International Scientific Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development

On December 12, in Ho Chi Minh City, the Vietnam Women's Academy Branch in collaboration with the Southern Institute of Social Sciences, the Institute for Economic and Tourism Development Studies, and Ho Chi Minh City University of Culture organized an International Scientific Conference with the theme "Sustainable tourism development: identity, resources - International experience and solutions for Vietnam".

The workshop gathered more than 100 scientists and prestigious experts from many domestic and international universities and research institutes; delegates were representatives of the Vietnam Women's Union; representatives of the Women's Union of some provinces/cities; representatives of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of some provinces/cities; domestic and international travel businesses; and non-governmental organizations.

International Scientific Conference with the theme "Sustainable tourism development: identity, resources - International experience and solutions for Vietnam".

In the context of globalization, sustainable tourism development has become a strategic goal of many countries, including Vietnam. Reasonable exploitation of unique cultural values, combined with effective use of resources, is the key to creating a unique tourism identity and sustainable development. This not only helps preserve traditional culture and the natural environment but also improves the quality of life of the community, promoting the country's economic growth.

At the workshop, delegates shared many experiences on sustainable tourism development, aiming at a balance between economic growth, environmental protection and preserving unique cultural identity.

According to Associate Professor, Dr. Vu Tuan Hung, Deputy Director in charge of the Southern Institute of Social Sciences, said: "To develop tourism associated with cultural identity in a sustainable way, it is necessary to connect with the local community. When culture is associated with livelihoods and daily activities, it will have vitality and be preserved naturally. Tourism development must be based on a cultural foundation that is harmoniously combined with nature, livelihoods, beliefs, and religions, while creating a vibrant cultural space. If we only build new tourist areas with traditional elements or relocate cultural facilities without the presence of the local community - the "owners" of culture - then that cultural tourist area will hardly exist sustainably."

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Thao, Head of the Department of Planning and Development of Tourism Resources, Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, commented: From the perspective of the tourism industry, the most attractive tourism products are those that help tourists understand more about cultures through practice and experience in that cultural space. Tourists who just stop at watching and looking without interaction or real experience will hardly create attraction for tourists. To develop sustainable tourism, it is necessary to transform cultural values ​​into specific, concise products and highlight core values.

"Tourism needs to "live" in the customs and lifestyles of the local community. This helps tourists experience unique cultural features in the daily lives of local people. When tourists witness and participate in traditional cultural activities, they will feel the authenticity and have deeper experiences. Local people themselves can also participate in the process of preserving those cultural values," said Ms. Thao.

Assoc. Prof. John Hutnyk, Ton Duc Thang University, speaking at the conference.

Sharing at the workshop, Associate Professor John Hutnyk, Ton Duc Thang University, pointed out that sustainable tourism needs to ensure a balance between environmental, economic and socio-cultural factors. Therefore, when referring to heritage tourism, assessing sustainability becomes a mandatory factor. Heritage conservation, from ancient architectural works to intangible cultural values, requires large investment resources and the participation of many components of society. Factors such as labor, infrastructure and planning not only affect the sustainable development of the tourism industry but also have a profound impact on the lives of local communities. Two case studies from India (Serampore) and Vietnam (Con Dao) show that heritage can be transformed into tourism with different results.

Dr Lawson Veronica Janet Lesley, Australia - Vietnam Volunteer Program, speaking at the Workshop.

Dr Lawson Veronica Janet Lesley, Australia-Vietnam Volunteer Program, stressed that there needs to be a coordinated effort between the Government, the community and the tourism industry to maintain a balance between tourism development and environmental protection. Only with a comprehensive strategy and effective cooperation can sustainable tourism thrive, while contributing to environmental protection and boosting the national economy.

At the workshop, delegates also shared and discussed research on a number of topics such as: Sustainable tourism development associated with green growth and zero-emission goals; contributions of ecotourism to development; barriers to career advancement for women in the tourism industry in Vietnam; circular economic models and ways to manage tourism capacity towards sustainable development goals...

The Organizing Committee presented flowers and thank you letters to the speakers.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Huong, Director of the Vietnam Women's Academy Branch, Head of the Conference Organizing Committee, said: The conference received 142 articles from scientists, the results of independent review selected 82 articles from scientists and practitioners to be published in the Conference Proceedings. The selected articles are closely related to the conference theme, have high scientific content, and have theoretical and practical significance...

"In addition to the articles, at this conference, we also listened to, shared and discussed valuable research and experiences from countries around the world. I believe that the multi-dimensional perspectives and practical lessons shared today will bring breakthrough solutions with high applicability, contributing to improving the capacity of planning, managing and developing sustainable tourism in Vietnam," Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Huong expressed.

Source: https://phunuvietnam.vn/chuyen-gia-quoc-te-chia-se-kinh-nghiem-de-phat-trien-du-lich-ben-vung-202412121702598.htm