This event, part of UEB's key research project on "Policies for Developing a Circular Economy in Coastal Tourism in the Southeast Region" led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Thế Kiên, utilized a hybrid format to address challenges and propose practical solutions for sustainable coastal tourism development.

Attendees included leading experts from various institutions, including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Công Thành (National Economics University), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Hồng Quân (Circular Economy Development Research Institute), Dr. Nguyễn Minh Tú (Circular Economy Development Research Institute), Dr. Lại Văn Mạnh (Institute of Strategy - Resources and Environmental Policy), Mr. Phạm Hải Quỳnh (Asian Tourism Development Institute), Dr. Khúc Văn Quý (UEB), Dr. Lê Khánh Cường (UEB), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Thế Kiên (UEB), Dr. Ma Thế Ngàn (UEB), and other researchers and faculty.

The seminar highlighted the urgent need for a circular economy (CE) in coastal tourism given increasing climate change pressures and resource exploitation. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Thế Kiên emphasized the CE's role in optimizing resources, minimizing environmental impact, and enhancing economic value, particularly in transitioning coastal tourism from passive exploitation to sustainable development.

Key discussion points included successful domestic and international CE models in coastal tourism (presented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Thế Kiên's team), the current state and solutions for CE development in Southeast coastal tourism (analyzed by Dr. Ma Thế Ngàn), and practical applications of CE models. Valuable insights were provided by Dr. Lại Văn Mạnh and Mr. Phạm Hải Quỳnh. Discussions covered policy support for businesses adopting CE models, leveraging tourism potential while conserving natural resources, and learning from international examples such as sustainable tourism practices in Nordic countries.

The seminar incorporated input from international experts like Sharon Madel-Artzy, founder and CEO of the Circular Economy Platform, who stressed the importance of raising awareness among policymakers, businesses, and communities through research, publications, and communication. She also highlighted clarifying the environmental costs of coastal tourism and demonstrating the practical benefits of CE models for the environment, businesses, and tourists, citing small changes like replacing individual toiletries with larger, refillable containers as an example of resource conservation and cost optimization.

The seminar successfully provided a multi-faceted perspective on the role of CE in coastal tourism development, proposed practical solutions and policies for sustainable development in the Southeast region, and fostered connections between researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. The research team committed to continued applied research and collaboration to develop sustainable tourism strategies based on a circular economy framework. The seminar also offered specific lessons and experiences from other countries in the region to inform policy recommendations for sustainable coastal economic development.