Opting for sustainable tourism development is indeed not all roses. Following the trend, businesses and localities must grapple with significant pressure - ranging from awareness to concrete action and resource allocation
Green tourism offers in-depth and more engaging experiences for travellers. (Illustrative image: Vietnam+)
Hanoi (VNA)🔯 - No longer a matter of choice, the green transition in tourism has become a mandatory requirement for any path towards long-term, responsible, and sustainable development.
This was the shared consensus among policymakers, experts, and businesses at the forum “Developing green destinations to elevate Vietnamese tourism,” organized by the Vietnam Tourism Association, held on 11 April in Hanoi.
Enriching travelers’ experiences
Experts affirmed that tourism is not only a key composite economic sector that contributes to GDP growth, job creation, and cultural exchange, but also an essential pillar in a national sustainable development strategy.
Affirming the broader vision of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) that green destinations should go beyond community-based conservation in coastal and protected areas, Mr. Patrick Haverman, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Vietnam, noted: “We also recognize the vital role of green transport. Encouraging travelers to prioritize eco-friendly modes of transport not only enhances their experience but also directly contributes to cleaner air and supports Vietnam’s ambitious net-zero emissions goals.”
Green transport helps protect the environment and contributes towards Vietnam’s ambitious net-zero emissions goals. (Illustrative image: Vietnam+)
According to Mr. Haverman, a pilot project in Phu Yen province and Hue city - marked by the recent opening of “Check-in and share green transport” stations in Tuy Hoa and Hon Yen - is a tangible step in realizing this vision.
Typical examples of sustainable models
In recent years, many localities and businesses have realized that developing green, sustainable tourism is the strategic path to asserting brand value in the global travel market and enhancing national competitiveness.
Tra Que Vegetable Village in Hoi An, Quang Nam province, is a prime example. Thanks to local government initiatives to promote sustainable tourism - through green tour routes and a focus on harmonizing natural and socio-cultural values - this destination continues to attract large numbers of international visitors each year.
Pham Ha, Chairman and CEO of LuxGroup, an investor deeply committed to sustainable tourism. (Photo: Vietnam+)
In line with the tourism sector’s green transformation, Lux Travel DMC, a member of LuxGroup, has pursued the path of sustainable development through a commitment to using eco-friendly transport, optimizing travel itineraries to reduce fuel consumption, and conducting net-zero emission audits.
The company also supports local communities by integrating tourism with culture, heritage, and livelihoods.
Notably, Lux Travel DMC has implemented carbon offset programs, contributing 1.5 USD per tourist to support forest reforestation, nature conservation, and the protection of local cultures in Vietnam.
Luxury service providers in Ha Long Bay and the Cat Ba Archipelago remain deeply concerned about keeping the bay free of waste and preserving the long-term greenery of the heritage site. (Photo: Vietnam+)
A road not paved with roses
Despite initial success in the sustainable tourism journey, Pham Ha, Chairman and CEO of LuxGroup (the parent company of Lux Travel DMC), candidly admits that the green path is far from easy. The greatest challenge, he says, lies in the economic aspect - investing in energy-efficient equipment, waste treatment systems, and environmentally friendly materials all requires high upfront costs and long payback periods.
At LuxGroup, for example, they have replaced all single-use plastic bottles, switched to fabric bags, and equipped offices and cruise ships with energy-saving systems.
To overcome such barriers, Mr. Patrick Haverman emphasized four priority areas for Vietnam’s green transition in tourism: green planning; effective destination management; plastic-free and low-carbon tourism; and nature-based sustainable travel.
Travelers join a jogging tour - jogging and picking up litter to protect the environment. (Illustrative image: Vietnam+)
To further reduce carbon emissions, Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Dinh, President of the Institute for Tourism Economics, recommended using environmentally friendly transport (such as electric vehicles, bicycles, and public transit), encouraging nature-based tourism and reducing long-haul air travel; limiting the use of single-use plastics in hotels and restaurants; conserving water and electricity; and integrating renewable energy into accommodation facilities. He also stressed the importance of ecosystem protection and avoiding overexploitation of natural resources.
The journey to elevate Vietnamese tourism through the development of green destinations is not only a long-term aspiration but also a strategic necessity and opportunity.
