Conference seeks to develop responsible tourism in HCM City
A conference was held in Ho Chi Minh City on January 19 to discuss how to develop responsible tourism as part of efforts to achieve economic growth, preserve culture and protect nature.
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Director of the municipal Department of Tourism Bui Ta Hoang Vu said tourism growth has posed a challenge to management, planning, the environment, tourism resources and culture.
Peter Semone, Executive of Destination Human Capital, and President of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) underlined the trend of responsible tourism in the world.
He suggested the city’s tourism sector focus on promoting the quality value of tourism and raising the public awareness of responsible tourism development while designing a smart city in line with modern tourism development.
HCM City aims to become a worth-living city, which will make it an attractive destination for international tourists, Peter said, adding that the city needs to preserve its historical values while upholding its cultural identity to lure tourists.
Addressing the conference, Tran Vinh Tuyen, Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee said a continuous growth has been seen in tourism revenues, but yet met the city’s expectations. Responsible tourism lays the foundation for the sustainable development of the sector until 2020 and a vision through 2030.
The event aims to bring all stakeholders together for the sustainability of the environment, socio-economic and community in tourism development.
The local tourism sector has recorded an average annual growth of 8-10%. It expects to lure six million international tourists and build “an attractive, friendly and safe” tourism city in 2017.
