Understanding this fact, Vietnam has embraced green tourism models that benefit the environment and human health. However, for sustainable development, the country needs more than that.
Green tourism models already in place
Visiting the historical site of Co Loa (Dong Anh district, Hanoi) these days would leave many amazed. The clean and picturesque village roads bring a sense of tranquility, devoid of the environmental sanitation issues of the past.
Similarly, in Gia Vien district (Ninh Binh province), according to Vice Chairwoman of the district People's Committee Vu Thi Duoc, the district has initiated campaigns to create clean and green environment at historical sites. The efforts to minimize plastic waste for environmental protection in Gia Vien have been shared enthusiastically by the local community.
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People join hands to protect the environment in Co Loa (Hanoi). |
Ba Ria - Vung Tau province is also fostering tourism towards green growth. Vice Chairman of the provincial People's Committee Le Ngoc Khanh shared that Con Dao is the province's pioneering locality applying the circular economy model. Various initiatives encouraging tourists and locals to reduce plastic use have proven effective. Tours like “litter collection,” “beach cleaning,” “tree planting” are attractive to tourists.
Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism Nguyen Le Phuc asserted that in Vietnam, the development of green tourism is in line with the Party's guidelines and State's policies. Many regions have taken the lead in developing green tourism. Hoi An city (Quang Nam province) has introduced the "Plastic-free hotel" model, while the island district of Co To (Quang Ninh province) has experimented with regulations prohibiting tourists from carrying plastic bottles, plastic bags, or materials that could potentially pollute the environment. The theme of green tourism has also been incorporated into national-scale tourism events.
Mechanism for developing green tourism is essential
Green tourism is not just about visiting nature-bound destinations, but also plays an important role in raising visitors' awareness of environmental preservation, conserving natural landscapes, and local cultural identities. It is an effective measure to tackle poverty, create local employment, and diversify the economy. However, alongside positive outcomes, the development of green tourism faces several obstacles. Many renowned tourist centers frequently face overcrowding and garbage issues during holidays. Moreover, the understanding of green tourism among some tourists and local communities remains limited.
Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Society of Travel Agents Phung Quang Thang pointed out that insufficient investment funding and ineffective coordination among management agencies significantly impact the realization of green tourism.
To foster sustainable development of green tourism in Vietnam, General Secretary of the Vietnam Tourism Association Vu Quoc Tri suggested enhancing environmental and cultural protection awareness, especially targeting domestic tourists. Monitoring tourism impacts on natural environments and cultures and seeking solutions for green tourism development is crucial. Additionally, improving tourist management capabilities at destinations, reducing negative environmental impacts, and notably, enhancing collaboration among stakeholders to engage local communities and society in green tourism activities are necessary.
From experiences of his locality, Director of the Quang Nam provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Nguyen Thanh Hong recommended that the Government apply methods to encourage and support investment in green tourism projects, emphasizing the significance of land tax policies in this aspect.
Translated by Trung Thanh