Monday, September 9, 2024 Green transformation in tourism is no longer an option but an essential strategic shift necessary for the sustainable development of the industry. This was the key takeaway from the high-level forum, “Green Transformation, Net-Zero Travel & Tourism—Creating the Future,” held in HCM City on Thursday. Pavnesh Kumar, Director of Sustainability and Research at the Pacific Asia Travel Association, emphasized that green transformation involves adopting sustainable practices to reduce environmental impacts, improve resource efficiency, and promote responsible tourism.
Key elements of this transformation include the use of renewable energy, transitioning to a circular economy, and incorporating local culture and community benefits into tourism offerings. Several leading tourism destinations and companies have committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 in line with the Paris Agreement. Kumar highlighted that the tourism industry contributes around 8% of global carbon emissions, making it imperative for destinations to focus on sustainability to differentiate themselves in a competitive market.
Promoting sustainability in tourism marketing could lead to a 20% increase in visitor numbers, driven by demand from eco-conscious travelers. Green Transformation as a Competitive Advantage Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, Nguyễn Văn Hùng, reinforced the importance of green transformation as part of Việt Nam’s strategy for sustainable tourism development. He stressed that the tourism sector must minimize its environmental impact while efficiently utilizing natural resources and preserving cultural and natural heritage.
The Vietnamese government’s resolution on tourism recovery and sustainability emphasizes green transformation as a critical pillar of socio-economic growth. Cambodia’s Secretary of State for Tourism, So Mara, also spoke at the forum, noting that while tourism is an essential driver of economic growth, it is also a significant contributor to carbon emissions. He urged policymakers to prioritize sustainable measures and align tourism practices with global net-zero targets to ensure long-term resilience.
Reducing Carbon Footprint in Tourism Lương Quang Huy, head of the greenhouse gas emissions reduction division at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, pointed out that the tourism sector needs to actively reduce its carbon footprint by implementing policies to minimize emissions at all stages of the tourism lifecycle. He advocated for reforestation projects, the use of renewable energy in tourism operations, and promoting eco-tourism to help move towards net-zero. “Energy conservation, recycling, and reducing consumption should be key priorities in every aspect of tourism,” said Huy.
He stressed the importance of developing sustainable tourism sites to meet the growing demand for eco-friendly travel experiences. As tourism destinations worldwide face increasing pressure to align with sustainability goals, the forum emphasized that green transformation and net-zero travel are not just trends but essential strategies to secure the future of the industry..
