Pioneering enterprise with green model
If a decade ago, the concept of "green tourism" in Quang Tri was quite unfamiliar, it has now become a strategic orientation for many businesses. Jungle Boss - a unit exploiting adventure tourism and cave exploration in the core area of Phong Nha - Ke Bang, is one of the pioneering names.
Mr. Le Luu Dung, Founder and CEO of Jungle Boss, shared: Since its establishment, we have identified green tourism development as the core orientation. All trekking tours or cave exploration tours limit the number of visitors, apply the Zero Waste Tour principle and cooperate extensively with the local community. Tourists are reminded of the saying: nothing but photos, nothing but footprints".
Jungle Boss currently has more than 200 local staff, all of whom are local. Many people who used to participate in illegal forest exploitation have now become portens, chefs, tour guides, and true "conservation ambassadors". In addition to Phong Nha - Ke Bang, Jungle Boss has exploited Ta Puong waterfall and some cave routes in Quang Tri, bringing the pristine landscape closer to visitors without disrupting the ecosystem.
The company also focuses on investing in international standard safety equipment, while considering human resource training as the key. Each port, a tour guide not only needs rope swing skills or first aid but also a deep understanding of the principle of conservation. When they are aware of why they are not allowed to break tree branches or leave trash, they will voluntarily do it and spread that spirit to customers" - Mr. Dung emphasized.
Developing green tourism requires perseverance. The cost of investing in hard infrastructure is not large, but safety equipment, personnel training and conservation commitments are the real burden. In return, Jungle Boss has built trust with international tourists, the group of tourists accounts for about 70% of the total of 12,000 - 13,000 visits per year.
International tourists, who are familiar with conservation standards in developed countries, are willing to pay high if the products are truly environmentally friendly and respect local culture. Many guests affirmed that what they are looking for is not only beautiful scenery, but a meaningful trip, where every step of the foot does not leave any harm. Vietnamese visitors, who were less interested in the past, have now changed, especially the younger generation.
Jungle Boss implements many solutions to minimize environmental impact: Using personal water bottles to replace plastic bottles, packaging food with biological materials, implementing the principle of " bringing in - bringing out" waste, paying for forest environmental services to Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park. Before each trip, tourists are informed about how to reduce waste and save energy. Each tour is a small class on the environment, said Mr. Dung.
In parallel with businesses, the local community also benefits and participates in conservation. People are recruited as portens, chefs, and food suppliers. Many families that used to rely on forest exploitation now have a stable source of income, becoming the most active nature defenders. When the community benefits from tourism, they will voluntarily preserve forests and streams. That is the foundation for sustainable green tourism - Mr. Dung shared.
The government and the community join hands
From the perspective of state management, Mr. Le Minh Tuan - Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Quang Tri said: "After the merger, the tourism potential of the province has doubled. We consider this a strategic direction, linking the protection of tourism resources, preservation and promotion of heritages, cultural and historical values with the development of sustainable tourism, green tourism, promoting economic growth".
The Department has accompanied, guided and coordinated with organizations and supported businesses in green transformation, building tourist areas and spots in a net-zero, environmentally friendly orientation such as Blue Diamond Resort; developing green tourism products; building community tourism models towards green tourism destinations such as Tan Hoa Tourism Village, community tourism model in Khe Sanh.
According to the Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Quang Tri, green transformation is a trend and requirement of sustainable tourism development, investment must be based on the current state of resources, with appropriate investment methods, priority is given to environmentally friendly materials, light and smart structures, standard environmental protection systems, operating and exploitation processes to minimize environmental impacts (reducing emissions, reducing solid waste), to move towards net-zero and adapting to climate change. Thereby building a green, safe and friendly tourist destination, giving visitors memorable experiences such as immerse yourself in nature, regenerate the energy of life.
Most importantly, it is to invest in "soft infrastructure": Communication, community education, local human resource training. When people understand and are proud of their homeland's natural values, they will proactively become the most effective protective force.
The global trend shows that tourists increasingly prioritize environmentally friendly products. According to a report by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), 76% of international tourists are willing to pay more for sustainable tourism products. This is an opportunity for Quang Tri to affirm its brand as a "green tourism destination" on the regional map.
Mr. Le Luu Dung hopes: "To achieve that, it is necessary to have the cooperation of all three sides. Tourists come with a sense of responsibility, the government creates favorable mechanisms and essential infrastructure, the local community accompanies them as "silent tour guides". When all 3 join hands, Quang Tri's green tourism brand will not only be a slogan, but a true commitment".
To transform green, Quang Tri tourism still has a lot of work to do, but with the determination of both the government and pioneering businesses, along with the support of the community, the future of green tourism in Quang Tri is opener: greener, more sustainable and full of hope.
