Mekong’s Next Chapter: GMS Charts a Real Path to Sustainable Tourism in Ninh Binh

GMS International Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development

A regional reset for sustainable tourism

Across the Greater Mekong Subregion, the conversation around tourism is shifting from intention to implementation. On 18 November, more than 100 delegates, policy leaders, sustainability experts, and industry partners gathered in Ninh Binh for the GMS International Conference on Sustainable Tourism Development, co-organised by the Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism and the Swiss ST4SD Project, with support from SECO. The setting was symbolic. Ninh Binh’s karst landscapes and living cultural heritage provided a tangible reminder of what is at stake as the region charts its next steps.

Rather than celebrating easy wins, the conference focused on honest reflection. GMS countries exchanged insights on what is working, what remains difficult, and what must improve if tourism is to deliver lasting value to communities, ecosystems, and economies across the Mekong.

From good intentions to credible systems

A central theme emerging from discussions was the urgent need to strengthen systems that make sustainability real. Delegates highlighted the importance of credible sustainability standards, transparent certification, and measurable outcomes that go beyond marketing claims. Swiss experts shared global trends shaping the future of travel, including carbon-aware decision-making, rising expectations for accountability, and a decisive shift from minimising harm toward creating net-positive impact.

Technology and data were positioned as essential enablers. Smarter planning tools, better visitor flow management, and shared data platforms were identified as critical to protecting fragile destinations while supporting local livelihoods. Regenerative approaches that actively restore ecosystems, rather than simply preserving them, also featured strongly in conversations about the Mekong’s future.

Community ownership at the heart of the Mekong

Country perspectives brought grounded experience to the regional dialogue. Cambodia shared lessons from community and cultural tourism initiatives that place local people at the centre of visitor experiences. Lao PDR reflected on equitable benefit-sharing models that ensure tourism income reaches rural communities. Thailand presented advances in destination management, while Viet Nam showcased progress through its Green Tourism Program, aligning national policy with local action.

These examples reinforced a shared understanding that sustainability cannot be imposed from the top down. Deep community ownership, supported by skills development and fair governance, is essential if tourism growth is to strengthen social resilience rather than erode it.

Building a unified Mekong tourism vision

The Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office presented the shared GMS tourism vision and strategic directions, emphasising collaboration across borders and sectors. Partners including Helvetas, the Asian Ecotourism Network, and PATA underscored the importance of stronger private-sector engagement and the opportunity to build a unified responsible-travel brand for the Mekong region.

Such alignment is increasingly important as travellers seek destinations that demonstrate authenticity, transparency, and environmental leadership. A cohesive regional identity grounded in responsible travel could position the Greater Mekong Subregion as a global leader in sustainable and regenerative tourism.

Why Ninh Binh matters now

Hosting the conference in Ninh Binh sent a clear message. The region’s future depends on protecting natural and cultural assets while enabling communities to thrive. As the GMS moves forward, the conversations in Ninh Binh mark a turning point toward practical collaboration, shared standards, and measurable impact.

For travellers, industry leaders, and policymakers alike, the Mekong’s next chapter is being written now. The focus is no longer on whether sustainability matters, but on how effectively the region can deliver it together.

Web contacts:
Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office – https://www.mekongtourism.org
Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism – https://vietnamtourism.gov.vn
Swiss ST4SD Project – https://st4sd.vn/en/

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