Vinhomes Green Paradise, the sprawling 2,870-hectare development in Can Gio, Vietnam, has been awarded the Interim Custom ISO 37122 Smart City Certification by the World Council on City Data (WCCD). The certification makes it the first mega urban project in Vietnam to receive such international recognition, a milestone that carries weight for the country's broader tourism and real estate ambitions.
The WCCD's assessment, based on a customised indicators framework developed for greenfield projects, aligns with the core principles of ISO 37122, the international standard for evaluating smart city performance. The certification acknowledges the project's design, planning, and development strategy, which will serve as the foundation for full certification once the development becomes operational.
Dr Patricia McCarney, President and CEO of WCCD, said: "This certification recognises Vinhomes' long-term vision and commitment to developing a smart, sustainable, and future-ready urban model." Her remarks underscore the growing importance of sustainability credentials in destination development, a trend that is also reshaping hospitality and MICE sectors across Asia.
Smart city standards meet eco-tourism
Vinhomes Green Paradise sits adjacent to the UNESCO-recognised Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, a location that gives the project a distinct eco-tourism angle. The development plans to run entirely on renewable energy, with 100% clean electricity and net-zero emissions in transportation. A Forest Regeneration and Climate Adaptation Fund will support biodiversity conservation and ecosystem regeneration, positioning the project as a model for sustainable urban tourism.
For travel professionals, the certification signals more than a real estate achievement. It points to a growing convergence between urban development and tourism infrastructure, particularly in emerging destinations like Vietnam. As cruise ports invest in green upgrades and Asian MICE operators adopt green venues, the demand for certified sustainable spaces is rising across the industry.
The project is also the first official participant in the "7 Wonders of the Future Cities" campaign, an initiative that highlights pioneering urban developments worldwide. This participation could raise Can Gio's profile among international tour operators and destination marketers looking for new eco-conscious offerings.
Vinhomes, a subsidiary of Vingroup, has been expanding its portfolio of large-scale urban projects across Vietnam. The company's focus on smart city standards aligns with national efforts to modernise infrastructure and attract higher-value tourism. The certification may also influence how international hotel brands and travel-tech vendors approach partnerships in the region.
While the Interim certification is a preliminary step, it sets a precedent for other greenfield developments in Southeast Asia. As sustainability certifications become more common in hospitality—such as Atlantis Dubai's recent trio of certifications—the pressure on new developments to meet international standards will only intensify.
For travel agents and tour operators, the development offers a new reason to include Can Gio in itineraries, particularly for clients interested in eco-tourism and smart city experiences. The proximity to Ho Chi Minh City, just a short ferry ride away, makes it an accessible day trip or weekend destination.
The certification process itself, which involved a comprehensive assessment using WCCD's customised indicators, demonstrates the rigour required to meet global smart city benchmarks. As more destinations seek to differentiate themselves, such certifications are becoming a key competitive advantage.
Vinhomes Green Paradise's achievement is a clear signal that Vietnam is serious about integrating sustainability into its urban and tourism development. For industry stakeholders, it represents an opportunity to align with a project that is setting new standards in the region.
