(VOVworld) – The international conference on spiritual tourism for sustainable development closed in Ninh Binh province on Friday. In his closing speech, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Tuan Anh said that tourism development contributes to boosting cultural exchanges and mutual understanding as well as creating investment and cooperation opportunities for economic growth. He added that the development of spiritual tourism helps to generate jobs and increase income for local people. He said: “Responsible spiritual tourism development helps to protect the environment and preserve cultural and moral values, traditional festivals, and local beliefs. However, there should be good planning and management and the involvement of the local community to ensure sustainable tourism development.”

The conference approved the Ninh Binh Declaration on spiritual tourism for sustainable development. The declaration calls on concerned parties to increase policy frameworks, promote cooperation with the community, protect and preserve traditional values, and increase public awareness of tourism management and legislation. It also calls for increased international cooperation in preserving traditional values for future generations.