The "Digital Skills for Green Tourism Enterprises" workshop in Hue City, Vietnam, organized by VNAT and ASEAN - Japan Center, celebrates 50 years of ASEAN-Japan ties. It focuses on digital skills to enhance green tourism and sustainable practices. This workshop, running until December 8, 2023, aims to boost green tourism and aid economic recovery after COVID-19.
Vietnam
Green Tourism Boosted by Digital Skills Workshop in Vietnam
A significant workshop titled "Digital Skills for Green Tourism Enterprises: Training of Trainers" is underway at the Silk Path Hotel in Hue City, Vietnam. Hosted by the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT), in collaboration with ASEAN - Japan Center, Thua Thien Hue Province, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), this event is part of celebrating 50 years of ASEAN and Japan friendship and cooperation.
The workshop's focus is to equip stakeholders in the tourism industry with the necessary skills for managing and promoting green tourism destinations.
According to the Travel Daily News, this initiative is vital as the latest UNWTO data indicates a potential 90% recovery of international tourism to pre-pandemic levels by year's end. However, recovery in Asia and the Pacific lags, with only 62% of pre-pandemic levels achieved from January to September.
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Despite the ASEAN Member States welcoming 43 million international tourists in 2022, this was only a 30% recovery compared to pre-crisis levels. Vietnam, leading in ASEAN, fully opened its borders for tourism in March 2023 and has since seen a significant recovery in the sector.
The workshop, which will run until Dec. 8, covers various aspects of digital marketing, including social networks, search engines, and online travel agencies. It aims to enhance the digital presence of tourism enterprises and governmental officials, ultimately fostering green tourism growth.
Participants from ASEAN countries will exchange digital solution experiences and explore Hue's tourist attractions.
As per the report, the emphasis on digital transformation is crucial for Vietnamese businesses to remain competitive and innovative in the high-stakes international market. This workshop is a strategic step towards strengthening ASEAN's solidarity and identity while promoting green tourism as a cornerstone of sustainable economic development and recovery in the post-COVID-19 era.
ASEAN-Korea Seminar Focuses on Green Tourism
The "Seminar on ASEAN-Korea Tourism 2023" in Seoul brought together policymakers and experts to discuss green tourism on Aug. 23. Hosted by the ASEAN-Korea Centre, it focused on public and private sector roles in sustainable local tourism.
ASEAN-Korea Centre's Kim Hae-yong highlighted tourism's role in regional GDP, employment, and the growing Korean interest in ASEAN's rich culture. Songkane Luangmuninthone, ambassador of Lao PDR, emphasized digital transitions in travel.
Key topics included digital transitions' impact on travel and community engagement's importance in boosting local economies and cultural connections.
The Korea Times reported that ASEAN member states shared their green tourism strategies. Brunei focuses on eco-friendly accommodations and local culture, while Cambodia implements community-based tourism. Indonesia's national development plan includes sustainable tourism, and Lao PDR prioritizes ecotourism, blending natural beauty, cultural heritage, and community engagement.
Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam also presented their sustainable tourism approaches, each with a unique focus on community and environment.
The seminar underscored the importance of green tourism in ASEAN and Korea, discussing sustainable practices and the need for digital transformation in the tourism sector.
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