Green tourism key to biodiversity preservation, livelihood improvement and economic growth: official

Tourists row boats in an ecotourism site in Bình Thuận Province. — VNA/VNS Photo Nguyễn Văn Thanh

HÀ NỘI — The green transition in tourism will help preserve biodiversity, enhance tourism-dependent communities' livelihood and drive economic growth.

That was the remark by Hà Văn Siêu, Deputy Director of Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, at the Vietnam Tourism Forum: Green Transformation for Sustainable Development on Friday.

He said Việt Nam’s tourism industry had emerged as a crucial economic driver, projected to contribute over 6.4 per cent to the country's GDP this year.

He expects green tourism to continue gaining traction and become increasingly popular across the industry.

"Green in this context transcends just the colour of leaves: it encompasses a green mindset, habits, lifestyle, conduct and an overarching green culture," said Siêu.

Vũ Thế Bình, Chairman of the Vietnam Tourism Association, said Việt Nam's Government had charted a clear roadmap toward green tourism by enacting several crucial pieces of legislation.

He took Decision 82 on the national action plan for green growth between 2021 and 2030 as an example, in which green tourism and green tourism products had become the top priorities of the industry.

He added that the Government had requested tourism authorities to formulate and implement the Action Plan for Green Tourism between 2023 and 2025.

"The Association is urging enterprises to embrace the green transition to transform the industry into a green one characterised by environmental-friendly products and services," said Bình.

Patrick Haverman, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Việt Nam, believes Việt Nam needs to focus on effective destination management, plastic-free travel and nature-based sustainable tourism.

He said the country has much to do to enhance destination management, which requires the involvement and cooperation of local authorities, local communities and the private sector to ensure all stakeholders' voices are heard and reflected in tourism policy.

He also said some provinces and cities in Việt Nam had begun to reduce plastic waste in tourism, such as Hội An and Cô Tô.

He underlined the role of green transportation in promoting green tourism, adding that it will provide tourists with more flexible and environmentally friendly options to reach destinations.

Siêu said he believed that green tourism has taken centre stage since the world came out of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Green tourism continues to be a top choice for tourists. Service providers need to align their efforts with this growing demand," said Siêu.

Given the detrimental effects of climate change and environmental population on tourism, green tourism is no longer an option but an imperative for the country. — VNS