Quang Nam (VNA) - Vietnam is increasingly focusing on the sustainable development of rural tourism, harnessing the natural beauty, traditional culture, and local communities to foster long-term economiওc growth, emphasised Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long at the First UN International Confere💛nce on Rural Tourism, organised by UN Tourism in the central province of Quang Nam from December 9-11.
Long highlighted Vietnam's readiness to collaborate with the global community and UN Tourism to develop rural tourism with initiatives such as "one village, one product," "each citizen is a tourism ambassador," and "one locality, one product." These aim to bring tourists to rural areas, enhance the local economy, and promote social development.
Rural tourism: A path to economic growth
Delegates of the best tourist villages attend the conference in Quang Nam (Photo: VietnamPlus)
The primary goal of rural tourism development in Vietnam is to boost economic growth, narrow the gap between rural and urban areas, and preserve the distinct cultural and environmental values of rural areas. “UN Tourism has launched a programme promoting tourism for rural development, which aims to protect natural and cultural resources while empowering local communities and creating jobs. This initiative aligns with the goals for sustainable economic, social, and environmental development," said Long.
Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage and scenic landscapes provide a solid foundation for rural tourism. With over 70% of the population living in rural areas, the country has significant advantages in terms of cultural identity and natural resources. The government has been promoting unique agricultural and rural tourism products that showcase the country's diverse offerings, from eco-tourism to cultural experiences. This approach not only attracts tourists but also strengthens local economies, creates jobs, and helps preserve traditional crafts and agricultural practices.
International tourists enjoy the experience of becoming farmers in Tra Que Vegetable Village (Photo: VietnamPlus)
In recent years, rural tourism has played a significant role in transforming rural areas across Vietnam. Many previously isolated and underdeveloped regions have experienced a renaissance, becoming more attractive to both tourists and investors. Tourism ha🅰s helped preserve valuable landscapes, ecological sites, and traditional cultures, while also narrowing the income gap between urban and rural populations.
According to Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Ho An Phong, rural tourism has contributed greatly to giving a facelift to rural areas, turning those with limited development potential into "livable places".
Challenges and solutions for sustainable development
UN Tourism Deputy Secretary-General Zoritsa Urosevic (Photo: VietnamPlus)
Despite the positive trends, Vietnam's rural tourism faces several challenges, especially in remote areas. Many rural tourism models are small-scale, lacking professional management, infrastructure, and sufficient investment. These areas often struggle with limited access to markets and have insufficient human resources for tourism development.
To address these challenges, experts suggest implementing targeted policies to develop rural tourism in a sustainable way. Sustainable rural tourism can help diversify the economy, strengthen ties between tourism and agriculture, and empower local communities, especially vulnerable groups like women and youth. Additionally, experts stress the importance of ensuring that tourism benefits are distributed equitably, providing job opportunities while protecting natural and cultural resources.
Zoritsa Urosevic, Deputy Secretary-General of UN Tourism, emphasised the value of combining nature, local communities, and traditional culture to create a unique tourism experience that benefits both the local economy and the environment. Statistics show that nearly 84% of people in rural areas face difficulties accessing basic services, infrastructure, and job opportunities. Rural tourism, if developed sustainably, offers a solution to these challenges by creating new opportunities and fostering social inclusion.
Foreign tourists practice making banh xeo (sizzling pancakes) while experiencing Tra Que vegetable village. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
Experts also highlight the importance of retaining young people in rural areas and involving them in tourism development. Empowering the youth to become tour guides and contributing to the promotion of rural tourism is essential for the sector’s future, said Sandra Carvão, Chief of Tourism Market Intelligence and Competitiveness at UN Tourism. Young people can help bridge the gap between traditional culture and modern tourism, creating innovative solutions that attract visitors and improve the livelihoods of rural communities, she added.
In conclusion, sustainable rural tourism offers a promising pathway for Vietnam to address its economic, social, and environmental challenges. By focusing on local culture, preserving natural resources, and empowering communities, rural tourism can contribute to the country's long-term development, making rural areas not only economically vibrant but also desirable places to live./.
Tourism insiders gathered at the first UN Tourism Conference on Tourism for Rural Development in the central province of Quang Nam on December 10, highlighting the significance of rural tourism to sustainable development.
The central coastal province of Quang Nam is scheduled to host the UN Tourism’s first Conference on Tourism for Rural Development on December 10, expected to bring together around 300 delegates, including government officials, international organisations, tourism stakeholders, and private sector representatives.
The Vietnamese team will gather on June 26 in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, where they will train until July 14 before departing for Indonesia for the ASEAN U23 Championship 2025, which runs from July 15 to 29. Vietnam will face Laos on July 19 and Cambodia on July 22 in the group stage.
The exhibition showcases more than 100 valuable documents and artifacts, divided into two main parts: “Journalist Nguyen Ai Quoc – Ho Chi Minh” and “President Ho Chi Minh – Founder and Mentor of Vietnamese Revolutionary Press.” This is an opportunity to recall the late leader’s journalism journey and affirm his exceptional role in founding and guiding the revolutionary press in Vietnam.
For the first time, the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) has granted Vietnam hosting rights for the two championships, including the Asian women’s solo category, which debuts this year as an officially recognised event.
Eight teams will join the tournament, divided into two groups. Group A features Vietnam, the Philippines, Sichuan Club (China), and Australia, while Group B consists of Vietnam U21, Korabelka Club (Russia), Taiwan (China), and U21 Thailand.
Despite strong home support and high expectations, Vietnam were unable to overcome the defending champions, who secured their third consecutive win over Vietnam in a regional final, following previous victories in 2014 and 2023.
The event, part of Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy strategy through 2030, was jointly organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Venezuela and USM’s Faculty of International Relations. It attracted thousands of students from universities across Venezuela.
For the first time, Vietnamese audiences will have the opportunity to experience the ballet masterpiece "Don Quixote" in its original version by renowned choreographer Marius Petipa.
The contest carried deep meaning as it was the first time the life of Vietnamese women abroad had been highlighted as the central theme, said poet and writer Nguyen Quang Thieu, Chairman of the Vietnam Writers’ Association.
The event formed part of Vietnam’s ongoing campaign to seek UNESCO World Heritage status for the complex at the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, scheduled to take place in Paris in July.
Creative cultural festivals are fast emerging as a new catalyst for tourism development in Vietnam, as localities increasingly invest in these vibrant events on a more systematic and larger scale.
This marks the first time Vietnam has hosted a continental-level Muay event which will feature competitions across 28 weight categories in combat and eight performance categories.
Coming to the Vietnamese booth, visitors had the chance to take part in a bamboo dance, a workshop on painting woven bamboo or rattan, or quizzes about Vietnam.
These are impressive achievements, not only showing the efforts and prowess of Vietnamese paddlers but also serving as proof of the sports sector’s strategic and systematic investment.
The cultural event in Canberra not only fostered cultural exchanges between Vietnam and Australia but also contributed to promoting Vietnam’s image internationally
The U23 competition will run from June 16 to 22, followed by the U17 event from June 23 to 28, while athletes competing in the U23 category will undergo weight and skill checks ahead of the matches starting June 18, while similar checks for U17 athletes will take place before June 23.
Vietnam continues to sit just behind continental powerhouses Japan, the Republic of Korea, Australia, China, and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).
