UN Tourism, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Vietnam, will convene global and local leaders, policymakers, and industry pioneers for the First Conference on Tourism for Rural Development in Hoi An from 9th to 11th December 2024.
The UN Tourism Conference on Rural Tourism in Quang Nam Province is the first global event dedicated to rural tourism by UN Tourism. It is expected to 300 delegates from national and local authorities of UN Tourism member countries and Vietnam, international organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), the World Bank (WB), the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Mekong Tourism Coordinating Office (MTCO), tourism experts from the private sector, scholars, and researchers specializing in rural tourism.
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: (1) National and local policies promoting rural tourism development, (2) Engaging and empowering local communities in tourism development; (3) Developing innovative tourism products while enhancing market access for rural destinations. With participation from rural tourism stakeholders worldwide, it will offer a forum for exchanging knowledge and best practices, to ensure that tourism not only drives economic development but also safeguards the cultural and environmental heritage that defines rural destinations.
Alongside the conference, the 2nd Annual Meeting of the UNWTO’s Best Tourism Villages will take place on 9th December 2024. This prestigious title has been awarded to 130 villages globally, including three Vietnamese gems: Thai Hai Village (Thai Nguyen Province), Tan Hoa Village (Quang Binh Province), and Tra Que Village (Quang Nam Province). Therefore the gathering will bring together members of this exclusive network to share insights, discuss progress, and explore how this global hub of local destinations can enhance their work.
The event will conclude with a technical tour of Hoi An, highlighting how the town has successfully integrated tourism with local agricultural and cultural practices.
Learn more about the UN Tourism Conference at UN Tourism.
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