Report on Vietnam’s Strategic Tourism Development: Aligning with Sustainable Development Goals

This report outlines the strategic direction of Vietnam’s tourism industry, focusing on a comprehensive approach that integrates digital transformation, sustainable practices, and robust policy frameworks. The nation’s strategy is fundamentally aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aiming to establish Vietnam as a competitive and responsible global tourism destination.

Digital Transformation for Efficient and Sustainable Tourism

Fostering a Smart Tourism Ecosystem (SDG 9)

Vietnam is prioritizing the development of a “smart tourism ecosystem” to enhance sector management and the visitor experience. This initiative directly supports SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure by leveraging technology for sustainable industrialization.

• Implementation of advanced digital tools for efficient management at central and local levels.
• Creation of digital platforms to provide tourists with transparent, real-time information.
• Adoption of online booking systems, smart hotel management, and digital guides to reduce paper consumption and operational costs.
• Utilization of data-driven decision-making for market analysis and improved customer service.

Enhancing Economic Growth and Brand Competitiveness

Strengthening the National Tourism Brand (SDG 8)

A key objective is to reposition Vietnam’s tourism brand to reflect its unique assets and commitment to sustainability, contributing to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. The strategy aims to attract high-value, long-stay visitors by promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

1. Highlighting national strengths such as political stability, safety, rich cultural history, and diverse natural resources.
2. Conducting professional and systematic marketing campaigns led by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.
3. Leveraging unique offerings, including UNESCO heritage sites, vibrant cuisine, and iconic landscapes, to enhance Vietnam’s competitive edge.

Market Research and Human Capital Development (SDG 8)

To ensure targeted and effective growth, the government is emphasizing data-driven strategies and workforce development, further aligning with SDG 8.

• Conducting thorough market research and forecasting to identify and attract high-spending tourist demographics from key regions.
• Implementing training programs for tourism professionals to elevate service quality in hospitality, tour guiding, and customer service.

Policy Framework and Infrastructure for Sustainable Growth

Amending Legal Frameworks and Enhancing Infrastructure (SDG 9, SDG 17)

The government is committed to modernizing its legal and physical infrastructure to support a thriving tourism sector. This aligns with SDG 9 by building resilient infrastructure and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by creating an enabling environment for private enterprise.

• Reviewing and amending the 2017 Tourism Law and related policies to meet evolving industry needs.
• Improving regulations concerning visa policies, tourism services, and international cooperation.
• Fostering a supportive environment for private enterprises, recognizing their role as a primary driver of tourism growth and innovation.

Promoting Sustainable and Inclusive Development Models

Agricultural and Rural Tourism (SDG 8, SDG 11, SDG 15)

A significant focus is placed on developing agricultural and rural tourism, which supports multiple SDGs by diversifying economic opportunities and promoting environmental stewardship.

• SDG 8 & SDG 11: Creating economic benefits for rural communities and making them more resilient and sustainable by integrating local agriculture with tourism.
• SDG 15: Life on Land: Offering authentic travel experiences that promote the preservation of natural resources, biodiversity, and traditional farming practices.
• This model involves collaboration between the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism and the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment to ensure sustainable implementation.

Strengthening International Cooperation and Partnerships (SDG 17)

Expanding Global Reach and Collaboration

Vietnam’s strategy underscores the importance of international partnerships to achieve its tourism goals, directly contributing to SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

1. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will collaborate with tourism bodies to promote Vietnamese culture and tourism in foreign markets.
2. Active participation in global tourism exhibitions and the hosting of international events are planned to increase visibility.
3. Expansion of visa exemption policies for key tourist markets will be pursued to enhance competitiveness and increase international arrivals.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The article focuses on developing Vietnam’s tourism industry as a key economic sector. It discusses strategies for sustainable growth, creating jobs, and increasing the economic benefits from tourism, which directly aligns with promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure – The article heavily emphasizes digital transformation, creating a “smart tourism ecosystem,” and implementing advanced digital tools. It also mentions the government’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure and updating legal frameworks to support the tourism sector, which relates to building resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – A core theme is the commitment to “safeguarding its rich cultural and natural heritage sites,” including UNESCO sites. This directly connects to the goal of making human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable by protecting cultural and natural heritage.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – The article mentions promoting “sustainable trends in travel” and “responsible practices with a minimal impact on Mother Nature.” This aligns with ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns, particularly through the development of sustainable tourism.
• SDG 15: Life on Land – The focus on “Sustainable Agricultural and Rural Tourism Development” includes promoting environmental sustainability and “preserving natural resources and biodiversity in rural areas.” This connects to the goal of protecting, restoring, and promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The article highlights the importance of international cooperation, fostering partnerships with foreign travel agencies, and creating synergies between public and private stakeholders. This reflects the goal of strengthening the means of implementation and revitalizing the global partnership for sustainable development.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 8.9: “By 2030, devise and implement policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.” The entire article is centered on Vietnam’s strategy to develop a competitive and sustainable tourism sector, with a specific mention of promoting its unique culture and developing rural tourism to benefit local communities.
• Target 9.1: “Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure…to support economic development and human well-being.” The article states the government’s commitment to “enhancing infrastructure” as a key part of its tourism development plan.
• Target 9.c: “Significantly increase access to information and communications technology…” The push for “digital transformation,” a “smart tourism ecosystem,” and the use of “advanced digital tools” directly supports this target.
• Target 11.4: “Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.” The article repeatedly emphasizes that a core part of the strategy is to preserve Vietnam’s “rich cultural and natural heritage sites,” including ancient temples and UNESCO sites, while developing tourism.
• Target 12.b: “Develop and implement tools to monitor sustainable development impacts for sustainable tourism that creates jobs and promotes local culture and products.” The article mentions the need for “data-driven decision-making, market analysis” and implementing programs to develop sustainable rural tourism, which implies the need for monitoring its impacts.
• Target 15.1: “By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services…” The plan to develop rural tourism is explicitly linked to “promoting environmental sustainability” and “preserving natural resources and biodiversity in rural areas.”
• Target 17.17: “Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships…” The article highlights a “collaborative approach of Government-business-community,” creating “synergies between public and private stakeholders,” and fostering partnerships with foreign agencies.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• For Target 8.9:
  • Implied Indicator 8.9.1 (Tourism direct GDP as a proportion of total GDP): The article’s focus on tourism as a driver of “stable growth” and a “prospective industry” implies a goal of increasing its contribution to the national economy.
  • Implied Indicator 8.9.2 (Proportion of jobs in the sustainable tourism industries): The emphasis on building a “well-trained workforce” and creating economic benefits for “rural communities” through tourism implies measuring job creation in the sector.
• For Target 11.4:
  • Implied Indicator 11.4.1 (Total expenditure on the preservation, protection and conservation of all cultural and natural heritage): The government’s commitment to safeguarding heritage, which involves public and private investment, suggests that expenditure on these efforts is a relevant measure of progress.
• For Target 12.b:
  • Implied Indicator 12.b.1 (Number of sustainable tourism strategies or policies and implemented action plans): The article itself describes the government’s new package of measures and official conclusion as a comprehensive strategy, which serves as a primary indicator of implementation.
• For Target 17.17:
  • Implied Indicator 17.17.1 (Amount of United States dollars committed to public-private and civil society partnerships): The article mentions that policies will be designed to offer businesses “incentives to invest in the sector,” implying that the amount of private investment mobilized through these partnerships is a key metric of success.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Source: travelandtourworld.com