On November 23, the Swiss Development Cooperation of the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) launched its first Sustainable Tourism Program for Vietnam. More than 25 participants, including a Delegation of SECO Head Office in Switzerland led by Mrs. Monica Rubiolo, Head of SECO’s Trade Promotion Division, attended the event.

The “Swiss Sustainable Tourism Program - SSTP” aims to increase sustainability and competitiveness of Vietnam’s tourism, in close cooperation with the private sector. It is targeting Small and Medium sized businesses (SMEs) and Vietnamese training providers by providing technical assistance to improve and expand the range of Sustainable Tourism Products, thereby making the sector more competitive and resilient in the long-term.

The program attempts to disseminate among SMEs, such as Tour Operators, Small Hotels, Eco-Lodges, CBT/Homestay providers and Tourism Attractions, models of Sustainable Tourism. In its turn, those SMEs could help other businesses to replicate the “ST Model” in other emerging tourism destinations, so as to multiply forms and products of responsible and sustainable tourism to lesser visited areas; and spread the benefits from tourism more equitable throughout the country.

The SSTP, covering a wide range of sustainable tourism subjects, will be tailored to the needs of the private sector. It will be developed in collaboration with seven training institutes in three tourism destinations, Hanoi/Ninh Binh; Da Nang/ Quang Nam and Hochiminh City/Can Tho/ An Giang.

In her opening remarks, Mrs. Monica Rubiolo stressed the importance that “equal attention is paid to commercial viability, social equity and environmental sustainability, the three dimensions of sustainability.” She also shared that “Switzerland has a rich experience and sound expertise in the tourism sector and is pleased to support Vietnam in its endeavor to become a more competitive and responsible destination for visitors from all over the world.” 

The SSTP is implemented by a Consortium of Consultancies led by GFA (Germany), AMDI (Viet Nam) and IMI (Switzerland) and is being supported by major players in the tourism industry, a/o Hilton Hotels Worldwide, Victoria Hotels and Exo Tour Operating.