Nam – A Green Destination”
conveyed a message that Quang Nam makes green and sustainable development a
pillar, calling on the community to join hands in building a green Vietnam and
helping to keep the planet forever green, peaceful and happy.
In
particular, the province issued a set of green tourism criteria applicable to
destinations and tourism businesses.
Meanwhile,
Visit Vietnam Year 2023 with the theme “Binh Thuan – Green
Convergence” featured a series of unique events to introduce the south
central province’s cultural values, resources, and tourism products to
tourists, and raise public awareness of green tourism development.
VNAT
Deputy Director Ha Van Sieu said that green tourism is an inevitable trend
globally, promoting human consciousness in respecting nature, preserving
cultural identity, protecting the ecological environment and restoring
biodiversity.
In
green tourism, environmental protection must be placed at the top, followed by
respect for indigenous culture. Tourism activities must benefit local
communities, helping to improve their material and spiritual lives, and broaden
their knowledge through exchanges with tourists.
Visitors will get good experiences, understand the cultural values, learn about
the lives of residents, and enjoy a clean environment./.
