DEVELOPING SUSTAINABLE TOURISM IN VIETNAM

The concept of sustainable tourism development has been legalized in Vietnam’s 2017 Tourism Law: “Sustainable tourism development is tourism development that simultaneously meets the requirements of socio-economic development and environmental protection, ensuring a harmonious balance of benefits among all stakeholders involved in tourism activities, without compromising the ability to meet tourism needs in the future.”

With continuous efforts, Vietnam has achieved many encouraging results. The 2025 Sustainable Tourism Survey by the digital travel platform Agoda published a list of countries most concerned about sustainable tourism. Vietnam ranks among the Top 5 in the region, with 77% of survey participants affirming that sustainability plays an important role in their travel decisions in 2025, which is higher than the Asia average of 68%.

Agricultural activities in Yen Bai (Photo source: Vietnam.vn)

Vietnam has great potential for tourism development with many beautiful, rich, and diverse natural landscapes spread throughout the country, attracting tourists. Vietnam has more than 40,000 relics and scenic spots, including over 3,000 nationally recognized heritage sites and 5,000 provincially recognized sites.

Vietnam is also one of the few countries in the world recognized by UNESCO for many heritage sites, including the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, Hoi An Ancient Town, Trang An Landscape Complex, the ancient capital of Hue, the Ho Citadel, My Son Sanctuary, Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park, and Ha Long Bay. These are among the most attractive destinations in Vietnam for international tourists. Moreover, throughout the country, there are approximately 117 museums preserving the nation’s historical process, showcasing heroic milestones that captivate visitors eager to learn about Vietnamese history.

Hoi An Ancient Town (Photo source: VIETNAMPLUS)

Vietnam has 54 ethnic groups, each region and group possessing distinct cultural identities, customs, and lifestyles, creating unique attractions. Vietnam also has famous intangible cultural heritages such as Hue Court Music (Nha Nhac), the Gong Culture of the Central Highlands, Ca Tru singing, Quan Ho folk songs, Xoan singing, the Giong Festival, and the Hung Kings worship ritual, which draw tourists. Particularly, the Vietnamese people’s tradition of hospitality is one of the most appealing and warmly regarded aspects by international visitors.

Master Tran Tuong Huy—Deputy Director of the Institute of Social Tourism Research—shared:

“Vietnam has now become quite professional in developing sustainable tourism products and enhancing promotion efforts. Vietnamese tourism products are increasingly innovative, distinctive, creative, and diversified with regional values that meet the needs of both domestic and international tourists.

Blending in with nature (Photo source: Phu Nu Viet Nam Newspaper)

The 19th International Travel Expo (ITE HCMC 2025) will officially take place from September 4th to 6th, 2025, at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), District 7, Ho Chi Minh City, with the topic ‘Sustainable Tourism, Vibrant Experiences.’

ITE HCMC 2025 supports the deepening international economic integration process and is seen as an opportunity for tourism businesses to develop sustainably. To meet the increasingly high demands of tourists and the fierce competition in the market, Vietnamese tourism enterprises have risen, asserted themselves, and improved by further enhancing service quality and diversifying tourism products toward sustainable tourism.

ITE HCMC 2025 is the bridge where Vietnam’s tourism sector can learn from international experiences in tourism human resource training, better meet domestic market demands, and keep pace with global tourism standards, especially in sustainable tourism. It is also the place where international travel agencies, operators, and international buyers can access the most unique sustainable tourism products.