Rural tourism - a green pathway for sustainable national development

On November 8, under the direction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the Agricultural Trade Promotion Center cooperated with the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VAN News, and the Viet Nam Geographical Association to organize the National Forum “Rural tourism associated with ecological civilization and building green living environments”.

A sustainable path in the green era

The forum served as a platform for managers, scientists, enterprises, tour operators, and communities to identify challenges, share experiences, present best practices, and propose policy frameworks and technological solutions to promote rural tourism in the direction of being “green - smart - circular - low-carbon”.

The event also contributed to realizing national commitments on green growth and sustainable development, while concretizing the goals of the Rural Tourism Development Program 2021 - 2025, vision to 2030 (Decision No. 922/QD-TTg).

In his opening speech, Dr. Le Hoang Dung, Vice Rector of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Viet Nam National University Ho Chi Minh City, emphasized that in the context of globalization and modernization, agricultural and rural tourism have been affirming their roles as sustainable development paths for Viet Nam’s tourism industry. He noted that this model not only helps develop agricultural economies and increase farmers’ incomes but also preserves cultural identities and enhances natural and indigenous knowledge, the precious “green assets” of Viet Nam’s countryside.

However, Dr. Dung also pointed out that rural tourism is facing strong environmental and social changes that significantly affect rural livelihoods, with more than 60% of Viet Nam’s population living in rural areas, endowed with rich ecosystems, unique landscapes, and long-standing agricultural traditions. Rural regions have a strong foundation for developing signature tourism products that allow visitors not only to enjoy the scenery but also to experience, learn, and connect with local people.

According to him, the Prime Minister’s Decision No. 922 and the National New Rural Development Program 2021 - 2025 have opened a new phase, affirming a development direction that links tourism with ecological preservation and the creation of green living environments. Still, he stressed that many challenges remain and must be addressed to ensure genuine sustainability.

“Working in this field means more than running tourism businesses, it involves services, trade, and food processing... all contributing to the bigger picture of rural and sustainable tourism development”, Dr. Dung said, expressing hope for creative solutions and ideas from experts, managers, businesses, and cooperatives to help Vietnamese tourism move toward a green, smart, and circular future.

Sowing the seeds of ecological civilization in every village

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Trang, Head of the Faculty of Geography at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, noted that the concept of “ecological civilization” is relatively new in Viet Nam but has been applied for years in countries such as China, with specific resolutions, programs, and ten detailed criteria. In Viet Nam, discussions often revolve around “net-zero emissions”, “green products”, or “green development”, but ecological civilization has yet to be clearly defined or reflected in policies on tourism or rural economy.

From this reality, Dr. Trang proposed 9 solutions to develop agricultural and rural tourism in a humane, ecological, and sustainable manner. The foremost goal, she said, is to ensure that people can earn a living from tourism and that the rural economy develops in tandem with green zones.

First, developing a multi-value agricultural economy, shifting from agricultural production to an agricultural economy. Farmers must not only grow and sell but also promote and tell the story of their products to increase value.

Second, integrating the OCOP (One Commune One Product) criteria into rural tourism to highlight local culture and increase product value.

Third, applying green thinking and nature-based approaches, learning from organic farming models such as Australia’s “farm - forest - herbal” systems that combine eco-tourism and green cuisine.

Fourth, preserving local architecture and culture through community-based tourism and craft village experiences.

Fifth, empowering local communities as the center of tourism development.

Sixth, encouraging youth participation, supporting the trend of young people returning to rural areas to innovate.

Seventh, viewing tourism as an ambassador for agricultural products and OCOP brands via QR codes and digital media.

Eighth, applying digital transformation: 5G, IoT, AI, mapping, and digital payments.

Finally, strengthening regional linkages, because tourism cannot grow in isolation; it requires cross-regional cooperation and innovation networks.

“Visiting rural Viet Nam means visiting the green heritage, where every village preserves not only its architecture but a way of life in harmony with nature,” Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Trang emphasized.

Preserving rural soul through ecological tourism

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Trung Luong, a member of the National Planning Advisory Group, stated that rural tourism is not just about taking photos, it is about living like a local: planting, harvesting, cooking, and staying with host families. He stressed that the essence of this form of tourism lies in tranquility, proximity to nature, and genuine connections between visitors and local communities.

According to him, ecological civilization means achieving harmony between economy, society, and environment, respecting nature, and preserving local values.

“Rural eco-tourism must simultaneously create sustainable livelihoods, preserve landscapes and culture, and promote green behavior among both communities and tourists. It cannot justify unregulated resorts, concrete villages, or wildlife consumption...those go against the ecological spirit,” he warned.

He proposed policies to integrate tourism into new rural development plans, establish product and service standards, train local people, and control anti-ecological practices, so that tourism truly becomes a channel for cultivating a green lifestyle from the countryside.

A dual driver for green economy and new rural development

Mr. Nguyen Minh Tien, Director of the Trade Promotion centre for Agricultural (Ministry of Agriculture and Environment), emphasized that rural tourism has become a dual driving force: boosting sustainable agriculture and building modern, civilized rural communities. In the context of Viet Nam’s green transition and commitment to net-zero emissions, rural tourism linked with ecological civilization is a strategic path, combining local wisdom, green technology, and circular economy models to reduce emissions, enhance product value, and foster community development.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has drafted the National Target Program 2026 - 2030, which includes rural tourism as a key component aligning with Viet Nam’s green economy and emission reduction commitments for 2030.

“Through this forum, new linkages will emerge. Ideas, initiatives, and recommendations will soon translate into policies for the 2026 - 2030 phase, helping generate attractive tourism products, raise incomes, and create a future of harmony between economy and ecology,” Mr. Nguyen Minh Tien affirmed.

According to the Ministry, as of 2025, Viet Nam has over 600 agricultural and rural tourism models in operation. Many integrate agricultural experiences, OCOP product sales, and community tourism, forming a multi-value rural economic ecosystem that connects tourism development with sustainable new rural construction.

To celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the Agriculture and Environment Sector and the 1st Patriotic Emulation Congress, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment will hold a series of events from July to December 2025.The highlight will be the 80th Anniversary Ceremony and the 1st Patriotic Emulation Congress, scheduled for the morning of November 12, 2025, at the National Convention Center in Hanoi, with over 1,200 delegates in attendance. VAN News will broadcast the event live.