Bai Dinh Pagoda.— Photo dulichninhbinh

HA NOI (VNS)—The first ever international conference on spiritual tourism will take place in Ninh Binh Province's Bai Dinh Pagoda on November 21– 22, said an official from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism at a press conference this morning.

The International Conference on Spiritual Tourism for Sustainable Development will explore ways in which living culture, traditions and beliefs can be integrated into tourism while respecting the four pillars of sustainability: environment, economy, society and culture.

The conference jointly-organised by the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and Ninh Binh People's Committee was an initiative of UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai after his study tour to the province in April last year, said the ministry's National Administration of Tourism head Nguyen Van Tuan.

"The General Secretary expressed his great surprise and impression after visiting some tourism spots in Ninh Binh, particularly Bai Dinh Pagoda, a private-invested work," Tuan said.

He said it was special and that it was a success story on developing community-based tourism, Tuan said during the press conference in Ha Noi.

The conference's discussion will centre on the significance of spiritual tourism; cultural exchange and responsible tourism, and enhanced people-to-people understanding through spiritual tourism; sustainable development and responsible management; and spiritual tourism products.

According to Tuan, a Ninh Binh Statement on Spiritual Tourism for Sustainable Development will officially be approved at the end of the two-day event which expects to attract between 340-350 participants, half of which are international delegates. – VNS