Vietnam is aggressively pursuing a green tourism strategy, shifting from mere rhetoric to concrete policy and action at all levels – national, local, and corporate. This nationwide initiative is marked by significant progress and tangible efforts towards sustainable tourism practices.
A National Commitment to Sustainable Tourism
The Vietnamese government’s Tourism System Planning for 2021-2030, with a vision extending to 2045, explicitly prioritizes the development of green and sustainable tourism. This is intrinsically linked to environmental protection and the promotion of national cultural heritage.
The “Vietnam Tourism Marketing Strategy to 2030” emphasizes the use of digital technology to modernize marketing activities, enhance international communication, and solidify Vietnam’s image on the global tourism map.
According to Nguyen Trung Khanh, Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) and VNAT have implemented specific strategies and action plans to guide this sustainable transition. The ministry has launched programs focusing on green growth in tourism, including initiatives for ecotourism and community-based tourism development. Recent national tourism years have also centered on sustainability, such as “Green Tourism Destination” (2022 in Quang Nam Province) and “Green Convergence” (2023 in Binh Thuan Province). The promotion of traditional Southern Vietnamese cakes exemplifies local destination marketing strategies incorporating cultural heritage.
Local Initiatives and Environmental Stewardship
Numerous programs aimed at reducing tourism waste have been widely implemented to raise public and tourist awareness of environmental protection. Several localities have emerged as leaders in green tourism development:
- Ninh Binh: A project to reduce plastic waste in the tourism sector, funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
- Ha Long Bay: A ban on single-use plastics.
- Hoi An: A plastic-free city project.
- Da Lat: A model for green and sustainable tourism.
These initiatives demonstrate a concerted effort at the local level to integrate environmental sustainability into tourism practices.
Private Sector Engagement in Sustainable Tourism
Parallel to government efforts, tourism businesses are actively integrating sustainability into their products and services. Eco-tours, “net-zero” tourism, nature-based accommodations, experiences showcasing local culture, and organic agricultural tourism are gaining popularity.
Businesses are increasingly utilizing international green certifications to enhance their credibility and proactively sharing their sustainability stories on social media. They are also creating unique “green” experiences for tourists.
A prime example is Tra Que Vegetable Village in Hoi An, where tourists participate in farming activities alongside local farmers, cultivating organic vegetables. This model effectively connects people with nature. Recognizing its success, the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) named Tra Que Village as one of the best tourism villages in 2025.
Prioritizing Solutions: Digital Transformation and Green Transportation
Amidst the rapid digital transformation driving national development, VNAT is focused on building a smart tourism ecosystem. This involves integrating data from local governments, businesses, and regulatory bodies, and deploying shared digital platforms for:
- Centralized and local government management support.
- Business operational support.
- Enhanced tourist experiences.
This includes developing a national tourism database encompassing travel agencies, accommodations, tour guides, destinations, and related services. The aim is to create a unified tourism information management system to support policymaking and sustainable tourism development.
Several destinations have already implemented e-ticketing systems, such as Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam Temple, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Quan Thanh Temple, and the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum. This approach helps control visitor numbers, mitigating overcrowding and enhancing the visitor experience. The “Vietnam Travel” app serves as a comprehensive platform integrating multiple services to support tourists.
While digital transformation is a key priority, Patrick Haverman, Deputy Resident Representative of the UNDP in Vietnam, highlights the critical role of green transportation. He emphasizes that encouraging tourists to use eco-friendly transportation not only enhances their experience but also directly contributes to cleaner air, aligning with Vietnam’s ambitious net-zero emissions targets.
A pilot project implemented by the UNDP in collaboration with local authorities in Phu Yen Province and Hue City showcases this commitment. The launch of “Green Transportation Check-in and Sharing” stations in Tuy Hoa and Hon Yen Island represents a significant step towards realizing this vision.
Mr. Haverman emphasizes that the UNDP is progressively building the foundation for a truly sustainable green tourism ecosystem by encouraging green transportation models and raising awareness within local communities.
According to the UNDP representative, Vietnam’s green tourism transition should focus on four key solutions:
- Green planning.
- Effective destination management.
- Plastic-free and low-carbon tourism.
- Nature-based sustainable tourism.
Communication and Raising Awareness for Sustainable Tourism
The VNAT has launched a dedicated website, “Vietnam Tourism Environment” (https://moitruongdulich.vn), and promotes green tourism on vietnam.travel. In 2024, Vietnam hosted the first UNWTO International Conference on Rural Tourism, underscoring the role of tourism in promoting sustainable rural development. A high-level tourism forum, “Green Transition, NET ZERO Tourism – Building the Future,” aimed to disseminate information about green transitions and promote NET ZERO development within Vietnam’s tourism industry.
The “Swiss Tourism for Sustainable Development in Vietnam” (ST4SD) project (2024-2027) focuses on more holistic and sustainable development of Vietnam’s tourism sector. The Promoting Gender Equality through Enhanced Agricultural Productivity and Tourism Development (GREAT) project (2017-2027), in collaboration with the Australian government, works on developing tourism human resources and improving inclusive destination management models.
In conclusion, Vietnam’s commitment to sustainable tourism is multifaceted and actively pursued through national policies, local initiatives, private sector engagement, and international collaborations, focusing on digital transformation and green transportation for a more environmentally conscious and economically viable tourism industry.
