Hanoi moves towards comprehensive green tourism development

Hanoi is positioning itself as a pioneering urban area in green tourism, with a roadmap to ban single-use plastic products in hotels and tourist areas from 2026 - a strong move towards comprehensive, substantive sustainable development.

Ba Vi is one of the green destinations of the capital.

“Greening” from objects…

From a crowded capital with more than 1,400 tons of plastic waste per day, Hanoi is now gradually changing the core way the tourism industry operates. Starting with seemingly the smallest things such as toothbrushes, razors, plastic bags or small packets of shower gel in hotels, disposable plastic products will have to be completely discontinued. From 2026, accommodation establishments and tourist attractions will not be allowed to use disposable plastic items. Next is the roadmap to ban free plastic bags at markets and convenience stores; by 2031, Hanoi will completely stop the production and import of disposable plastics and products containing microplastics.

This policy is considered by experts to be a revolutionary step in the sustainable development of the capital's tourism industry. General Secretary of the Vietnam Tourism Association Vu Quoc Tri commented: "Green transformation is not only a trend but an inevitable path. However, this is not a smooth road, especially for small and micro enterprises, which make up the majority of Hanoi's tourism industry." According to Mr. Tri, the biggest difficulty lies in financial resources to invest in replacing all items with environmentally friendly materials. Therefore, he proposed that preferential policies on taxes, green credit and communications should be issued soon to motivate businesses to transform.

According to the "Sustainable Tourism Global Report 2023" by UN Tourism (United Nations Tourism Organization), about 75% of international tourists are willing to pay more for environmentally friendly tourism services.

Not only stopping at hotels, the green route will also be expanded to cafes, restaurants, and beverage shops in the Ring Road 1 area, from the end of this year. The pilot of not using disposable plastic items in the culinary and service space not only aims to reduce the amount of plastic waste but also helps to enhance the image of Hanoi tourism in the eyes of international visitors: a modern city, environmentally friendly and humane in its treatment of nature.

To "green" tourism products

To make green tourism a unique identity, Hanoi is simultaneously developing a sustainable and synchronous ecosystem of destinations, products, communities, and communications. Among them, the communes around Ba Vi mountain area are emerging as a potential phenomenon of green tourism in the capital. Known as the “green lung” of the West of Hanoi, Ba Vi mountain area possesses primeval forests, a temperate climate, indigenous ethnic communities, and a cultural, spiritual, and ecological tourism ecosystem rich in identity.

Therefore, Hanoi tourism industry has initially implemented green tourism models in communes around Ba Vi mountain such as: community tourism with Dao people, herbal baths, wellness resorts, trekking tours combined with spiritual culture at Thuong temple, K9 relic site... These products, if well invested, can position Ba Vi as a typical healing destination for tourists in the capital and the northern region.

At the same time, Hanoi is promoting green tourism in the inner city with creative products such as electric car tours to explore 28 ancient streets organized by Dong Xuan Company; French architecture walking tours, bicycle tours of Co Loa ancient village, Bat Trang, Thang Long Tu Tran... built by Hanoitourist. Hoan Kiem Ward, the cultural center of Hanoi, has also implemented smoke-free tourism at 30 relic sites to create a friendly and clean environment for international visitors.

Ms. Thai Thi Thanh Lan, Head of Captour, commented: “Hanoi is on the right track when it comes to promoting green products while improving service standards. What needs to be done is to strengthen connections, communication, training and create conditions for local people to become ambassadors to tell stories, promoting their homeland through real-life experiences.”

In fact, Hanoi has been organizing many training courses on civilized behavior, waste treatment, limiting plastic bags, absolutely not trading wildlife, integrated with model study tours. In particular, the tourism industry is coordinating with departments and branches to complete a set of green tourism criteria including energy saving, biodiversity protection, community contribution... to serve as a basis for evaluating and supporting destinations to transform.

According to Director of Hanoi Department of Tourism Dang Huong Giang, models such as Huong Son eco-tourism have initially recorded clear effectiveness, with the number of visitors spread evenly throughout the year, and revenue from tourism and services accounting for nearly 35% of the local economic structure.

In the context of the international community increasingly appreciating environmental responsibility and sustainable standards in choosing destinations, if Hanoi persists in its green roadmap seriously, it will not only enhance its brand but also create a sustainable competitive advantage for the tourism industry. Starting from a bamboo toothbrush instead of a plastic toothbrush, from a cloth bag instead of a nylon bag, Hanoi is gradually changing, not only in its development thinking, but also in the way it tells stories to the world.

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/ha-noi-tien-toi-phat-trien-du-lich-xanh-toan-dien-20250723150534931.htm