Hanoi (VNA) - Green transformation in𝓰volves various matters, including developing green products, services, and tourism routes, to make Vietnam’s tourism offerings more attractive and innovative.

“Green Tourism” was selected as the theme for the Vietnam International Travel Mart - VITM Hanoi, held three years ago, and this year the event will continue to follow the green trend, with the theme “Vietnam Tourism – Green Transformation for Sustainable Development”, according to Vu The Binh, Head of the Organising Board of VITM Hanoi 2024 and Chairman of the Vietnam Tourism Association. Organisers hope the concept of green transformation will be better known following VITM 2024 and can help Vietnam’s non-smoke industry take off, he said. He added that VITM Hanoi 2024 takes place in the context the country’s tourism sector working hard towards full recovery and aiming to surpass results posted in 2019. All activities of the Association are designed to reach these goals, and various activities will be held during the event with a focus on increasing tourism numbers in line with the Prime Minister’s Directive No 08.

Vu The Binh - Chairman of the Vietnam Tourism Association

Economies around the world are now sharpening their focus on green transformation, attaching environmental and socio-economic targets to sustainable development. Therefore, VITM Hanoi’s theme this year is “Vietnamese Tourism - Green Transformation for Sustainable Development”.

Despite the lingering difficulties and challenges, the Vietnam Tourism Association has set a target of welcoming 20 million international tourists this year. Changes in visa policies, including exemptions for reciprocal visa-free countries of up to 45 days and the time of stays for holders of electronic visas extended to 90 days, and other potential extension policies, have shown flexible and innovative action by relevant agencies, promising a brighter future for the sector.

With such robust open-door policies, there is reason to have faith in the faster development of the tourism sector. Tourist businesses must continue to work harder to meet the targets set by the Association. Within the framework of VITM Hanoi 2024 will be a forum on the theme “Vietnamese Tourism - Green Transformation for Sustainable Development” held by the Vietnam Tourism Association in partnership with the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, the Institute for Tourism Development Research, and the UNDP.

Vu The Binh - Chairman of the Vietnam Tourism Association

We can see new models in place already, where hotels and restaurants say “No” to plastics and other waste. These shining examples in green tourism will be discussed at the tourism fair through various meetings and workshops. We hope this will inspire tourism businesses to embrace green practices, alongside digital transformation, for a brighter future in Vietnam’s tourism industry.

Over 600 businesses have registered to participate in the trade fair, while organisers anticipate some 3,000 enterprises from around Vietnam attending. The fair is expected to attract 60,000-70,000 visitors./.