Forum discusses solutions for sustainable tourism development

As part of the Vietnam Economic Forum, the first-ever event was jointly organised by the Private Economic Development Research Board (Board IV); the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism; and the Vietnam Tourism Advisory Board (TAB).

Addressing the forum, Deputy PM Dam stated that over the past few years, Vietnam’s tourism has seen a more rapid growth rate than that of the general economy. However, it will be very difficult for the sector to keep its current growth rate as it is faced with a number of limitations in terms of visa policy and aviation infrastructure.

In order to maintain the tourism growth rate of 30 percent, Vietnam should diversify products and increase the quality of its tourism sector, as well as use information technology to address difficulties facing the sector, he said. 

In the future, the Government will focus on developing smart tourism, calling for the engagement of businesses and the public in this effort, he added.

The Deputy PM expressed his wish that the tourism sector will take the lead in promoting Vietnam’s economic development, helping to raise the country’s rankings in terms of business environment and competitiveness.

The forum offers an opportunity for domestic and foreign enterprises and investors to gain insight into the mechanisms, strategies, and potential for Vietnam’s tourism, as well as challenges to its development.

Participants focused their discussions on such issues as restructuring Vietnam’s tourism towards high-quality capacity and sustainability; promoting national tourism; improving visa policy, management capacity, and aviation infrastructure; attracting foreign investment; developing human resources; and applying technology in tourism development and management.

Vietnam aims to raise the tourism sector’s contributions to the national GDP from 7.5% in 2017 to 12 percent in 2022, and create an additional 3 million direct jobs and 2.5 million indirect ones. It has also targeted attracting more domestic and foreign investments to the sector and improving the industry’s competitiveness.