Green Tourism: Strategy of Vietnam Tourism Industry in 2012

The year of 2011 is regarded as a golden year of Vietnam’s tourism sector. In fact, this smokeless industry has made a significant contribution to annual GDP growth rate. According to the General Statistics Office, the number of international tourists to Vietnam in January 2012 reaches around 630,000 arrivals, increasing by 24 percent against the corresponding period of 2011. Of the above number, international tourists coming to Vietnam for tourism and relaxation purposes account for 365 arrivals, up 21.6 percent. This is also the first year that Vietnam’s tourism sector has hit record high in the number of international arrivals. Green tourism and “green tourism year” of the Capital have remarkably contributed to this success.

 

Green tourism can be understood in the simplest way as environmentally friendly and it facilitates optimal exploitation of natural resources. It is also known for sustainability and close attachment to preservation and improvement of cultural values, conservation of natural landscapes, protection of the environment, maintenance of social order and respect to the nature and local culture. In addition, green tourism helps to minimize costs and maximize benefits it generates for the natural environment and communities. Green tourism does no harm to natural resources while contributing to the betterment of preservation task, public health and socioeconomic benefits. Green tourism can be seen via three major points, including revenue, environment and community.

 

Firstly, green tourism places little influence on natural resources. It minimizes negative impacts on the environment while trying to maximize benefits to the environment.

Secondly, this type of tourism does no harm to social structure of the community tourists come to visit. In stead, it pays respect to local culture and traditions.

 

Last but not least, green tourism generates a huge income for the sector since it does not require maintenance cost while attracting a large number of tourists. It is extremely appealing to those who love “natural tourism” and “eco tourism”.

 

The Master plan of National Tourism Development until 2020, vision until 2030 particularly focuses on planning and developing this eco tourism network.

 

Vietnam is evaluated to be one of Asia-Pacific countries having great potentials for tourism. Unique tourism places and products are available along the country. Vietnam is aiming at developing green places and green tours to attract tourists. In 2011, Hanoi developed and implemented the slogan of “Green tourism year”, during which tourism products that allowed optimal exploitation of values of natural resources and cultural heritages of the ancient capital. Hanoi has so far developed lots of green tourism products, including city tour, homestay or eco tourism (in Soc Son)… All of these tours are appealing to international tourists, especially Europeans. Hanoi Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism has completed the project to develop community-based tourism at a number of cultural heritages and craft making villages. The project to expand a number of walking streets in Hoan Kiem district is also paid attention. Furthermore, Hanoi has accelerated usage of environmentally friendly cars to transport passengers.

On February 14, the international workshop on “Development of heritage tourism towards green growth” was organized in Thua Thien – Hue, aiming at sustainable tourism development towards green growth and turning Thua Thien – Hue into a typical example of Vietnam’s green tourism. Thua Thien - Hue province will give priority to investments in projects for protection of bio diversity and recycling of eco services which preserve natural environment and cultural environment.

 

While the environment, environmental pollution and climate change are being hot burning issues and draw attention of the whole world, Vietnam is still a safe and friendly tourist destination. Vietnam is aiming at a green economy and even further than green ecoconmy and green tourism, it is aiming at “green values” and demand for real sustainability.