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Sustainable Tourism in Vietnam

Vietnam's Sustainability Vision

Vietnam’s tourism sector has grown rapidly in the past two decades, thanks to its dramatic landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and fast-developing infrastructure. Pre-COVID, the country welcomed over 18 million international visitors annually. While tourism is a key economic driver, accounting for about 9% of GDP, the speed and scale of growth have led to environmental and social concerns—especially in major hotspots like Ha Long Bay, Hoi An, and Sapa. In response, Vietnam is gradually embracing more sustainable and decentralised tourism models.

Key Challenges

Vietnam faces a familiar set of tourism-related challenges: coastal erosion, waste management issues, overtourism in iconic locations, and the marginalisation of ethnic minority communities. Mass tourism and rapid resort development, particularly along the central and southern coast, have put pressure on ecosystems like coral reefs and wetlands. In some cases, traditional communities have seen their cultures commercialised or displaced without significant economic benefit.

Unregulated construction, insufficient zoning policies, and limited environmental oversight remain barriers to a truly sustainable tourism sector.

Community-Based and Ecotourism Initiatives

Vietnam has seen steady growth in community-based tourism (CBT), particularly in ethnic minority areas such as Ha Giang, Mai Chau, and Lao Cai. Homestays, trekking, and cultural immersion experiences offer alternatives to mainstream travel while empowering local communities.

Ecotourism is also growing in national parks such as Phong Nha-Ke Bang, Cuc Phuong, and Cat Tien, where guided cave tours, wildlife watching, and conservation education are key features. These efforts are often supported by international NGOs, academic institutions, or ethical travel operators.

Despite the promise, many initiatives remain small-scale and fragile, often lacking long-term funding or effective marketing channels.

Policy Direction and Strategy

Vietnam’s government has recognised the need to shift toward a more sustainable tourism economy. The “Vietnam Tourism Development Strategy to 2030” prioritises environmental protection, cultural preservation, and inclusive growth. Key goals include diversifying tourism products, reducing pressure on overvisited destinations, and promoting green and community-based alternatives.

Several provinces have launched ecotourism plans or integrated sustainability goals into their regional development strategies, especially in the Mekong Delta, Central Highlands, and northern mountain areas.

Post-COVID Recovery and Trends

Vietnam’s tourism recovery strategy has leaned into domestic travel and sustainable tourism as core themes. “Green travel” campaigns have been promoted by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), and there is increasing interest in wellness, slow travel, and nature-based experiences. Digital transformation is also underway, aiming to better manage visitor flows and improve transparency in the industry. However, the gap between sustainability rhetoric and on-the-ground implementation persists.

Outlook

Vietnam has both the natural assets and the cultural diversity to become a leader in sustainable tourism in Southeast Asia. The foundations are in place—community engagement, government strategy, and growing demand from conscious travellers. Moving forward, success will depend on scaling up best practices, enforcing environmental standards, and ensuring that tourism benefits are shared more equitably. If these conditions are met, Vietnam could offer a compelling model of inclusive, low-impact tourism rooted in local authenticity and environmental respect.
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