Delegates pose for a group photo at the event. (Photo courtersy of the organisers)

The event was hosted by the municipal Department of Tourism, marking a milestone in the city’s strategy to affirm its standing on the international tourism map while strengthening diplomatic ties and fostering cooperation with cities worldwide.

Speaking at the event, Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Van Duoc underscored the city’s pride in making positive contributions to the TPO’s activities as well as its role in driving tourism development across the region.

Ho Chi Minh City sees digital transformation and green transition as strategic choices for sustainable development, particularly significant for a megacity, he said, stressing the transformations will not only enhance competitiveness and attract high-quality visitors but also create lasting added value, and encourage innovation, technology-driven management, emissions monitoring, and responsible travel consumption.

Hosting the event provides a gold opportunity for the city to accelerate its dual transformation agenda, thus pushing ahead the development of a smart tourism ecosystem, and harnessing digital tools, big data, and AI for destination management, operations, and marketing.

At the same time, it aims to promote eco-friendly tourism products, reduce emissions, and raise community awareness of responsible travel, according to the leader.

TPO Secretary General Kang Da-eun stressed the collaboration of all stakeholders, including governments, businesses, communities, and tourists, in planning and implementing concrete actions toward common objectives.

The four-day assembly is set to handle critical challenges facing the tourism industry, including climate change, tourists' demands for personalised experiences, and the explosive growth of technology and AI.

Digital transformation and green transition represent crucial strategies impacting the structure, nature, and sustainable development orientation of global tourism, aligning with the UN’s 17 sustainable development goals.