Sustainable tourism fit for the future

Sustainable tourism fit for the future

In December, the Prime Minister issued a directive to accelerate the National Green Growth Strategy for the rest of this decade and beyond. As a result, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism has been tasked with developing a legal framework and policies for eco-friendly development in the sector.

Nguyen Van Hung, Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, stated, “Green tourism will be a crucial lever for developing a suitable economy and achieving sustainable growth, targeting net-zero by 2050. It starts with the actions of every member within the organisation, including the state, businesses, and citizens.”

According to Hung, the government plays a role in fostering and policymaking, enhancing inspection and oversight. Businesses act as innovators, creating product lines based on natural resource assets, selecting proactive products. Every citizen is a participant in the green tourism process; they must benefit from policies and become friendly ambassadors for the sector.

Cat Ba Island, a popular destination in Haiphong in northern Vietnam, is gradually striving to transform into a world-class destination. Tran Hoang Mai, director of the Haiphong Department of Culture and Sports, shared that the archipelago has many advantages for developing green products.

“We have implemented a no waste, no carbon emissions plan on Cat Ba Island, hoping that these efforts will attract more high-end visitors to Haiphong,” said Mai.

Since the beginning of 2024, Haiphong as a whole has been developing an integrated ecosystem of products focused on nature and environmental protection. This includes a special focus on premium resort and wellness tourism, golf, and marine ecotourism linked with learning and environmental conservation activities.

The city is also applying smart technology in managing, protecting, and exploiting the value of heritage and promoting digital tourism. It has implemented policies to remove over 400 illegal fish farming cages made from materials harmful to the environment, and encourages the use of electric vehicles and public transportation in the city centre.

In September, Halong Bay and Cat Ba were jointly recognised as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. It is also home to Cat Ba National Park, which hosts over 1,500 species of wildlife.

According to data from the Haiphong Department of Culture and Sports, the number of visitors to Cat Ba in the first 11 months of 2024 reached over 3.4 million, an increase of 20 per cent compared to the same period last year.

Elsewhere, Quang Nam, home to the popular town of Hoi An, has been a pioneer in developing a green destination brand. Nguyen Thanh Hong, director of the Quang Nam Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, noted that it was the first province in Vietnam to implement the Green Tourism Criteria, supported by the Swiss Economic Cooperation and Development Agency, in 2022. The criteria apply to six areas: resorts, hotels, homestays, travel agencies, attractions, and community-based sites.

“Currently, 25 businesses in accommodation, attractions, and travel agencies have been recognised by the People’s Committee for achieving this certification,” Hong said.

Not only are tourist destinations embracing eco-friendly strategies, but service businesses such as travel agencies and accommodation providers are also investing in environmentally friendly products and services, encouraging people to engage in responsible activities

Nguyen Nguyet Van Khanh, marketing director at Vietravel, stated that the company has developed numerous products focused on nature and cultural preservation to meet the new trends and the growing demands of many visitors.

Vietravel has implemented a series of measures to reduce single-use plastic waste, both within the company and for its customers. It has also installed water dispensers in meeting rooms and implemented waste sorting across departments. Furthermore, Vietravel is working with restaurant partners to stop using single-use plastic cups in their tours.

“Vietnam has great potential to develop green tourism thanks to its diverse and rich natural ecosystems. Green destinations also draw in many people,” Khanh said. “Eco-tours, trekking, and nature exploration are key products that offer visitors experiences while raising environmental awareness.”

Meanwhile, Saigontourist is enhancing its investment in green models across all areas of international, domestic, and outbound travel, viewing it as a development strategy in line with global trends.

In May 2024, the company launched a campaign in which each tourist who purchases a tour contributes a tree to a tree planting programme. It also promotes environmentally friendly activities such as beach clean-ups and forest restoration at various sites, and aims to transform barren land into green spaces.

Nguyen Ngoc Bich, chairman of Rustic Hospitality Group, noted that sustainable tourism brings significant benefits to localities and communities.

“It helps protect the environment, preserve culture and heritage, generate income and employment, stimulate economic development, raise awareness and education, and create unique travel experiences close to nature and local culture,” he explained. “With these diverse and comprehensive benefits, green tourism becomes an important development direction for the industry.”

Bich emphasised that transitioning towards sustainable development is both a trend and a complex undertaking.

“The key issue is mindset and action. Only with the collective effort of management agencies, local leadership, businesses, communities, and visitors can the journey of greening tourism be successful,” said Bich.

He also pointed out some challenges in Vietnam, such as inefficient resource exploitation and usage, which can cause environmental imbalances. Additionally, environmental protection measures, waste management, water conservation, and effective planning are yet to be properly implemented.

According to Pham Hai Quynh, director of the Asia Tourism Development Institute, green tourism encourages travel businesses to invest in better solutions, such as renewable energy and eco-friendly transportation.

“This not only reduces emissions but also meets the growing demand from customers for sustainable travel,” Quynh said. “Related businesses can also promote themselves as environmentally friendly companies, building a unique brand in the market, attracting more customers, and maintaining long-term relationships with them.”

Vietnamese tourists embracing sustainable tourism Sustainable travel is gaining traction as 96 per cent of Vietnamese travellers confirm that sustainable travel is important to them, according to the Sustainable Travel Report 2024 by Booking.com.

Vietnam’s tourism brand in need of methodical marketing strategies Vietnam’s tourism industry needs more methodical marketing strategies to encourage people to explore the country's hidden beauty and tap its considerable potential.

Con Dao steers spiritual tourism towards sustainability Con Dao is taking practical steps to develop its spiritual tourism potential while embracing eco-friendly practices, with the aim of transforming the island into an environmentally responsible destination.

Phu Long and 54 sign golf and sustainable tourism deal To accelerate the exceptional growth of Vietnam’s golf market, Phu Long Company and sports and entertainment agency 54 signed a strategic partnership agreement on November 28.