Net Zero tourism survey and experience teams in Hue. Photo: HOANG HAI

Many challenges remain.

Over the past three years, 102 businesses and households involved in tourism and service activities in Hue City have signed commitments to reduce plastic use; 12 hotels have pioneered the practice of reducing plastic in their business operations.

Despite positive results, Hue tourism still faces many challenges on its journey to achieving Net Zero. In many interactions with tourist groups, we often see plastic water bottles in the hands of visitors; convenient raincoats and plastic bags are still carried by them to their destinations. These familiar sights show that Net Zero tourism is still a long story, not just about policies or pilot models, but closely linked to the consumption habits and awareness of both tourism professionals and tourists.

From an expert's perspective, when discussing community tourism development linked to the Net Zero strategy, Ms. Nguyen Thi Phuong Nhung, an independent consultant on community tourism project development and Vice President of the Human Resource Training Council - Asian Tourism Development Institute, stated: In the tourism industry, Net Zero focuses on four main sources of emissions, with transportation accounting for the largest proportion, approximately 49%; followed by accommodation (approximately 21%); food and goods (approximately 12%); and plastic waste (approximately 6%).

From a management perspective, the city's tourism industry recognizes that Hue tourism still faces numerous challenges. These include the lack of green tourism infrastructure, green transportation, and the inconsistent capacity for regeneration in accommodation and tourism services. Although the city has initially focused on environmentally friendly transportation models such as bicycles, electric vehicles, and pedestrian streets, the scope of implementation remains limited, and there is a lack of seamless connection between key tourist areas and attractions. Green transportation infrastructure is mainly concentrated in the city center, while ecotourism destinations, community tourism sites, lagoon areas, and mountainous regions still rely heavily on traditional, high-emission transportation methods.

Ms. Chau Thi Hoang Mai, CEO of Alba Hotel and Alba Spa, believes that most accommodation establishments in Hue are small and medium-sized, with facilities developed over various periods, limited financial resources, knowledge, and personnel. Implementing green tourism and aiming for Net Zero raises many concerns, and some establishments find Net Zero to be... a distant dream.

A roadmap and collective action are needed.

At the National Net Zero Tourism Conference held in mid-December, we were quite impressed by the statement of the Vice Chairman of the Hue City People's Committee, Tran Huu Thuy Giang, who said: "Net Zero is not an option but a necessary trend. If we do not train the future generation of tourism professionals, from managers to owners of accommodation establishments and restaurants, to gradually practice Net Zero, then Vietnam in general and Hue in particular will find it difficult to attract the increasing number of green and clean tourists from around the world ."

The city leaders' sharing not only reflects concerns but also suggests directions for Hue tourism, with a roadmap, multiple solutions, and collective action, including the role of training institutions, businesses, and the tourism community.

According to Mr. Pham Ba Hung, Principal of Hue Tourism College, any sustainable model, no matter how well-designed, will struggle to succeed if learners, professionals, and service users do not truly understand and are not willing to change their habits. To achieve Net Zero, the role of training institutions alone is needed, along with the collaboration of management agencies, businesses, and the local community in maintaining and expanding the model.

Experts believe that promoting green transformation and sustainable tourism, aiming for Net Zero, requires collective action and a long-term roadmap to mitigate socio-economic shocks. This roadmap may take 10-20 years, but it must be substantive and create space for stakeholders to engage in dialogue, experiment, and adjust policies.

Based on the practical experience at An Nhien Garden restaurant, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuy An, Director of An Du Tourism Services Co., Ltd., believes that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can fully participate in the Net Zero program if they choose key emission points that are suitable to their management capacity. Relevant authorities and units need to research and develop a suitable Net Zero tourism practice guideline. In addition, there is a need to strengthen technical support, measurement tools, and professional advice for the business community…

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Source: https://huengaynay.vn/du-lich/du-lich-net-zero-can-giai-phap-lau-dai-va-thuc-chat-161604.html