GMS International Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development 2025: Toward a Vision of Sustainable Regional Tourism

Working with regional partners, the conference provided a platform for discussing and sharing valuable experiences on sustainable tourism from GMS countries and Switzerland. The event aimed to seek a balance between economic growth, social benefits, and environmental protection. This conference was a side event of the 56th Greater Mekong Subregion Tourism Working Group (GMS TWG) Meeting and related conferences.

The event drew 100 delegates from the six GMS member countries: Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. Participants represented national tourism bodies, associations, tourism businesses active in sustainable development, and key GMS partners such as the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and the Asian Ecotourism Network. Experts from Switzerland played a key role by sharing international standards and valuable experiences from the leading country in sustainable tourism.

The conference took place as the GMS region faces significant challenges, including climate change and pressure from resource exploitation, underscoring that sustainable development is the key pathway for tourism to maintain long-term competitiveness.

Dr. Ha Van Sieu, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, emphasized: “The adoption of GMS Tourism Development Strategy toward 2030 marks a significant milestone, charting a new course for regional tourism. This strategy envisions a green, sustainable, innovative, and integrated GMS, with people and nature at its heart of development. With this regard, the Conference serves as a vital platform for member countries, international experts, and partners to share experiences, lessons learned, and most importantly, to discuss actions to realize the GMS Tourism Development Strategy toward 2030 into reality.”

Mr. Etienne Jenni, Program Manager of Trade Promotion, SECO, emphasized: “Switzerland is pleased to share its experience in sustainable tourism to support the development of this sector. By strengthening policy frameworks, applying internationally recognized sustainability standards, building the capacity of tourism enterprises, and developing executive hospitality skills, we aim to promote tourism growth that delivers lasting economic, social, and environmental benefits to communities.”

The in-depth discussion sessions at the conference focused on two main sessions. The first session was Knowledge and Experience of Sustainable Tourism Development in GMS Countries, where delegates had lively discussions on effective tourism development models, applicable international standards, how to mobilize resources, and how to promote international cooperation in the sector. The second session, GMS Vision and Actions for Sustainable Tourism Development, aimed to define the ambitious shared vision and objectives for 2030. This session also clarified the coordinating role of the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO) and the necessity of active participation from all stakeholders in implementing the common regional strategy.

Viet Nam, currently implementing the Green Tourism Development Program for the 2023–2025 period, reaffirmed its commitment to building sustainable destination models, enhancing digital transformation, reducing carbon emissions, and spreading benefits to local communities. Viet Nam is also strongly committed to collaborating with GMS countries to share data and coordinate actions to achieve common goals.