On August 14 in Hanoi, the Vietnam Tourism Association (VITA) held a seminar on "Enhancing the value of VITA Green green tourism label to become an international trading brand".
VITA Chairman Vu The Binh emphasized that green tourism is no longer an option but a mandatory requirement if wanting to conquer the international market. The mid-range and high-end groups increasingly prioritize experiencing nature closely, reducing emissions and respecting indigenous culture.
Since 2018, VITA has launched a movement to reduce plastic waste, implementing a set of green tourism criteria since 2019. To date, about 30 enterprises have been certified as VITA Green, with the goal of reaching 100 enterprises by the end of the year. The biggest challenge is to push this label across the border, becoming a global standard.
According to Chairman of the Vietnam Green Tourism Association Phung Quang Thang, the plan to upgrade VITA Green focuses on standardizing the identification system and criteria. logo and slogan will have Vietnamese, English versions and target many other languages. The set of criteria will refer to international standards such as GSTC, Travelife, Green Key... to help businesses easily integrate into the global supply chain.
General Director of Silk sense Hoi An River Resort Ha Thi Dieu Vien believes that, in addition to international standards and transparency, businesses must be connected to a global partner system and service placement platform, while clearly demonstrating commercial value. She compared VITA Green to a citizen identification card or birth certificate, and the international certification to Travelife is an international integration passport.
VITA Green needs a strong, easy-to-remember and inspiring brand story, combining nature conservation, culture and community development, according to Tran Gia Ngoc Phuong, Deputy General Director of fur furama - Ariyana, Da Nang. The resort has associated sustainable development with business through cooperation in agricultural product consumption, using indigenous materials, training human resources according to international standards, and connecting with global environmental - social initiatives.
One of the strengths of the plan is building a network of extensive links. Each province and city will choose 1-2 model destinations that meet the standards, both demonstrating the model and welcoming international experts and press. logo VITA Green will appear on national publications when participating in international fairs and forums.
Businesses emphasize that green tourism needs a synchronous supply chain: green travel, green destinations, green hotels, green restaurants and green practice guides. Only then can the brand be firmly established in the international market.
The proposed roadmap includes: 2025-2026 period of building and developing internal resources, standardizing brands, protecting intellectual property; 2026-2028 bringing brands to the world through international linkages and events; 2028-2030 in-depth development, participating in green tourism policy consulting.
The goal by 2030 is to have 200 certified enterprises, 30 typical destinations, cooperate with at least 5 international organizations and organize 3 major international events.
At the seminar, Chairman of Tuyen Quang Tourism Association Lai Quoc Tinh shared that some villages in the old Ha Giang (now part of Tuyen Quang) have achieved green tourism certification, but replicating the model is a challenge. He believes that green tourism must be associated with the benefits and livelihoods of the community, based on honoring and preserving cultural identity.
Mr. Phung Quang Thang assessed that VITA Green is not only a certificate but also a "green passport" for Vietnamese enterprises. If implemented synchronously from criteria, governance, communication to value chain linkage, VITA Green can become a symbol of green tourism in Vietnam, accompanying prestigious global brands.
At that time, international tourists will know Vietnam not only as a beautiful destination, but also as a green, sustainable and reliable destination - a vivid commitment to responsibility, quality and pride in the national brand.
