"Net Zero tour" - A tourism model geared towards green transformation.

(To Quoc) - "Net Zero tour" has recently emerged as a new tourism trend that has been well-received by many tourists. This is also a model that tourism businesses are very interested in as they identify sustainable tourism development based on green tourism as a long-term and consistent direction.

"Net Zero tour" – a new travel trend

Sustainable tourism development inevitably follows the direction of green tourism. In recent times, many travel agencies have been focusing on researching and developing tourism products linked to environmental protection. This is considered a suitable direction in the current context. Among these, "Net Zero tour" has emerged as a new tourism trend that is being well received by many tourists.

According to experts, the Earth we live on every day is made up of the blue of the sky, the blue of the forests, and the green of the plants. However, that blue is gradually disappearing due to environmental pollution. Incomplete statistics show that in Vietnam, an average of 1.8 million tons of plastic waste are generated annually. Therefore, it is essential to work together and implement timely solutions. The "Net Zero tour" was created as one such solution.

Tourists participate in the "Net Zero tour" experience in Hue . Photo: iVietnam Travel

"Net Zero tour" is a new concept related to organizing trips where all activities, from transportation and accommodation to food and other services, are carried out with the goal of minimizing carbon emissions into the environment. These green experiences, linked to the message of environmental protection and reducing plastic waste, are crucial for addressing climate change.

This new tourism trend is also fully consistent with the National Strategy on Green Growth for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050, as outlined in Decision No. 1658/QD-TTg, and the Vietnam Tourism Development Strategy to 2030, as outlined in Decision No. 147/QD-TTg, both approved by the Prime Minister . Accordingly, sustainable and inclusive tourism development, based on green growth, aims to maximize tourism's contribution to the United Nations' sustainable development goals.

Recently, at the High-Level Tourism Forum "Green Transformation, NET ZERO Tourism - Shaping the Future" aimed at strengthening green transformation and promoting NET ZERO development for the Vietnamese tourism business community, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung also emphasized that Vietnam has always demonstrated itself as a responsible nation, committed to fulfilling the agreements set forth, and respecting the recommendations of international tourism organizations, especially the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

According to Minister Nguyen Van Hung, the UNWTO's approach to developing green tourism emphasizes close ties with environmental protection and respect, and the sustainable livelihoods of local people. At a higher level, Net Zero tourism aims to minimize and eliminate carbon emissions and negative impacts on tourism activities.

There are many promising prospects for developing "Net Zero tours" in Hue.

Recently in Thua Thien Hue, iVietnam Travel has been piloting a "Net Zero Day Tour in Hue" tourism model. This is considered the first professional "Net Zero tour" product in the area, aiming to convey green messages and promote environmental protection. The exploration and experiential activities on this tour have received very positive feedback from tourists.

Participating in "A Net Zero Day Trip in Hue," tourists will begin their journey with green transportation options such as energy-efficient electric cars and eco-friendly bicycles. They will use glass bottles instead of plastic bottles and cloth bags instead of plastic bags. The tour includes two stops at destinations within the "Hue - A Plastic-Free City in Central Vietnam" project: Thuy Bieu Eco-village and KODO Hue Hub - a Cultural, Educational, and Artistic Complex.

Tourists visit destinations included in the "Hue - A Plastic-Free City in Central Vietnam" project during the "A Net Zero Day Trip to Hue" itinerary. Photo: iVietnam Travel

The final activity of the tour is a SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) sunset viewing, combined with a cleanup effort to protect the Perfume River's water quality. During the healthy meals, guests will be prioritized to use local food in balanced portions. Additionally, guests can support the local community by purchasing local specialties.

According to Ms. Nguyen Anh, CEO of iVietnam Travel, the roadmap for transforming into a "Net Zero tour" includes three steps: Accurately calculating the amount of carbon emissions generated by the trip; Reducing carbon emissions by implementing sustainable tourism transformation measures; and Offsetting carbon emissions by planting more trees and supporting forestry projects.

"The cost of a 'Net Zero tour' is 10-15% higher than a traditional tour on average; however, the value it brings is enormous, such as: reducing waste emissions into the environment, building a sustainable tourism community right in the local area, changing customers' mindset in choosing sustainable trips, and partially offsetting the CO2 emissions that the tourism industry has released into the environment," Ms. Nguyen Anh shared.

In November 2024, "A Net Zero Day Trip in Hue" was awarded second prize at the Thua Thien Hue Province Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition. Currently, this product has been listed on online sales channels and has received positive customer feedback on the reputable international review site TripAdvisor.

Leaders of Thua Thien Hue province and delegates visited and learned about the booth introducing the "A Day of Net Zero Tourism in Hue" project.

Some experts and managers also recognize and assess that "Net Zero tour" is a promising tourism model in Hue, as businesses are currently adopting sustainable tourism development based on green tourism as their overarching and long-term development path.

Recently, the National Assembly passed a Resolution on the establishment of Hue City as a centrally-governed city, based on the preservation and promotion of the heritage values ​​of the ancient capital and the cultural identity of Hue. In this overall vision, "Net Zero tours" promise to be a tourism trend that will contribute to protecting and building the title of "Hue - Vietnam's first cultural heritage city".

Source: https://toquoc.vn/net-zero-tour-mo-hinh-du-lich-huong-toi-chuyen-doi-xanh-20241206003251085.htm