The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism and Oxalis Company co-organised a workshop on orientation to promote sustainable tourism development through ESG at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre on September 6.

Deputy Director of Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism Bui Thi Ngoc Hieu speaks at the workshop.

The workshop is one of the outstanding events of the 18th Ho Chi Minh City International Travel Expo 2024 (ITE HCMC 2024).

With its rapid development, the tourism industry faces major environmental and social challenges. Applying ESG factors (Environmental, Social, Governance) to tourism development strategy will help Vietnam better exploit its tourism potential while protecting and sustainably developing natural resources and cultural heritage.

Speaking at the workshop, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism Bui Thi Ngoc Hieu pointed out that along with the rapid development, the tourism industry faces major environmental and social challenges. Especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, tourists' psychology and consumer behaviour pay more attention to environmental and social criteria when choosing a destination.

According to Deputy General Director - ESG Leader of PWC Vietnam Nguyen Hoang Nam, by applying ESG principles in tourism, businesses can minimise negative impacts on the environment and the community and, at the same time, create positive social values, such as enhancing local community life, protecting cultural and natural heritage, and improving the quality of life for local people.

Regarding applying ESG's environmental criteria, Deputy General Director of Oxalis Nguyen Ha Dung said that this will help minimise negative impacts on the environment by reducing emissions, protecting natural resources and encouraging the use of renewable energy.