The famous travel site Travel and Tour World (TTW) has just published an article stating that in recent years, Vietnam has been strongly transforming its tourism development strategy by focusing on eco-tourism - nature. Not only is it a global trend, this is also an inevitable choice to protect precious resources, and at the same time attract groups of tourists who are increasingly interested in sustainability.
Policy to create "green leverage
Clearly recognizing the potential and challenges, the Vietnamese Government has early shaped a sustainable tourism development strategy. The planning of the tourism system for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050, sets a goal to increase the proportion of ecotourism, associated with resource conservation and biodiversity.
This orientation not only promotes economic growth but also requires minimizing negative impacts on the environment. Localities are encouraged to develop "green tourism" products, while raising community and tourist awareness about nature protection. The integration between development and conservation is becoming a xuyên suốt axis, helping the tourism industry avoid repeating the "rut" of the overexploitation model that has occurred in many countries.
Vietnam is considered one of the countries with high biodiversity in the world, in the group of 20 countries richest in biological resources. A system of more than 30 national parks and dozens of nature reserves stretching from North to South creates a rich network of destinations.
Places such as Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, Cuc Phuong National Park or Ba Be National Park are becoming bright spots attracting nature-loving tourists. Here, tourists not only visit but also participate in activities such as trekking, bird observation, camping, and learning about the ecosystem. These experiences contribute to raising environmental awareness, turning each trip into a learning journey.
Community tourism - the "heart" of ecotourism
One of the key factors creating the initial success of Vietnam's ecotourism is the participation of local communities. The community-based tourism model not only creates livelihoods but also encourages people to protect resources.
In Sa Pa, ethnic minority villages have strongly developed homestay models and cultural experience tourism. Tourists can live with the people, participate in daily activities and understand more deeply about indigenous life.
In the Mekong Delta, ecotourism associated with rivers, mangroves and agriculture is also developing. Local people play the role of guides, directly participating in the tourism value chain, thereby increasing income and awareness of conservation. Not only stopping at products, Vietnamese tourism businesses are also transforming towards sustainability. Many hotels and resorts apply renewable energy, reduce plastic waste and prioritize the use of local products.
Ecotourism becomes a "green driving force" for growth
With a rich natural foundation, sound policies and community participation, Vietnam is facing a great opportunity to become a leading ecotourism destination in Southeast Asia. However, the road ahead still requires persistence in environmental protection, development control and service quality improvement. Only when the balance between exploitation and conservation is achieved can ecotourism truly become a "green driving force" for growth.
In the context of global tourists increasingly prioritizing sustainable experiences, Vietnam has an advantage to break through. If it takes good advantage of the opportunity, the tourism industry will not only contribute to the economy but also become a pioneer force in protecting nature and preserving values for future generations.
