RMIT’s Spain and Vietnam students combat sustainable tourism challenge
Students from RMIT Vietnam and CETT at the University of Barcelona recently partnered up to tackle challenges towards sustainable tourism with a focus on the community of Can Tho in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam.
The students were tasked with developing a sustainable tourism plan for the Can Tho community in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, with the aim to balance economic development with environmental conservation and cultural preservation.
It followed a challenge tackled in 2022 by students at both universities addressing mass tourism in Spain’s Ebro Delta Natural Park.
The new challenge, which was facilited by RMIT’s European Innovation Hub in Barcelona, aimed to encourage innovative solutions for sustainable practices in the tourism industry in Vietnam with consideration of the needs and perspectives of the local community, environment and tourists.
Students were briefed by Miquel Angel Perez Martorell, Founder and Managing Partner of MQL Sustainable Tourism Services and Head of Human Resources and Quality Working Group at the Vietnam Tourism Advisory Board.
Working in groups, the students from RMIT Vietnam’s and the University of Barcelona’s CETT School of Tourism, Hospitality and Gastronomy, developed ideas and delivered their solutions through engaging presentations.
Alt Text is not present for this image, Taking dc:title ‘Website images 1220 x 720 – 2’Can Tho is a city in southern Vietnam’s Mekong Delta region.
The challenge required students to think critically, collaborate effectively and present their ideas in the form of slides and a three-minute video.
After weeks of collaboration and creative brainstorming, the jury of Miquel Angel Perez Martorell and RMIT Vietnam’s Professor Jackie Ong, had the difficult task of selecting the winning groups.
The pair said that the student work demonstrated exceptional innovation, a thorough understanding of sustainable tourism practices, and a strong ability to communicate ideas effectively.
“The two winning groups exemplified the dedication, creativity and expertise required to address the complex challenges faced by the sector,” they said.
“We congratulate all students for their remarkable efforts and eagerly anticipate the opportunity to showcase their exceptional work.”
CETT student Yibo Lyu said they were grateful for the opportunity that had them collaborate across countries.
“During this project, my group and I were able to learn a lot about the Mekong Delta and the Can Tho area,” they said.
RMIT Vietnam student Bui Thi Minh Chau said that they gained knowledge about various aspects of the tourism sector, such as how to construct an area for tourists that was environmentally friendly.
“This experience has been one that has left a lasting impression,” they said.