On November 18, in Ninh Binh, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism coordinated with the General Department of the Swiss Economy (SECO) to approve the Swiss Tourism Project for Sustainable Development in Vietnam (ST4SD) to organize an international conference on sustainable tourism development in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS).
The conference gathered 100 delegates representing GMS member countries, national tourism agencies, international organizations, associations and businesses operating in the field of sustainable tourism, along with partners such as PATA and the Asia Eco-tourism network.
In his opening speech, Mr. Ha Van Sieu - Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism emphasized the increasingly competitive position of Vietnam's tourism, with 17.2 million international visitors in the first 10 months of 2025, an increase of 22,2% over the same period.
Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism Ha Van Sieu affirmed that sustainable tourism has become an mandatory orientation to maintain long-term competitiveness, requiring the tourism industry to strongly transform to a green, comprehensive and responsible model. The GMS tourism development strategy towards 2030 is an important milestone, promoting deeper cooperation between countries in the region.
In Vietnam, the green tourism development program for the period 2023 - 2025 is being implemented, focusing on building sustainable destinations, promoting digital transformation, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring equitable distribution of economic benefits for tourism to local communities.
Vietnam affirms to continue sharing data, research cooperation and action coordination with GMS countries to achieve common sustainable development goals.
At the conference, Mr. Etienne Jenni - Director of the Trade Promotion Agency, General Department of Economics of Switzerland shared his experience in sustainable tourism development, emphasizing the completion of the policy framework, application of international standards, capacity building for tourism businesses and developing a team of high-quality hotel managers.
"Switzerland hopes to support the GMS region to promote sustainable tourism growth, harmonizing socio-economic and environmental benefits" - Mr. Etienne Jenni emphasized.
At the conference, delegates focused on exchanging awareness, experience and vision for sustainable tourism development in the GMS. Many effective models and international standards were shared, emphasizing the role of mobilizing resources and expanding cooperation.
The countries agreed on a common goal by 2030, affirming the coordinating role of the Mekong Tourism Coordination Office and committing to act together for a sustainable, inclusive and responsible tourism.
