Tra Que Vegetable Village (Photo: Quang Nam Provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism)

This will be the first global gathering uniting national and local governments, international organisations, and the private sector to highlight and enhance the vital role of tourism in advancing rural development. Centering the grand event is the First Conference on Tourism for Rural Development, taking place on 10th December.  The conference will bring together representatives from national and local governments, international organisations, and the private sector to showcase a shared vision for tourism as a catalyst for rural upliftment and inclusive development.

The conference is organised to empower local communities, showcasing best practices and strategies designed to create enduring, positive change. Sessions will explore how equitable tourism can generate jobs, safeguard cultural and natural resources, and foster social inclusion, with particular emphasis on supporting women and youth.

Topics under discussion include (1) Inclusive Community Empowerment at the Forefront; (2) Milestone Gathering for the Best Tourism Villages Network; (3) Fostering Partnerships and Building a Sustainable Future. The three-day event will feature a series of high-impact panels, keynote addresses, and fireside chats, culminating in a technical tour of Hoi An’s own community-led tourism initiatives, highlighting how the town has successfully integrated tourism with local agricultural and cultural practices.

The event will bring together prestigious speakers from tourism management agencies of UN Tourism member countries, villages of the UN Tourism Best Tourism Villages Network, international organisations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (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 (BBC Travel Show, Fliggy, JTB, Intrepid, Planeterra, Rustic Hospitality, Traveloka…), scholars and researchers in the field of rural tourism.

On 9th December 2024, the Second Annual Meeting of the Best Tourism Villages by the UN Tourism Network will also be held at the spot. This year, 55 villages from all regions received the recognition, including Tra Que Vegetable Village (Viet Nam) the participations have been chosen from over 260 applications from more than 60 UN Tourism Member States. Another 20 villages were chosen to join the Upgrade Programme.

On 11th December, delegates and distinguished guests of the UN Tourism Network will embark on a journey to explore Quang Nam's rich cultural heritage and stunning rural landscapes, discover the tranquility of Tra Que Vegetable Village, Thanh Ha Pottery Village, and Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tourism Information Technology Center