Bình Thuận province, renowned for its diverse tourism offerings, is actively pursuing a sustainable development path, integrating environmental protection into its tourism strategy. While the province boasts thriving agricultural, health, MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions), sports, nature reserve, cultural-historical, eco-tourism, and trekking sectors, the challenge lies in balancing economic growth with preserving its natural beauty. Efforts to mitigate environmental impact, particularly plastic waste, are underway, but significant policy and infrastructure changes are needed to fully realize a truly sustainable tourism model.
A Province-Wide Effort to Combat Waste
The daily struggle to maintain pristine beaches is evident in Phan Thiết. Employees of the provincial Environmental and Urban Services Company begin their workday before dawn, clearing tons of debris washed ashore daily from the ocean. “Most of the garbage comes from the ‘ocean’,” one employee shared. “The waves wash it up on the shore; some days it’s a few dozen kilos, other days it’s hundreds. We’ve been doing this for years, working from early morning to ensure tourists enjoy clean beaches and a beautiful environment.”
The idyllic Phú Quý Island, a popular destination for eco-tourism, faces a similar challenge with plastic waste overload. To combat this, high-speed ferries have implemented announcements discouraging plastic waste for over a year. Simultaneously, public information campaigns and community engagement actively promote environmental awareness among visitors. These combined efforts have demonstrably reduced plastic waste on the island. Further compounding the issue, limited freshwater and electricity resources encourage tourists to conserve, with one visitor, Mr. Nguyễn Xuân Hạnh from Đồng Nai province, noting, “Every tourist saving water and electricity is protecting the environment. We contribute a little, hoping the island remains green and sustainable for future visitors.”
Leading the Way: Sustainable Resort Practices
Several resorts in Bình Thuận are setting examples for sustainable tourism. Muine Bay Resort, Bamboo Village Beach, Pandanus Resort, The Cliff Resort & Residences, and Seahorse Resort & Spa are among the pioneers. Muine Bay Resort notably received VITA Green certification, a prestigious national accolade recognizing sustainable and eco-friendly tourism practices. This certification, developed by the Vietnam Tourism Association, adheres to stringent criteria based on 100 standards from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, incorporating international environmental, social, and governance benchmarks.
Muine Bay Resort, covering 7 hectares, showcases its commitment through extensive landscaping, with greenery and internal roads comprising nearly 80% of its area. The resort utilizes solar energy, reducing electricity consumption by one-third, and has implemented a water filtration and wastewater reuse system. Single-use plastics have been replaced with biodegradable or recycled alternatives, and reusable glass water bottles are provided in guest rooms.
Pandanus Resort further exemplifies sustainable practices. Beyond solar energy and eco-friendly products, it employs biogas technology to convert food waste into fertilizer, minimizing waste disposal. For over a decade, the resort has dedicated an hour of employee work time each day to community clean-up efforts. This proactive approach highlights a concerted effort to integrate environmentally conscious practices into daily operations.
Policy and Infrastructure: The Foundation for Sustainable Tourism
The Bình Thuận Provincial People’s Committee is actively promoting sustainable tourism. Resolution No. 06-NQ/TU 2021, passed by the Provincial Party Committee, outlines the development of green and sustainable tourism. The provincial government’s plan to diversify tourism products until 2025, with a vision extending to 2030, emphasizes the efficient and sustainable use of tourism resources.
The province hosts workshops and seminars on green transitions in the tourism sector, organizing “responsible tourism” campaigns involving tree planting, waste cleanup, and natural habitat preservation. Several tourism businesses have adopted renewable energy, reduced plastic waste, and built eco-friendly accommodations. However, challenges remain.
Mr. Nguyễn Văn Khoa, Chairman of the Bình Thuận Tourism Association, acknowledges shortcomings: “Environmental sanitation in some areas is still inadequate. Waste and wastewater issues persist in residential areas, tourist sites, and beaches. Currently, green tourism is largely promoted through government initiatives, but it hasn’t fully transitioned into widespread, concrete action. The green transition lacks detailed guidance and model programs for replication. The government needs more policies on investment, finance, and land to encourage businesses to participate in green tourism development.”
Government Initiatives: A Multi-pronged Approach
The provincial government is actively working to address these challenges. Deputy Chairman of the Bình Thuận Provincial People’s Committee, Mr. Nguyễn Minh, highlighted the integration of green models into the planning of the Mũi Né National Tourism Area, serving as a model for other tourist areas. The province is developing green tourism tours integrated with community-based, eco-tourism, and cultural routes, creating a digital platform for booking and information dissemination. Investments are also being made in green transportation for inner-city, rural, and island tours.
Furthermore, the province is refining its support mechanisms, creating a “Bình Thuận Green Tourism” criteria set, and implementing financial and technical assistance policies for businesses adopting green models. Synchronized solutions are being implemented to address climate change, balancing resource exploitation with conservation in tourism activities. Environmental criteria are being integrated into tourism planning and investment assessments, with a green tourism monitoring system being developed to regularly evaluate businesses. This multi-faceted approach aims to comprehensively address the environmental concerns while fostering sustainable tourism growth.
The Path Forward: Sustainability Requires Collective Action
While significant progress has been made in promoting sustainable tourism practices within Bình Thuận, challenges remain. Addressing issues such as inadequate waste management in certain areas and the need for more concrete policy support for businesses transitioning to green practices are crucial for long-term success. The integration of green initiatives into tourism planning and the development of comprehensive monitoring systems are positive steps, but sustained commitment from both the government and the private sector is essential to ensure the harmonious coexistence of economic development and environmental protection in Bình Thuận’s tourism sector. The province’s success in achieving truly sustainable tourism will depend on a collective effort to implement comprehensive and effective strategies.
