Focus on the three pillars

This is quite evident in the tourism sector, where during and after the pandemic there has been a clear shift in tourist destination choices, government responses, and adjustments by service providers.

The peak summer tourist season has begun in Vietnam. Last weekend, a resident of Ecopark ( Hung Yen province) – dubbed the "green city" – sent a photo to friends of a congested line of cars on the internal road in front of their house. The photo was humorous, suggesting it would soon be as crowded as the capital, but it also reflected a concern that their "ideal place to live" might soon face a chaotic atmosphere filled with smog and noise, instead of maintaining its current peacefulness.

The concerns of local residents are understandable. However, tourists seem less concerned. They go to places they like, enjoying the comfort of new and unfamiliar destinations. There's a growing trend towards short trips, short vacations, and even day trips to save costs... These detailed issues prompt reflection on the overall picture, aiming to implement a green tourism development strategy.

Recently, in discussions about green tourism development, some experts have highlighted three pillars: people, economic benefits, and the environment. In other words, the effectiveness of green tourism development can be understood as depending on policy formulation, business engagement, and the awareness and behavior of tourists in their destinations.

Considering the three issues mentioned above, it is easy to see that in recent years, the Party and Government of Vietnam have issued several important documents related to the sustainable development orientation of green tourism. For example, recently, on May 18, 2023, the Government issued Resolution No. 82/NQ-CP on the main tasks and solutions to accelerate the recovery and development of tourism effectively and sustainably, which includes the task of building and implementing the Green Tourism Action Program for the period 2023 - 2025.

Tourism businesses are also participating. Many places are pioneering the replacement of plastic items with environmentally friendly alternatives; focusing on wastewater and waste treatment; and prioritizing closeness to nature when constructing accommodation facilities and organizing experiential activities for tourists. Some localities have made noteworthy progress in this area, such as Hanoi, Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Quang Nam, Quang Ninh, and Nghe An...

Regarding the third pillar, it's easy to see a positive shift in tourists' awareness of the value of green tourism. According to a survey by the Vietnam Tourism Advisory Council, conducted at the end of 2021, more than half of respondents said they were interested in nature-based tourism. In fact, the number of people interested in this type of tourism has increased significantly after the Covid-19 pandemic – based on the number of people flocking to nature-friendly destinations every weekend such as Moc Chau (Son La), Ba Vi (Hanoi), Pu Luong (Thanh Hoa), Mang Den (Kon Tum)...

Of the three pillars mentioned above, public awareness of green tourism is of paramount importance. However, change alone is not enough. Green consumption awareness must begin at home, extend to markets, entertainment venues, and tourist areas. Lessons in schools, successful models, and exemplary tourist destinations that protect resources and the environment need to be widely disseminated to help people and tourists cultivate green living habits. The government's correct policies, businesses that prioritize environmental protection and tourism resources over short-term gains, and the public's adoption of green living habits are fundamental elements ensuring the sustainable development of green tourism.

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