01 P A R T INTRODUCTION 1. Background As the industry looks to rebuild towards prepandemic levels, now is a critical time to ensure Vietnam’s economy has grown and evolved that human rights are placed front and centre significantly over the last 30 years. Economic in recovery efforts. This guidance seeks to and political reforms have propelled Vietnam’s support business to emerge from the pandemic integration into the global economy and elevated in a sustainable manner by assisting them to its status to a lower middle-income country.1 understand the key human rights challenges in This rapid economic growth has been driven by the industry and how to respond appropriately.3 the success of several industries, including in the services sector and, specifically, tourism.2 Tourism plays an important role in the Vietnamese 2. Purpose of this guidance economy by creating jobs, infrastructure, and The purpose of this introductory guidance is to market opportunities. It can also assist in highlight some of the human rights challenges fostering greater mutual understanding across and issues that arise in the tourism industry cultures, regions and nations. However, the in Vietnam and provide practical advice for tourism sector can also create significant human businesses in the tourism sector to meet their rights challenges for the promotion, protection responsibility to respect human rights. and realisation of human rights. This guidance is relevant and appropriate for Globally, there is an increasing expectation local and international businesses operating in on businesses to operate responsibly and Vietnam in the tourism sector, including but not sustainably, based on a core respect for human limited to accommodation, transport, attractions, rights. Following the unanimous endorsement of events and conferences, retail, food services, the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business wellness, and Human Rights (UN Guiding Principles) by services. While the primary focus of this guidance the UN Human Rights Council in 2011, there is is to assist businesses in the formal tourism sector growing focus on responsible business conduct in Vietnam, it is also important to recognise that amongst governments, business, investors, civil the value chain of such businesses includes many society and unions. This has led to numerous enterprises, such as micro- and sole traders. legal, policy and practical developments globally While the concepts and principles contained in and in the ASEAN region. this guidance are applicable for businesses of all Vietnam is a tourism destination that is growing in importance and market share, regionally and information services and online sizes, small businesses operating in the sector will likely need more tailored guidance and support. internationally. As such, the tourism industry is one of Vietnam’s most important service industries. Yet, as in most countries around the world, Vietnam’s tourism industry has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Responsible business conduct and the tourism industry in Vietnam • Guidance for companies • 2022 | 9