From islands to experiential tourism ecosystem
After many years of development based on the advantages of the sea and islands, Khanh Hoa has become one of the leading tourist centers in the country.
However, under increasing competitive pressure between domestic and regional destinations, the locality is gradually transforming its growth model towards green, sustainable and product diversification.
Proof of this trend is that more and more tourism businesses in the area are proactively applying international standards on sustainable development.
Recently, Novotel Nha Trang continued to be recognized as achieving international Green Key certification - one of the world's leading prestigious certifications for accommodation establishments that effectively implement criteria on environmental protection and sustainable development.
To maintain certification, hotels implement many solutions such as minimizing disposable plastic, saving energy, using local supplies, waste management and strengthening social responsibility activities.
Not only changing in operation, Novotel Nha Trang also participates in many marine environmental conservation activities such as planting more than 1,000 mangrove trees and releasing more than 1,500 seed fish in the Dam Bay - Hon Mun area to contribute to the restoration of the marine ecosystem.
According to Ms. Truong Ngoc Thuy Anh - General Manager of Novotel Nha Trang, the business not only aims for business efficiency but also wants to create positive values for the community and the environment, considering this as a foundation for sustainable development in the long term.
Not only businesses, large-scale events are also contributing to shaping Khanh Hoa's experiential tourism ecosystem.
Khanh Hoa Sea Festival 2026 has just closed with 40 cultural, artistic, sports and tourism activities taking place throughout the province, bringing many new experiences to people and tourists.
The highlight of the Festival is art programs combining traditional values and modern performance technology, along with a series of international-level sea sports activities.
During the three peak days, Khanh Hoa welcomed about 787,500 visitors, including 220,000 overnight visitors, 50,000 international visitors, and tourism revenue is estimated at over 1,300 billion VND.
Green transition is an inevitable requirement
According to Dr. Pham Bich Ngoc - Institute of Vietnamese and World Economics, the requirement for transformation first of all stems from the limitations of the current growth model.
The development model mainly relies on sea resorts and resorts, which are under increasing competitive pressure from Da Nang, Phu Quoc as well as famous destinations in the region such as Phuket (Thailand) and Bali (Indonesia).
According to Dr. Pham Bich Ngoc, Khanh Hoa needs to expand its product ecosystem towards green experiences, combining community tourism, ecology, indigenous culture and unique agriculture to create differentiation.
According to the province's orientation, by 2030, 80% of tourist attractions and business establishments will be labeled as green tourism; 80% of establishments commit not to use single-use plastic; 95% of establishments use renewable energy.
In addition, ESG standards, circular economy and digital transformation are becoming important drivers to help improve the competitiveness of destinations.
In particular, Agoda's survey in 2026 shows that 77% of Asian tourists and 81% of Vietnamese tourists are interested in sustainability when choosing a destination.
This trend opens up opportunities for Khanh Hoa to promote the values of coastal fishing villages, Cham culture, Raglai culture, traditional craft villages and natural ecosystems, forming green experiential tourism products with high added value.
