Vietnam and Switzerland Partner for Sustainable Tourism Development

Swiss Ambassador to Vietnam Thomas Gass and Deputy Director

of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism Ha Van Sieu

sign a Letter of Exchange. (Photo: VNA)

In a landmark collaboration aimed at supporting Vietnam’s tourism recovery and long-term growth, Vietnam and Switzerland have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a $4 million project focused on sustainable tourism. This initiative, named "Swiss Tourism for Sustainable Development in Vietnam," was officially launched in Hanoi on February 28 and is set to run from 2024 to 2027.

The signing ceremony saw Swiss Ambassador to Vietnam, Thomas Gass, and Ha Van Sieu, Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT), affirm their commitment to the project. The initiative will receive a non-refundable grant of 3.6 million Swiss Francs (roughly 4 million USD) from the Swiss Government, designed to tackle key challenges in Vietnam's tourism industry, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The project will initially focus on three provinces: Ha Giang, Quang Nam, and Dong Thap, with the potential to expand to other areas, including Hue, Can Tho, and Hanoi. The project has three main components. The first involves creating public-private dialogue mechanisms at various levels to develop tourism indicators and enhance Vietnam's competitiveness in the global market. The second component centers on providing in-depth training and skills development for the workforce in Vietnam's tourism and hospitality sectors. Lastly, the project aims to help tourism destinations in Vietnam implement sustainable practices while promoting green tourism standards among businesses.

Vietnam’s tourism has experienced significant growth in recent years, becoming a top destination in Asia. In 2024, the country led the region in tourism recovery, with a 37% increase in international arrivals compared to 2023. Last year, Vietnam welcomed 17.6 million international visitors and 110 million domestic tourists, with tourism revenues reaching 840 trillion VND (32.8 billion USD). The country’s increasing global recognition, including being named the "Leading Destination in Asia" by the World Travel Awards, is a testament to its growing appeal.

However, as Vietnam’s tourism industry expands, it faces the challenge of ensuring its growth is sustainable. Ambassador Gass highlighted that while Vietnam has immense potential due to its stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage, the country must navigate the delicate balance between tourism growth and environmental preservation. Drawing from Switzerland’s long-standing commitment to sustainable tourism, the ambassador expressed confidence that Vietnam could successfully integrate these lessons into its tourism development strategy.

With this collaborative effort, Vietnam and Switzerland aim to set a new standard for tourism in the region—one that not only drives economic growth but also preserves the environment and cultural heritage for future generations. This partnership is a significant step forward in ensuring that Vietnam’s tourism sector remains competitive, sustainable, and resilient in the years to come.

Web: https://vietnamtourism.gov.vn/en