Dr. Pham Ha Appointed Vice President of Vietnam Green Tourism Association (VGTA), Championing Sustainable Tourism in a Transformative Era
Hanoi, April 12, 2025 – In a pivotal moment for Vietnam’s tourism industry, Dr. Pham Ha, Founder and CEO of LuxGroup, has been officially appointed Vice President of the Vietnam Green Tourism Association (VGTA) for a five-year term. The announcement was made during the high-level Developing Green Tourism Conference at Vietnam International Travel Mart (VITM 2025), underscoring the country’s growing commitment to sustainable development amid green and digital transformation.
Dr. Ha’s appointment comes at a time when Vietnam is accelerating efforts to meet its net-zero carbon emissions goal by 2050 and to maintain double-digit GDP growth fueled by innovation, sustainability, and inclusive development. In his new role, Dr. Ha will take the lead in shaping national strategies, fostering cross-sector partnerships, and promoting green certification standards to elevate Vietnam’s tourism industry to be more competitive, responsible, and globally respected.
With over three decades of experience in the tourism and hospitality industry, Dr. Pham Ha is widely acknowledged as a pioneer of luxury sustainable travel in Vietnam and Asia. He is the visionary founder of LuxGroup, an ecosystem of “small giants” encompassing award-winning brands such as Lux Travel DMC, Luxury Travel, Heritage Cruises, Emperor Cruises, Amiral Cruises, LUX Hotels & Resorts, and premium Vietnamese restaurants. Each brand reflects a seamless fusion of luxury, culture, sustainability, and innovation, delivering personalized, meaningful travel experiences rooted in Vietnam’s rich heritage and aligned with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards.
Dr. Ha’s steadfast commitment to sustainable development has earned him numerous accolades. He has been nominated for the World’s Sustainable Employer at the prestigious World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards (WSTHA), in recognition of his leadership in building a purpose-driven corporate culture, empowering local communities, and adopting best-in-class environmental practices. Most recently, LuxGroup was named one of Asia’s Best Places to Work 2025 by HR Asia Awards, highlighting its people-first ethos.
Under Dr. Ha’s leadership, Lux Travel DMC became the first Vietnamese luxury tour operator to receive the Travelife Certified Sustainability Award, placing it among the world’s top 500 responsible travel companies. At VITM 2025, LuxGroup was also honored with the VITA Green Award, having met all 100 rigorous criteria for sustainable tourism excellence. These achievements position Dr. Ha as a true catalyst in steering Vietnamese tourism toward a greener, more resilient future.
“We are entering an era where green and digital transformation is no longer aspirational—it’s essential,” Dr. Ha stated in his keynote address. “As tourism leaders, we are entrusted with the responsibility not only to create unforgettable journeys but also to generate lasting value for communities, protect cultural heritage, and safeguard our planet. I am deeply honored to serve as Vice President of VGTA, and I will continue to champion tourism that is not only successful—but sustainable, soulful, and sincere.”
As Vice President of VGTA, Dr. Ha’s strategic priorities include:
- Expanding the visibility and impact of the VGTA Green Awards to recognize and reward sustainability champions in the tourism sector.
- Supporting SMEs and community-based tourism in adopting sustainable practices through training, mentorship, and access to green technologies.
- Driving stronger public-private collaboration, advocating for policy reforms and increased investment in green infrastructure, renewable energy, and eco-innovation.
- Positioning Vietnam as a world-class green tourism destination, fully aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) standards.
Vietnam’s Tourism Landscape and Strategic Vision
Vietnam’s tourism industry experienced a remarkable recovery in 2024, welcoming 17.6 million international visitors (a 39.5% year-over-year increase), along with 110 million domestic travelers, contributing to more than 840 trillion VND (approx. 33 billion USD) in total revenue.
The government’s strategic roadmap for tourism includes:
- By 2025: Attract 25–28 million international arrivals and 130 million domestic travelers, with tourism contributing 8–9% to GDP.
- By 2030: Reach 35 million international and 160 million domestic visitors, contributing 13–14% directly to GDP.
- By 2050: Establish Vietnam as a leading green and sustainable tourism destination in the Asia-Pacific region, fully aligned with its net-zero national agenda.
The Vietnamese Government has prioritized tourism as a key pillar in its green economy strategy, with the sector contributing over 10% to GDP and generating millions of jobs, playing a pivotal role in advancing inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
Mr. Vu The Binh, President of VITA, commended the appointment:
“Dr. Pham Ha brings to VGTA a rare blend of strategic vision, practical leadership, and a deep-rooted commitment to sustainability and cultural preservation. His appointment is not only timely—it marks a new chapter in Vietnam’s green tourism journey.”
Beyond Business: Championing Culture, Art, and Regenerative Tourism
Dr. Ha is more than a tourism leader – he is a cultural conservationist, art collector, and storyteller of Vietnamese heritage. Through initiatives such as the LuxArts Collection, the Pham Luc Museum, and a suite of heritage-inspired cruises and boutique hotels, he has introduced thousands of global travelers to the depth and beauty of Vietnamese culture.
His distinctive approach blends tradition, art, and modern hospitality to create experiences that awaken all five senses, while advancing Vietnam’s soft power on the world stage.
Looking ahead, Dr. Ha and LuxGroup remain committed to pioneering a net-positive impact model—where tourism becomes a regenerative force that elevates cultural understanding, protects biodiversity, and enhances human well-being.
In his new role, Dr. Ha reaffirms his lifelong mission:
“Delivering Happiness through Green, Artistic, and Cultural Journeys.”
Together with VGTA and like-minded partners, he aims to help Vietnam lead not just in numbers—but in authenticity, sustainability, and global admiration.
