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In recent years, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic, sustainable tourism has become an important topic being scrutinized and analyzed worldwide, as a response to the negative impacts of traditional tourism on the environment and society.
As Vietnam is renowned for its majestic natural beauty and rich cultural identity, sustainable tourism is not just a trend, but a commitment to the future.
Sustainable tourism is becoming a new trend that is gradually spreading everywhere, and each country has its own way of exploiting and preserving it.
Simply put, sustainable tourism is a way of developing and conducting tourism activities where the conservation of natural resources, environmental protection, respect for local culture, and positive contributions to the local economy are prioritized. Beyond minimizing negative impacts on the environment, sustainable tourism also focuses on creating positive value for both tourists and local communities.
Why is sustainable tourism a popular trend?
Increased awareness of climate change and biodiversity loss has made sustainable tourism a preferred option for both consumers and policymakers. People are increasingly seeking meaningful travel experiences that contribute to environmental protection and improve the quality of life for communities.
Simply put, whether backpacking or luxury travel, sustainable tourism focuses on providing items that people truly need. Previously, hotels mandated the provision of toothbrushes, slippers, and razors. However, the sustainable tourism model saves fuel and labor. Guests can take these items before check-in if they genuinely need them, and only take as many as they require. Furthermore, many travelers now prefer receiving vouchers or discounts on restaurant meals as an alternative to daily room cleaning. This is another way to develop sustainable tourism – providing what is needed, rather than providing everything upfront.
Visiting Hoi An, you can feel an ancient atmosphere, as if time has stood still.
In Vietnam, Quang Binh is one of the most representative and characteristic examples of sustainable tourism development, especially with Son Doong – the world's largest natural cave, recognized globally and becoming a symbol of adventure tourism. The idea originated in the 1990s, and to date, Oxalis Adventure has pioneered the organization of experiential tours exploring caves in Vietnam. When the cave exploration model was implemented in Quang Binh, it created jobs for 500 local workers, and tours exploring caves such as Tu Lan, Tien, and En offer a completely unique experience for tourists.
Immersing yourself in nature and being completely without internet for several days, undertaking seemingly impossible challenges to push your limits, admiring the natural beauty that has existed for thousands of years, and enjoying a sense of "soul detox" are addictive experiences for many tourists visiting Quang Binh. And most importantly, each cave tour in Quang Binh instills an awareness of environmental protection; you almost never see litter like at mass-market tourist destinations.
Immerse yourself in nature at Tu Lan Cave, Quang Binh.
By 2013, the journey to introduce Son Doong Cave to the world had become a milestone for sustainable tourism development in Vietnam, as well as captivating international visitors who all wished to visit at least once in their lifetime. To this day, after more than 10 years, Son Doong tours maintain their spirit and sustainable goals, limiting the number of visitors to the cave to only 1,000 per year.
Hoi An is also a prime example of sustainable tourism development. The city has strived to preserve its cultural identity and ancient architecture while remaining open to tourists from all over the world. Limiting visitor numbers, encouraging the use of environmentally friendly transportation such as bicycles, and organizing traditional cultural events are some of the measures implemented. Visiting Hoi An evokes an ancient atmosphere, making it feel as if time has stood still. Yet, surrounding Hoi An are many comfortable, high-end resorts that still retain distinctive traditional features, evident in both their architecture and interior design.
Hoi An is also a prime example of sustainable tourism development.
When traveling responsibly
For sustainable tourism to develop, a change in tourists' perceptions is key. In Vietnam, many educational campaigns are being implemented to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the environment and local culture. Young people, with their significant influence on social media, are becoming the main target audience in these campaigns, encouraging a more responsible lifestyle and approach to tourism.
In Hida Village, Japan, many tourists may enjoy getting around by bicycle.
Many young travelers now choose destinations that adopt sustainable tourism models, from hotels and restaurants to landscapes. Japan is one of the countries that has developed this model most strongly. In Hida Village, many tourists can enjoy cycling and admiring the natural scenery. The Nipponia hotel chain, with locations throughout Japan, follows a model of renovating old houses or historical sites into 4-star boutique hotels, fully equipped but still retaining their historical charm. With sustainable tourism, local people are the main workforce because, more than anyone else, they know the land they live in best and become storytellers with the full subtlety of their lifestyle.
In the past, even the most beautiful rural villages struggled to retain young people after they left to pursue careers elsewhere. However, with the growing trend of sustainable tourism, we are seeing a movement of "leaving the city for the countryside," transforming each region into a unique story waiting to be told.
Many young travelers now choose destinations that adopt sustainable tourism models, from hotels and restaurants to landscapes. Japan is one of the countries that has developed this model most strongly.
The key to expanding sustainable tourism.
Sustainable tourism development requires the joint efforts of the government, businesses, and the community. Financial support policies, rational land use planning, and the application of green technologies in tourism management are crucial factors. In addition, creating unique tourism products linked to local cultural and natural values is also key to attracting tourists sustainably.
Darrell Wade, "the world's adventure travel mogul" and co-founder of Intrepid Travel (one of the world's leading sustainable tourism corporations), recently visited Vietnam. Darrell Wade noted that more and more travelers now value sustainable tourism development in the places they visit.
“Do they use plastic bags there? How do they manage natural energy sources? How is manpower utilized? These questions will determine their trip and the length of their planned stay at the destination,” said Darrell Wade.
Continuing to encourage and support the development of sustainable tourism not only helps preserve valuable resources but also opens up new economic opportunities for local communities, while enhancing Vietnam's position on the world tourism map.
Sustainable tourism is not a destination; it is a journey of respect: respect for culture, respect for the environment, and respect for local communities.
