Forum on net zero tourism held

Measures for securing net zero emissions in tourism were discussed at a high-level travel forum on green transformation held in Ho Chi Minh City on September 5, the Vietnam News Agency has reported.

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung was quoted by the news agency as stating at the forum that tourism is an important economic sector, so it needs to make corresponding contributions to Vietnam’s roadmap for low emission development, and that the sector also needs to identify its carbon footprint to carry out appropriate measures to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

It is necessary to further develop ecotourism sites, boost sustainable tourism, and optimize inbound and outbound tourism to reduce emissions, the minister noted, adding that the sector’s stakeholders should promote energy efficiency at offices, train personnel, encourage clients to pay attention to environmental affairs and adopt emission-cutting practices like saving electricity and hot water, reducing consumption, and increasing recycling and reuse.

Meanwhile, a representative from the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism pointed out that the world is facing an unprecedented environmental crisis, so immediate and resolute actions across all countries are urgently required. Given the importance of tourism in the economy and cultural preservation, reaching the global target of net zero is not only a national issue but also a responsibility of the business community, the Cambodian representative remarked.

Many domestic and foreign experts shared the view that tourism development requires inter-sectoral and multi-layer coordination to continue enhancing and expanding dialogue and build a framework for developing public-private partnerships at all levels, including national, regional, and global levels.

A report by the Institute for Circular Economy Development (ICED) under the Vietnam National University, HCM City, shows that to achieve green transition and sustainable tourism, it is necessary to work out comprehensive action plans and roadmaps for medium- and long-term targets that are based on specific contexts to minimize socioeconomic shocks. In the time ahead, the tourism sector needs to involve departments, sectors, business associations, communities, and international partners in building detailed action plans, resource distribution, impact assessment, and roadmaps, the report suggested.

According to Mr. Nguyen Van Dung, Vice Chairman of the HCM City People’s Committee, who spoke at the forum, the southern city aims to turn tourism into a key economic sector with green development.

To establish the city as a vibrant and energetic destination, Mr. Dung noted, local leaders have ordered departments and sectors publish a list of programs, events, and festivals and ensure there is at least one activity each month to create momentum for the night-time economy, thereby diversifying experiences for visitors.