Vietnam’s National Green Tourism Forum Sets The Stage For A Sustainable Future, Empowering Communities And Businesses To Lead Eco-Friendly Travel Initiatives

Published on December 6, 2025

Vietnam’s National Green Tourism Forum has taken a significant step towards a sustainable future by empowering local communities and businesses to lead eco-friendly travel initiatives. Held in Lam Dong province, this annual event gathered stakeholders from various sectors to discuss the importance of responsible tourism. With the growing risks posed by climate change, the forum aims to raise awareness and promote green practices in the tourism industry. By engaging local businesses, government agencies, and tourism experts, the forum encourages collaboration for the advancement of sustainable tourism, ensuring that Vietnam’s natural beauty is preserved for future generations. This initiative highlights Vietnam’s commitment to fostering a greener, more sustainable tourism industry that benefits both the environment and the local economy.

The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) inaugurated its annual Green Tourism Forum in Lam Dong province on December 5, calling for a unified approach towards sustainable and responsible tourism. With climate change posing an increasing threat to natural resources and global ecosystems, the forum aimed to push for stronger action from all sectors involved in tourism, ensuring that environmental preservation is at the forefront of the industry’s growth.

Held on December 4-5 at the scenic Nui Voi Pine Forest tourism site in Hiep Thanh commune, the forum was a two-day event that brought together more than 100 participants, including government representatives, researchers, tourism associations, local businesses, and experts from Switzerland. The goal of the event was not only to raise awareness about green tourism practices but also to foster active participation from local communities and tourism stakeholders in advancing environmentally conscious tourism strategies.

The forum was organized to address the urgency of protecting natural environments while accommodating the growing global interest in travel. With the tourism sector being one of the fastest-growing industries globally, it has become increasingly important to ensure that tourism development does not come at the expense of the environment. In Vietnam, the focus on green tourism is more crucial than ever, as the country faces threats such as rising sea levels, deforestation, and pollution that undermine the very attractions that draw tourists from across the world.

During the forum, participants were given the opportunity to engage directly with successful local green tourism models. Field visits were organized to showcase various projects that have embraced sustainability as a key element of their operations. Among the highlights was a visit to the Bidoup Nui Ba National Park, where attendees explored biodiversity trails and the stunning 108-tree heritage pine forest. The park represents a model of sustainable tourism, blending conservation efforts with tourism experiences that educate visitors on the importance of preserving natural ecosystems.

The field visits were designed to provide participants with a first-hand look at how responsible tourism practices can be effectively implemented in the country’s tourism infrastructure. These visits also demonstrated how green tourism initiatives can enhance both environmental protection and community involvement, offering a model for other regions to emulate.

On December 5, the forum hosted two panel discussions, which provided a platform for thought leaders to share insights and strategies on developing green tourism. The first panel focused on exploring existing models, initiatives, and policies that have been implemented to create green destinations in Vietnam. Topics ranged from eco-friendly accommodation and transportation options to sustainable cultural experiences that engage tourists while minimizing environmental impact. Speakers emphasized the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors to achieve these goals, highlighting successful case studies that have contributed to Vietnam’s reputation as a green tourism destination.

The second panel discussed the future of green tourism in the country, specifically focusing on creating a framework for action that will guide the industry’s development in the coming years. Key considerations included the need for stronger regulations to enforce sustainable practices across the tourism sector and the integration of climate resilience strategies into tourism planning. The proposed framework also called for increased support for local communities, urging tourism businesses to engage with residents and empower them to participate in green tourism initiatives.

At the heart of these discussions was the understanding that green tourism cannot be an afterthought, but must be integrated into every stage of tourism development—from planning and construction to operations and marketing. Only by embedding sustainability into the fabric of the tourism sector can Vietnam ensure that its natural resources are preserved for future generations while still reaping the economic benefits of the growing global tourism market.

The forum’s speakers also emphasized the role of education in promoting green tourism practices. Tourists, they argued, must be made aware of their impact on the environment and encouraged to make responsible choices during their travels. They suggested that Vietnam could benefit from developing more educational programs, both for tourists and for local communities, to ensure widespread engagement with sustainable tourism practices.

The event was jointly organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Lam Dong Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and the Swiss Tourism for Sustainable Development (ST4SD) project, which has been instrumental in promoting green tourism initiatives across the country. By bringing together experts and stakeholders from various sectors, the forum created a space for collaboration and idea-sharing, with the aim of developing actionable strategies for a more sustainable and eco-conscious tourism industry.

Vietnam’s commitment to green tourism is evident in its growing efforts to align tourism development with environmental conservation. The Green Tourism Forum provided a crucial opportunity for stakeholders to come together, reflect on progress, and discuss the path forward in creating a more sustainable and responsible tourism sector. Moving forward, it is clear that the country will continue to prioritize sustainability in its tourism initiatives, aiming to build a resilient and environmentally conscious industry that benefits both the environment and the local communities.

The Vietnam National Green Tourism Forum is paving the way for a sustainable future by empowering local communities and businesses to lead eco-friendly travel initiatives, addressing the urgent need for responsible tourism amid growing climate challenges.

As the forum concluded, it was clear that the road to achieving a truly sustainable tourism sector in Vietnam would require ongoing collaboration, innovative policies, and a collective commitment to making green tourism the norm rather than the exception. The event reaffirmed the need for all stakeholders to work together to ensure that tourism continues to thrive without compromising the planet’s future.