On November 13, the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism and Duy Tan University jointly organized the 17th UNWTO Asia/Pacific Executive Training Program on Tourism Policy and Strategy.
Foreign tourists visiting Ngu Hanh Son Mountains
Mr. Doan Van Viet, Vice-Minister of Culture, Sports, & Tourism, explained how the global impact of Covid-19 has made the entire world realize the importance of tourism in economic development and in the improvement of our everyday lives.
Tourism is now actively contributing to post-pandemic socio-economic recovery and development, and, according to a report by the Secretary-General of the World Tourism Organization, 700 million international tourists have arrived in Asia/Pacific in the first seven months of 2023, just 84% of the same period in 2019.
However, recovery in Asia/Pacific is slower than in most other regions of the world, as some, such as the Middle East, are welcoming even more visitors than before the pandemic. This poses a common challenge for the region, but will also bring us many new opportunities, if we know how to take advantage of them.
In Vietnam, Vice-Minister Doan Van Viet stated that in the two years since the country reopened its doors, tourism has been gradually recovering, thanks to the concern of the Party and government at all levels, and new policies facilitating development. In the first ten months of 2023, Vietnam received 10 million international visitors, totaling 69% of the same period in 2019, against a current yearly target of 8 million for all of 2023. This highlights efforts that the entire tourism industry has made, contributing to the country’s economic development, improved livelihoods, and the promotion of the image of Vietnam and its people internationally.
The annual event enables participants to share information and improve the capability of member countries. This year’s program, on “Human Resource Development in Tourism, Navigating Post-Covid Challenges” took place from November 13 to 16, and included an opening session, a UNWTO forum on human resource development in tourism, and four thematic sessions, including keynote presentations, a panel discussion, debates, presentations, and speeches by member countries.
UNWTO’s membership includes 159 Member States, 6 Associate Members and over 500 Affiliate Members representing the private sector, educational institutions, tourism associations and local tourism authorities.
As the leading international organization in the field of tourism, UNWTO promotes tourism as a driver of economic growth, inclusive development and environmental sustainability and offers leadership and support to the sector in advancing knowledge and tourism policies worldwide.
In 1981, Vietnamese tourism became a member of the UNWTO, on duty of East Asia and the Pacific Committee.
(Media Center)