Vietnam has reaffirmed its commitment to responsible travel by joining other Mekong countries in a new regional initiative aimed at promoting sustainable tourism. The collaboration brings together Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar to develop a shared approach to tourism growth that protects natural landscapes, supports local communities and enhances traveller experiences across the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS).
During a recent regional meeting, tourism ministers from the five countries affirmed the importance of working jointly to address environmental pressures, climate-related challenges and the long-term sustainability of the Mekong River Basin. With increasing visitor numbers expected over the next decade, the coalition seeks to ensure that tourism development remains carefully managed, culturally respectful and environmentally responsible.
For Vietnam, the partnership aligns with the country’s national strategy for green and sustainable tourism, which prioritises reducing environmental impact, promoting renewable energy, improving destination management and strengthening community-led tourism models.
The new Mekong coalition has identified several key areas for cooperation:
- Developing sustainable tourism products such as ecotourism, heritage tours, river-based experiences and community-led activities.
- Enhancing environmental protection, including waste reduction, climate-resilient infrastructure and conservation of biodiversity and cultural heritage.
- Promoting greener transport and mobility within and between destinations to minimise carbon emissions.
- Training and capacity building to support local tourism workers, small businesses and community groups in adopting responsible tourism practices.
- Strengthening joint marketing and promotion, positioning the Mekong region as a world-leading sustainable travel destination.
Vietnam has emphasised the importance of these shared priorities, noting that cross-border cooperation can help ensure consistent standards and more effective long-term management of tourism assets that span multiple countries.
As part of the initiative, Vietnam will work with Mekong partners to exchange data, implement shared guidelines and develop best-practice models that can be applied across the region. The goal is to help destinations grow in a way that benefits local people while preserving cultural and environmental heritage for future generations.
This regional partnership also reflects a growing global shift: travellers today increasingly value sustainability, authenticity and low-impact experiences. By joining forces, Mekong countries aim to meet this demand while safeguarding the natural and cultural richness that makes the region unique.
Vietnam’s participation in the Mekong sustainable tourism coalition marks an important step toward building a more resilient, collaborative and future-focused tourism landscape. As Southeast Asia continues to reopen, rebuild and innovate, the Mekong partnership signals a shared commitment to ensuring that tourism strengthens — rather than strains — the region’s people and ecosystems.
With coordinated planning and a unified approach, the Greater Mekong Subregion is poised to become a leading global model for sustainable tourism.