“UNDP Vietnam is committed to working alongside the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Vietnam Tourism Association, and all partners on this transformational journey,” Mr. Haverman affirmed. “A green transition in tourism is not only a powerful driver of economic growth, but also a vital shield to protect Vietnam’s priceless natural heritage for future generations,” he noted.
Ninh Binh is also among the provinces striving to become a sustainable green destination. (Illustrative image: Vietnam+)
The tourism sector of Hue city is oriented to become a spearhead economic sector, with a sustainable development and in tandem with the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage values. In 2025, Hue’s tourism industry aims to welcome around 5 million visitors, with international arrivals accounting for approximately 38–40%, and total revenue reaching about 11.2 trillion VND (434 million USD).
As Vietnam is emerging as a trending destination for ultra-luxury and high-spending travellers, localities nationwide are working to tap into this highly potential market.
The northern province of Quang Ninh will hold 170 cultural and sporting events in 2025 to boost tourism, including 24 international, national, and provincial-level programmes and 146 local events.
The first and only direct service connecting the two countries at the moment is set to operate three times per week using the modern wide-body Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
Mu Cang Chai is home to nearly 83,000 hectares of forest, including almost 60,000 hectares of unspoiled natural woodland. Recognising this potential, local authorities have embraced a holistic strategy that protects biodiversity while promoting tourism.
Phu Quoc ranks among the top 10 leading tourist islands in Asia. As the largest island in Vietnam, it boasts stunning natural beauty, with expansive coral reefs resting beneath the sea and a number of beautiful, poetic beaches such as Sao, Truong, and Khem, known for their fine white sand and crystal-clear waters.
Vietnam's national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet are among the exhibitors, promoting key destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Phu Quoc, as well as distinctive tourism products.
Alexander Musikhin, Vice President of ATOR and CEO of the Intourist travel agency, highlighted Vietnam as a top destination offering a unique blend of beach holidays and cultural excursions.
According to Seoul’s Tourism Industry Department, approximately 20,000 Vietnamese visitors travel to the city each year for medical treatment. Vietnam consistently ranks among the top 10 countries with the highest number of medical tourists to Seoul.
An analysis of accommodation search data based on check-in dates for June and July revealed that Nha Trang surpassed all other destinations in popularity among Korean users.
The programme is organised by the Khanh Hoa provincial Youth Union and the “Khanh Hoa people speak English” Project, and aims to promote the culture, history, cuisine and other tourism products of Nha Trang – Khanh Hoa to international visitors.
VNAT Director General Nguyen Trung Khanh called visa a golden ticket to pulling in crowds, but he is clear that it needs coordinated efforts across multiple sectors to keep the momentum going in this fast-moving global travel scene.
As a tourism hub, Hanoi is now actively developing strategies to attract Muslim travellers. In recent years, the city has seen a notable uptick in visitors from countries with large Muslim populations.
When tourists witness firsthand the passion and care of farmers, they’re willing to pay higher prices because they see the genuine worth behind every product.
During the first five months, China continued to be Vietnam's largest source market of tourists, followed by the RoK, China’s Taiwan, the US, and Japan.
After more than three months of operation, the popularity of the free tours in Bac Ninh province shows no signs of cooling down. Many tourists return every week in hopes of experiencing all the tours and visiting every destination.
Typical products of Phu Tho are being showcased at the Lao Cai International Travel Mart 2025, held in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai from June 5-8.
Featuring 130 stalls and delegations from 120 travel agencies representing more than ten countries and territories, the event is expected to provide a platform for establishing partnerships and attracting more visitors to Lao Cai in the future.
Kicking off the festival on the evening of June 7 will be the grand music concert titled “Nha Trang Say Hi”, featuring popular artists from the trending show “Anh Trai Say Hi”. The event will be broadcast live nationwide and conclude with a fireworks display over Nha Trang Bay.
Data from Booking.com reveals that during the peak summer vacation in June and July, beach trips continue to be a top priority for Vietnamese travellers.
The northern midland province of Phu Tho has carried out all-round measures to improve tourism infrastructure, services, and offerings, elevating visitor experience and reinforcing the province’s unique cultural identity.
Hanoi has directed lodging providers and tourist destinations to bolster preparations in staffing, service quality, security, and sanitation. Community-based lodging platforms such as Airbnb are also being promoted strongly to expand housing supply during the holiday period.
