Vietnam: These secret travel destinations are driving sustainable tourism!

Vietnam: These secret travel destinations are driving sustainable tourism!

In Vietnam, the discussion about the connection between tourism and sustainability has gained momentum. According to a report from Booking.com, Vietnamese people are increasingly focused on the impact of travel on the environment and local communities. Studies show that 69% of Vietnamese tourists are concerned about the environmental impact of tourism. Likewise, 79% want to ensure their spending benefits the local economy. A remarkable 83% of respondents hope to bring positive change to destinations through their travels. This shows a strong commitment to responsible tourism that respects and preserves both the environment and cultures.

Vietnam has become a popular travel destination in recent decades, which is also characterized by its breathtaking nature and rich cultural heritage. The country offers a variety of landscapes, including mountains, plateaus, karst formations and fertile river deltas. It is important that ecotourism becomes increasingly important and establishes itself as an independent industry. With numerous national parks and protected areas, Vietnam is ideal for sustainable tourism development that not only promotes nature conservation but also brings economic benefits for the local population.

Popular destinations for sustainable tourism

Prominent destinations in Vietnam promoting ecotourism include Ba Vi, Ninh Binh and Con Dao, which are listed in Booking.com's report. These places offer travelers the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature while supporting sustainable practices.

• Ba Vi: Diese Region westlich von Hanoi ist umgeben von Bergen und Wäldern. Hier können Besucher in Bambuswäldern wandern, Wasserfälle erkunden und Handwerksdörfer besuchen. Ba Vi strebt an, sich zu einem nationalen Zentrum für Tourismus mit Fokus auf Ökotourismus und nachhaltiger Landwirtschaft zu entwickeln. Eine empfehlenswerte Unterkunft ist das Meliá Ba Vì Mountain Retreat, ein umweltfreundliches Resort mit französischer Architektur.
• Ninh Binh: Bekannt für seinen Ökotourismus und gemeindebasierten Tourismus, setzt Ninh Binh Initiativen wie die Begrenzung der Touristenboote in Tam Coc-Bich Dong und die Förderung von Privatunterkünften um. Aktivitäten hier umfassen das Rudern im Van Long Naturschutzgebiet, Radfahren durch Reisfelder und die Teilnahme an Kochkursen. Halise Home and Retreat Ninh Binh ist eine hervorragende Wahl für umweltbewusste Reisende.
• Con Dao: Dieses Archipel ist ein wichtiges Meeresschildkrötenschutzgebiet mit verschiedenen Programmen zum Schutz der Nistplätze. Besucher können Schildkröten beim Eierlegen beobachten und an Schutzaktivitäten teilnehmen. Die Unterkunft Six Senses Con Dao legt großen Wert auf nachhaltige Praktiken.

Challenges and potential of ecotourism

Although ecotourism in Vietnam shows great potential, developments also face challenges. Some of the main obstacles are insufficient environmental awareness among the population and inadequate infrastructure, which make it difficult to implement sustainable projects. However, there is a belief that with the right support and promotion, Vietnam can become a major green tourism hotspot within the ASEAN region.

The Vietnamese state actively promotes tourism through a master plan and information campaigns. According to the industry report, nearly 2.5 million people have visited Vietnam since the Doi Moi reforms in the 1980s, and this industry contributes over $1 billion to the economy annually. There are now 22 schools for hotel management and 24 training programs for tourism, which ensures the training of future specialists.

With a wide range of eco-friendly accommodations, such as Can Tho Ecolodge and Jungle Bay Eco Lodge, that use clean energy, as well as travel companies offering sustainable tours, Vietnam is well on its way to positioning itself successfully in the field of ecotourism. Tips for sustainable travel include saving water and energy and treating local communities with respect.

In summary, Vietnam is well on its way to becoming a center for sustainable tourism that both protects the environment and promotes social progress for the local population. The efforts towards more environmentally conscious travel, initiated by tourists themselves, are a step in the right direction.