UN Tourism to Host First Global Conference on Rural Tourism Development in Vietnam

UN Tourism, alongside Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, will host the inaugural Global Conference on Tourism for Rural Development in Hoi An from December 9–11. The conference will convene global leaders, policymakers, and industry experts to discuss tourism as a means to uplift rural communities.

The event will focus on tourism's potential to create sustainable economic opportunities in rural areas, particularly for women and youth. Sessions will highlight ways equitable tourism can generate jobs, preserve cultural and natural heritage, and promote social inclusion. Key topics include policy frameworks, financing, market access, product development, and the integration of tourism with agriculture and governance.

A major theme is community empowerment, advocating for local participation in tourism development to ensure benefits are economically viable and culturally respectful. Discussions will emphasize the role of local communities in governance and decision-making to achieve fair distribution of tourism benefits.

The conference will also host the Second Annual Meeting of the Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism Network, providing a platform for members to share insights on advancing sustainable tourism in rural destinations worldwide.

With stakeholders from UN agencies, financial institutions, community groups, and businesses, the conference aims to build partnerships that enhance rural tourism’s role in economic growth while protecting the cultural and environmental identity of these regions.

The three-day event will conclude with a technical tour showcasing Hoi An’s successful integration of tourism with agriculture and culture, underscoring how community-led initiatives can drive sustainable rural development.