Sustainable tourism is no longer a foreign concept but is gradually becoming an indispensable part of the modern traveler’s journey of exploring the world. In Vietnam, this trend is increasingly evident, as more and more Vietnamese tourists prioritize travel experiences that are responsible to the environment and community. The latest report from Booking.com indicates that up to 96% of Vietnamese tourists affirm that sustainable tourism plays an important role in their travel decisions, an impressive figure showing a strong shift in the awareness and travel behavior of Vietnamese people.
Sustainable Tourism: More Than Just a Passing Trend
Sustainable tourism is not simply a trend but a responsible approach to travel, aiming for a balance between economic development, environmental protection, and socio-cultural preservation. In Vietnam, a country with a long coastline, majestic mountains, and rich cultural heritage, sustainable tourism holds particular significance. It not only helps protect precious natural resources but also contributes to maintaining the unique cultural identities of different regions, while bringing long-term economic benefits to local communities.
According to a survey by Booking.com, up to 94% of Vietnamese tourists expressed their desire to take more sustainable trips in the coming year. This shows that sustainable tourism is not just a theoretical concept but has become a real need for Vietnamese tourists. They not only want to explore beautiful landscapes but also want to experience tourism consciously, minimizing negative impacts on the environment and contributing to the development of local communities.
Thung Nham ecotourism area, a sustainable tourism destination in Ninh Binh, Vietnam.
Vietnamese Tourists and the Journey Towards Sustainable Tourism
Although awareness of sustainable tourism is increasing, the actual journey of Vietnamese tourists still faces many challenges. The report indicates that 26% of Vietnamese tourists are aware of the importance of sustainable tourism but do not consider it a decisive factor when planning their trips. Besides, 40% feel tired of constantly hearing about climate change, which may partly affect their motivation to act for sustainable tourism.
However, behind these numbers is a positive signal. Up to 56% of Vietnamese tourists feel guilty when choosing forms of tourism that negatively impact the environment, and 21% decide to act more sustainably because they believe it is the right thing to do. This shows that despite the remaining barriers in awareness and action, Vietnamese tourists are gradually transforming and moving towards more responsible travel choices.
Another noteworthy point is the expectation of Vietnamese tourists towards tourist destinations. 80% of tourists hope that the attractions they visit will be improved after they leave, and 43% believe that they bring positive impacts to social issues related to tourism. This shows that Vietnamese tourists not only want to be beneficiaries but also want to contribute to the sustainable development of the destination.
Diverse Sustainable Tourism Experiences in Vietnam
Vietnam has great potential for developing sustainable tourism with many unique and diverse types of experiences.
Ecotourism: With diverse ecosystems ranging from primeval forests, islands to river deltas, Vietnam is an ideal destination for ecotourism. National parks such as Cuc Phuong, Phong Nha – Ke Bang, Cat Tien, or nature reserves such as Tram Chim, Can Gio… offer experiences close to nature, exploring rich flora and fauna and learning about conservation efforts.
Community-based tourism: This type of tourism focuses on experiencing the life and culture of local communities while bringing direct economic benefits to the people. Homestays in highland villages such as Sapa, Ha Giang, Moc Chau, or traditional craft villages in Hoi An, Hue… not only provide accommodation but also opportunities for tourists to learn about customs, cuisine, and unique lifestyles of local people.
Agritourism: Vietnam is an agricultural country with many peaceful and fertile rural areas. Agritourism offers interesting experiences when tourists participate in agricultural production activities such as planting, harvesting, processing agricultural products, learning about clean and sustainable agricultural production processes. Agritourism models combined with organic farms, fruit gardens, flower villages… are increasingly developing and attracting tourists.
Cultural tourism: Vietnam has a long history and culture with many tangible and intangible heritages recognized by UNESCO. Cultural tourism is not only about visiting historical sites, temples, and mausoleums but also about learning about traditional cultural values, arts, cuisine, festivals… of different regions. Cultural tours combined with local culinary experiences, participating in traditional festivals, learning handicrafts… offer profound and meaningful experiences.
Wellness tourism: The trend of health and spiritual care tourism is increasingly popular. Vietnam with its beautiful nature, fresh climate, meditation culture, and traditional therapies has great potential to develop wellness tourism. Spa resorts, yoga retreats, meditation centers, health care centers… combined with activities such as hot spring bathing, therapeutic massage, herbal therapy, walking meditation… offer relaxing experiences, health recovery, and energy regeneration.
International tourists experiencing sustainable tourism in Vietnam.
Inter-sectoral Cooperation for Sustainable Tourism Development
For sustainable tourism to truly develop strongly in Vietnam, close cooperation is needed among stakeholders, from the government, tourism businesses, local communities to tourists.
Government: It is necessary to have clear policies and regulations, encouraging and supporting businesses and local communities to develop sustainable tourism. At the same time, strengthen the management and protection of natural resources, cultural heritage, and control tourism activities that cause negative impacts on the environment and society.
Tourism businesses: Play an important role in providing sustainable tourism products and services. It is necessary to proactively build ecotourism, community-based, cultural, agritourism tours… focusing on sustainability factors in business operations, reducing waste, saving energy, using local products, and supporting the community.
Local communities: Are important actors in sustainable tourism. They need to be empowered and actively participate in the tourism development process, benefiting from tourism fairly and sustainably. At the same time, it is necessary to raise awareness and capacity on sustainable tourism, preserve and promote traditional cultural values, and protect the living environment.
Tourists: Play a decisive role in choosing and supporting sustainable tourism. It is necessary to raise awareness about sustainable tourism, choose responsible tours and services, respect local culture, and minimize negative impacts on the environment during travel.
Conclusion
Sustainable tourism in Vietnam is not only a trend but also an essential requirement to protect natural and cultural resources and develop socio-economic in a harmonious way. With diverse potential and the joint efforts of all stakeholders, sustainable tourism in Vietnam promises to grow stronger, bringing meaningful and valuable experiences to tourists, while contributing to building a green and sustainable tourism future for the country. Let’s explore and experience sustainable tourism in Vietnam together, so that each journey is not only about discovering the beauty of nature and culture but also a practical action contributing to protecting and developing beautiful Vietnam.