Hanoi (VNA) – The Vietnam International Travel Mart (VITM) Hanoi 2024, slatedto take place from April 11-14 under the theme "Vietnam tourism - Greentransition for sustainable development," is said to closely follow a newglobal trend of "Net zero tours" which promotes sustainable tourismand reduces negative impacts on the environment.

Withthe theme, VITM Hanoi 2024 aims to promote responsible tourism, turningVietnam’s tourism into a green economic industry with green destinations andproducts. It also prompts tourism businesses to equip their staff withknowledge about green tourism.

Accordingto the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT) underthe Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, “Net zero tours” is a conceptrelated to the organisation of tours in which all activities fromtransport, lodging and catering services and other activities areset to minimise the amount of carbon emissions.

InVietnam, some models of "Net zero tours" and sustainable greentourism have been initially implemented such as "Hotel with no plasticwaste" model in Hoi An city, and Con Dao’s participation in the UrbanPlastic Reduction Programme within the framework of a project on reducing oceanplastic waste in the 2020-2024 period.

Forthe last two years, Visit Vietnam Year focused on promoting green tourism.

VisitVietnam Year 2022 with the theme "Quang Nam – A Green Destination"conveyed a message that Quang Nam makes green and sustainable development apillar, calling on the community to join hands in building a green Vietnam andhelping to keep the planet forever green, peaceful and happy.

Inparticular, the province issued a set of green tourism criteria applicable todestinations and tourism businesses.

Meanwhile,Visit Vietnam Year 2023 with the theme "Binh Thuan - GreenConvergence" featured a series of unique events to introduce the southcentral province’s cultural values, resources, and tourism products totourists, and raise public awareness of green tourism development.

VNATDeputy Director Ha Van Sieu said that green tourism is an inevitable trendglobally, promoting human consciousness in respecting nature, preservingcultural identity, protecting the ecological environment and restoringbiodiversity.

Ingreen tourism, environmental protection must be placed at the top, followed byrespect for indigenous culture. Tourism activities must benefit localcommunities, helping to improve their material and spiritual lives, and broadentheir knowledge through exchanges with tourists.

Visitors will get good experiences, understand the cultural values, learn aboutthe lives of residents, and enjoy a clean environment./.