Green tourism: Pressure to transition to clean energy from COP26 commitments and global trends.

Within the framework of the Ho Chi Minh City International Tourism Fair 2025 (ITE), on September 5th, the seminar "Clean Energy in Tourism Development" raised the urgent issue: Energy transition is no longer an option, but a mandatory key to the survival and competitiveness of Vietnam's tourism industry on the international map.

According to studies, the global tourism industry currently contributes 8-9% of total greenhouse gas emissions. However, the industry also has the potential to reduce emissions by 40% if sustainable measures are implemented, with a focus on energy transition. The majority of energy consumption comes from transportation and the operation of resorts and hotels.

Research from Wifi Talents indicates that 74% of young travelers under 30 prioritize sustainability when planning their trips. Zipdo reports that over 80% of travelers want to choose environmentally friendly destinations, and 55-66% are willing to pay more for sustainable options. The global ecotourism market is projected to reach $300 billion per year. This pressure comes from consumers themselves.

Speaking at the seminar, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Ha, Editor-in-Chief of Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Magazine, emphasized that this event extends the organization's journey to promote sustainable tourism. The event brought together representatives from the National Tourism Administration, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, associations, and a series of leading travel agencies and resorts in Vietnam.

The tourism industry needs a smart roadmap that balances economic benefits, environmental protection, and social responsibility to adopt clean energy, save energy, and pursue green standards. (Photo: PV/Vietnam+)

Vietnam, one of the countries most severely affected by climate change, has made strong commitments at COP26. The goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and the Joint Agreement on the Just Energy Transition (JETP) signed in 2022 are creating strong momentum for the clean energy transition across all sectors, including tourism.

In fact, many businesses have quietly taken action, completely switching to solar power to replace grid electricity, demonstrating clear economic benefits: Smart energy management systems in hotels can reduce energy consumption by 25%. Green buildings help reduce operating costs by 20%. A green-certified hotel typically uses 20-30% less energy than a traditional hotel.

However, this wave of sustainable development also sparked a crucial debate at the seminar: Are the production of solar panels and wind turbines, or the disposal of their waste, putting pressure on and harming the environment and society? Does the exploitation of raw materials for renewable energy ensure fairness and humanity? Sustainable development must be a comprehensive journey, not just about replacing energy sources, but also considering the lifecycle of green technologies and their overall impact. Synchronized solutions are needed now to address potential consequences promptly.

The conclusions reached at the seminar emphasized that adopting clean energy, saving energy, and pursuing green standards are the inevitable path forward. This not only protects the environment but also enhances brand image, reduces operating costs, and attracts modern tourists. However, for this journey to be truly fulfilling, the tourism industry needs a smart roadmap that comprehensively balances economic benefits, environmental protection, and social responsibility.

(Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/du-lich-xanh-ap-luc-chuyen-doi-nang-luong-sach-tu-cam-ket-cop26-va-xu-huong-toan-cau-post1060129.vnp