With a focus on sustainable development, Quang Ninh tourism aims to build a responsible tourism community offering green, safe, and environmentally friendly products and experiences. This will further enhance its competitive advantage and increase its attractiveness to tourists.
With a long-term vision, Quang Ninh province has identified the development of tourist boats in Ha Long Bay as focusing on improving quality rather than increasing quantity, aiming for sustainable green development. This is increasingly attracting potential investors to invest in high-class cruise ships in the bay, with international standards and quality befitting a world heritage site. This is further enhancing the attractiveness of the heritage site and wonder of Ha Long Bay.
Recently, Grand Pioneers Cruise, a cruise line from Quang Ninh province, was honored as the world's best green cruise line at the prestigious World Cruise Awards. This is also the first Vietnamese cruise line to receive this award, affirming the company's commitment to sustainable tourism development, from designing environmentally friendly cruises to building green and safe products that protect the natural heritage of Ha Long Bay.
Beyond the active participation of service businesses, the tourism industry focuses on building a responsible tourism community encompassing various components of the service supply chain. In January 2024, Quang Ninh province was one of the few localities to sign a cooperation agreement with the Endangered Wildlife Protection Project, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and the Forestry Projects Management Board (MBFP) - Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, to implement the model "Quang Ninh Tourism Says No to Illegal Wildlife Products," with the commitment of tour guides and many businesses in the restaurant, travel, and accommodation sectors. Through this model, a workforce of responsible tourism professionals linked to the protection of endangered wildlife is being formed.
Recently, the Department of Tourism, the Tourism Association, and related units organized a training program on protecting endangered wildlife in conjunction with sustainable tourism development. The program focused on improving skills and providing comprehensive knowledge about the negative impacts of illegal wildlife trade on biodiversity conservation and tourism development; providing information on legal risks related to endangered wildlife for tour guides; and guiding skills in handling information and requests from tourists regarding the purchase and sale of products derived from endangered wildlife without negatively impacting the tourist experience.
Ms. Tran Thi Nam Ha, Deputy Director of the Central Project Management Board for the Protection of Endangered Wildlife, Forestry Projects Management Board, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, stated: "The Quang Ninh tourism model that says no to illegal wildlife products is proof of the important role of inter-sectoral cooperation in addressing challenges in protecting endangered wildlife species. Tour guides, one of the key figures in the tourism industry, are the ones who convey the message and guide tourists to say no to the illegal buying and selling of wildlife. Understanding and implementing this correctly must begin with the proactive awareness of each tour guide. We see the potential to replicate this model to create a nationwide network working together to conserve endangered wildlife in conjunction with responsible and sustainable tourism development."
In addition to developing green tourism models, localities and businesses are also stepping up the implementation of solutions for environmental protection and responsibility. Quang Ninh proactively worked with and received support from JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) in a project to promote green growth in the Ha Long Bay area, achieving positive results in establishing green sail criteria for tourist boats in Ha Long Bay; developing energy-saving solutions; and publishing a white paper on green growth in Ha Long Bay...
The strong growth in tourism also places considerable pressure on the local landscape, environment, and culture. To realize the goal of making tourism a key economic sector of the province, strong involvement is required, establishing a green tourism network connecting localities, business communities, organizations, and individuals with shared goals and commitments to sustainable and responsible tourism. Simultaneously, it is necessary to continue diversifying information and communication channels to inform tourists and the community about the benefits and value of sustainable tourism, encouraging everyone to participate in environmentally responsible tourism activities.
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