SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Dec. 12, 2024 – The First Conference on Tourism for Rural Development, co-hosted by UN Tourism and the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Vietnam, recently concluded in Hoi An. This landmark event brought together key stakeholders from around the world to explore the power of tourism to drive sustainable development and empower rural communities.
Empowering Communities Through Tourism
The conference emphasized the vital role tourism plays in creating jobs, protecting natural and cultural heritage, and promoting social inclusion in rural areas. Discussions focused on empowering local communities, particularly women and youth, to actively participate in and benefit from tourism development.
"This landmark event has demonstrated the immense potential of tourism to transform rural communities," said Zoritsa Urosevic, Executive Director of UN Tourism. "By placing people and planet at the center of our discussions, we have fostered meaningful connections and actionable strategies that will ripple across rural areas worldwide. Together, we have sown the seeds for a more inclusive and sustainable future."
Key Themes and Discussions
The conference addressed a wide range of topics crucial for advancing rural tourism, including:
- Policy frameworks: Developing effective government policies to support sustainable tourism in rural areas.
- Agriculture and tourism synergies: Promoting collaboration between the agriculture and tourism sectors to drive sustainable practices and economic growth.
- Market access and integration: Helping rural destinations access and integrate into tourism markets.
- Digital tools and funding mechanisms: Leveraging technology and innovative funding models to support rural tourism development.
- Community-led initiatives: Empowering local communities to lead and participate in tourism initiatives.
Partnerships for Progress
Collaboration emerged as a central theme throughout the conference. Representatives from organizations such as the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Mekong Tourism, and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) shared insights on how partnerships can amplify the positive impact of tourism in rural areas.
Le Thanh Long, Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam, emphasized the alignment of the conference's goals with Vietnam's development strategy. "The Tourism for Rural Development Programme by UN Tourism is consistent with Viet Nam's development strategy and distinct potentials, competitive advantages, and outstanding opportunities with the orientation of rapid, sustainable development, green growth, digital transformation, and circular economy," he stated.
Fliggy Partnership to Boost Rural Tourism
UN Tourism and Fliggy, a leading online travel platform, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the development of rural tourism. The partnership aims to promote responsible tourism practices, foster technological innovation, and support capacity building in rural destinations.
Best Tourism Villages Network Annual Meeting
The conference also hosted the second annual meeting of the Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism Network. Representatives from over 30 villages gathered to share experiences, discuss challenges, and develop strategies to further strengthen the network and its impact on rural communities.
Tourism's Transformative Power
The UN Tourism Global Conference in Viet Nam served as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of tourism to empower rural communities and drive sustainable development. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and responsible practices, tourism can play a crucial role in creating a more inclusive and prosperous future for rural areas worldwide.