This year marks a significant milestone for GapEdu Consulting and Training – our 25th anniversary! Since its inception in 2000, under the visionary leadership of Founder Hanni Tran, GapEdu has dedicated itself to fostering sustainable growth within the tourism economy, leaving a positive impact on communities and the environment across Vietnam and beyond. Our journey, marked by unwavering commitment and impactful projects, is a testament to the power of collaboration and vision.
The first decade (2000-2010) saw GapEdu laying the groundwork for community-based tourism (CBT) in Vietnam. Our pioneering project in An Giang Province stands out as a cornerstone of our legacy. This initiative, spearheaded by Hanni Tran and her team, focused on empowering local communities by directly involving them in tourism development. By fostering sustainable practices and ensuring fair benefit-sharing, we helped create a model for responsible tourism that minimized environmental impact while maximizing economic opportunities for local residents. This early work solidified our belief in the importance of placing people at the heart of tourism development.
The period from 2010 to 2015 witnessed an expansion of our focus into tourism education, training, and communication. We embarked on several impactful projects across major Vietnamese cities: Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Vung Tau. These initiatives, guided by Hanni Tran’s strategic vision, were instrumental in equipping tourism professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to drive sustainable practices within the industry. Our training programs emphasized responsible tourism principles, environmental stewardship, and culturally sensitive approaches, ultimately leading to a more qualified and conscious workforce. Improved communication strategies played a crucial role in spreading awareness about the importance of sustainable tourism among both tourism operators and the wider public.
The past eight years (2015-2025) have seen GapEdu Consulting and Training reach a global stage. Our involvement in prestigious events like the Global Tourism Forum and our contributions to World Magazine have allowed us to share our expertise and experiences on a much broader scale. This expansion, driven by Hanni Tran’s commitment to international collaboration, has allowed us to connect with international experts, advocate for global sustainability initiatives, and inspire a wider adoption of responsible tourism practices worldwide. We are proud to be contributing to a global dialogue on how to create a more equitable and environmentally responsible tourism sector.
Looking back on the past 25 years, we are immensely proud of the positive impact GapEdu Consulting and Training has had on the Vietnamese tourism industry and beyond. From our grassroots work in An Giang to our global collaborations, our commitment to sustainability, under the guidance of Hanni Tran, has remained unwavering. As we look towards the next 25 years, we will build upon this strong foundation, establishing a Finland-based hub to further expand our sustainability initiatives globally. This strategic move will serve as a powerful springboard for accelerating our impact and reaching new communities and partners worldwide. Our journey is far from over, and we are excited to continue shaping a sustainable tourism future for generations to come. Here’s to the next 25 years!
GapEdu Team