First Global Conference on Tourism for Rural Development Set to Take Place in Vietnam

The United Nations’ tourism division, in conjunction with Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, is set to host the First Conference on Tourism for Rural Development in Hoi An, Vietnam, from December 9-11. The conference will unite international and local leaders, policy decision-makers, and industry trailblazers to discuss tourism’s role in rural development.

The conference’s primary objective is to highlight tourism’s potential as an engine for rural development and social inclusion. It will focus on how tourism can generate employment, protect cultural and natural resources, and encourage social inclusion, emphasizing the support of women and youth. Key discussion areas will include policy framework, financing, market access, product development, and the interconnection between agriculture and governance.

A central theme of the conference will be the importance of community involvement in sustainable tourism development in rural areas. The event aims to promote local participation in tourism planning and development and enable rural communities to reap economic benefits while respecting their cultural and environmental boundaries. The conference will stress the importance of including local communities in governance and decision-making processes to ensure tourism benefits are equitably distributed.

In line with the conference, the Second Annual Meeting of the Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism Network will be held. This meeting allows network members to share experiences and discuss progress, enhancing their collaborative efforts.

The conference aims to fortify partnerships for rural tourism by bringing together rural tourism stakeholders worldwide, including UN agencies, financial institutions, community leaders, and businesses. This forum will facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices, ensuring tourism drives economic development while preserving rural destinations’ cultural and environmental heritage.

The three-day conference will feature a variety of panels, keynote speeches, and fireside chats. It will conclude with a technical tour of Hoi An’s community-led tourism initiatives, demonstrating the successful integration of tourism with local agricultural and cultural practices.