Vietnam Tourism Leader Champions Sustainable Growth and Partnerships at WTTC Summit

Vietnam’s tourism leader joined global experts at the WTTC Summit to discuss sustainable growth, partnerships, and promote rural tourism development initiatives. From October 8 to 10, Mr. Pham Van Thuy, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, participated in the 24th Global Summit of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) in Perth, Australia. The summit drew around 1,000 delegates, including senior leaders, tourism ministers, travel authorities, associations, businesses, hotels, airlines, and international experts. The event featured the Global Leaders’ Dialogue, where ministers and CEOs engaged in moderated discussions. These leaders shared priorities and concerns, seeking opportunities for mutual support and enhancing public-private partnerships. Ms. Julia Simpson, President and CEO of WTTC, delivered the opening speech, followed by the Global Summit’s five sessions: Planning for the Future, Understanding Our Customers, Facilitating Exploration, Enabling Connections, and Nurturing Our Planet. With projections that Travel & Tourism will contribute US$16 trillion and account for 11.4% of GDP by 2034, the competitiveness of the tourism industry is more critical than ever, particularly in mature markets. The first session focused on the key factors defining competitiveness in the evolving landscape and strategies to increase global market share. In the second session, Tripadvisor Group CEO Matt Goldberg discussed the future of travel, highlighting the role of AI, sustainability, and travel’s potential as a force for good. He noted that 81% of travelers consider sampling local cuisine a trip highlight, and 47% of Gen Z and Millennials have planned trips around visiting specific restaurants. During discussions on facilitating exploration, delegates emphasized that safety and security are top priorities for destinations as they welcome visitors. Simplifying border processes and managing risks are essential to allow travelers to explore new experiences. WTTC pointed out that Travel & Tourism is one of the few economic sectors that heavily depends on nature, with over 80% of its value tied to natural resources. This reliance highlights the need for the industry to act as a “Guardian of Nature,” taking steps to protect oceans, restore the environment, and ensure sustainable growth. On the sidelines of the summit, Vice Chairman Pham Van Thuy met with representatives from several countries to discuss plans for hosting the First International Conference on Rural Tourism of UN Tourism in Quang Nam Province, Vietnam.