In the context of the world economy facing many challenges related to climate change and resource depletion, the non-smoking industry is witnessing an unprecedented strong transformation. No longer a movement slogan, sustainable tourism is becoming a guideline for the existence and development of destinations around the world, including Vietnam.
The global "greening" wave
According to the latest analysis from the Future Market Insights report, the picture of the future of the tourism industry is being painted by promising green tones.
The sustainable tourism market is estimated to be worth 1.9 trillion USD in 2025 and is expected to reach 14.4 trillion USD in 2035, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.6% in the forecast period.
This growth is not random, but it reflects a profound change in the awareness and behavior of international tourists. The number of committed environmentally friendly destinations is increasing in proportion to the need for responsible travel experiences. It can be affirmed that this market is gradually taking center stage, playing a key role in reshaping the entire structure and future of the world tourism industry.
In Vietnam, this wave is being positively received. Travel, accommodation and service businesses are making continuous efforts to transform their operating models towards green growth. This is not only a business story, but also a practical contribution to the construction of a national green economy and the realization of long-term sustainable economic development goals.
When sustainability becomes the standard of survival
In recent years, the concept of sustainable tourism has gone beyond the framework of a temporary trend to become a mainstream trend. The main driver behind this change comes from increasingly urgent concerns about environmental issues, along with the maturity in tourists' thinking.
Today's travelers are not only looking for joy or relaxation, they are also looking for moral values in every trip. Tourists proactively choose destinations, accommodation facilities and tour operators with clear commitments to environmental protection, prioritizing sustainability in all activities. This trend is spreading strongly globally and gradually penetrating the thinking of Vietnamese tourists.
Discussing this issue, Ms. Mallory Ewer-Speck - Director of Sustainable Development of Thien Minh Group had profound comments: "Sustainability will continue to be a top priority, especially when we all have direct experiences in the consequences of climate change. One of the most obvious problems that visitors can see is plastic pollution. We need to solve this problem, otherwise tourists can choose other, greener, more pristine destinations from the beginning or come to Vietnam and not return.
This assessment raises a vital issue: Green tourism is no longer a "good if there is" choice, but a prerequisite to retain customers. If environmental issues such as plastic waste cannot be solved, Vietnam will lose competitive advantage to other greener, cleaner and more pristine destinations.
Green economic development strategy
According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, the process of operating a green growth development model to serve green transformation requires the participation of many parties.
In particular, management agencies need to issue and adjust policies and mechanisms for tourism development and related development in accordance with the policies and regulations of the State and the Government. Specialized management agencies play a role in researching and advising the superior People's Committees to directly issue policies, mechanisms and plans..., organize implementation, and guide implementation.
The Tourism Development Management Board or Cooperative will develop regulations for tourism management in the locality, organize tourism implementation, support the supervision of production and business activities and receive information, feedback, and recommendations from the community to synthesize, report to management agencies for resolution, handling, etc.
Households or individuals in the local community doing business in tourism services need to participate in forming services and products that are suitable for conditions and meet the needs of tourists according to orientations...
Local communities do not directly do business in tourism services to participate in natural environment protection activities, community cultural conservation in the locality; reflect information to improve the living environment.
On-site businesses in the area need to develop green tourism products in line with the "demand" of the markets. Units must aim to use environmentally friendly technology, participate in developing and seriously implementing the benefit sharing mechanism to ensure the rights of participants, support environmental protection activities, resource protection as well as contribute to perfecting policies and adjusting plans accordingly.
From the perspective of a business, Mr. Phung Quang Thang - Chairman of the Vietnam Green Tourism Association, emphasized the guiding role of local authorities: " Any locality that develops tourism needs to orient green tourism from the beginning, tourism workers must access policies and guidelines to act easily and effectively. Organizing Committee members have experience and need to find many ways to spread green transformation in the tourism sector".
Practical lessons
Sharing vivid evidence from reality, Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan - Director of the Institute of Tourism Economics (Vietnam Tourism Association), brought multi-dimensional perspectives.
According to Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, Vietnam has had proud bright spots. Hoi An has long been a classic example of heritage conservation. However, another example of steadfastness in environmental protection is Ninh Binh. This locality has built tourism plans with the top priority of environmental protection, to become the most attractive destination for nature-loving visitors.
Not only stopping at the level of macro-management, sustainability is being implemented by accommodation businesses in Vietnam through specific and creative actions. Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan listed big names such as Topas Ecolodge (Lao Cai), Six Senses (Con Dao), or Emeralda Resort (Ninh Binh).
In thousands of practical trips, the story that Dr. Nguyen Anh Tuan will always remember comes from a simple homestay in Van Ho, Son La. That is the homestay of Trang A Chu - a son of the H'Mong ethnic group.
Here, sustainability is not the expensive technologies that exist in every small item: from toothpick containers, trash bins, light soles to fireplaces, all are made from wood or bamboo, minimizing plastic. But the most touching thing is that self-awareness has become an instinct of tourism here.
This expert recounted the impressive moment when walking with A Chu: That was when taking a tourist on the hill and seeing a piece of garbage lying on the side of the road, A Chu immediately bowed down to pick it up. That small action is something I have to guide and mobilize people when everyone builds a community tourism model together".
When local people like A Chu naturally protect the environment, starting from the heart, not the problem, that is the time when sustainable tourism is truly flourishing. That spirit not only brings economic benefits to the community but also spreads positive energy, creating an unforgettable impression in the hearts of tourists from afar.
From potential forecasts of the global market to the Government's macro strategies, and finally specific actions of businesses or individuals doing community tourism, all are flowing together in a sustainable development flow. This is an inevitable path, the key for Vietnam tourism to not only grow in quantity but also improve in quality, affirming its position on the world tourism map.
