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Vietnam is making significant strides in promoting green tourism, positioning itself as a leader in sustainable travel practices to cater to the evolving demands of global travelers. The drive towards sustainable development is primarily driven by the increasing awareness of environmental conservation and the necessity of preserving natural resources. A recent study by Agoda revealed that an impressive 77 percent of Asian travelers consider sustainability when planning their vacations, highlighting a shift in consumer priorities.
In Vietnam, 81 percent of surveyed travelers factor in sustainable practices when selecting their destinations, with 43 percent showing a preference for eco-friendly accommodations. This shift is prompting tourism businesses to innovate and incorporate sustainable elements into their offerings, such as eco-tours, organic farming experiences, and community-based cultural activities.
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Tourism enterprises in Vietnam are at the forefront of adopting innovative green tourism models that adhere to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. During the Vietnam International Travel Mart (VITM) 2026 held in Hanoi, many operators unveiled creative eco-friendly products. Notably, Vietravel introduced its “New Generation” product line, embracing ESG guidelines along with the Living Experience Index (LEI). Featured tours included environmentally responsible options like “Ben Tre – Net Zero Passport” and “Live Green with the Mekong”, blending ecological awareness and cultural experiences.
In a similar vein, Vietluxtour presented its “Green Tourism and ESG Commitment Practice” ecosystem, which encompasses socially responsible journeys such as “Con Dao – Protecting Sea Turtles” and eco-friendly cycling tours in Ninh Binh. This wave of green initiatives illustrates a broader trend: companies that prioritize sustainability are likely to gain significant competitive advantages in the rapidly expanding global eco-tourism market.
Across Vietnam, there is a strong focus on environmental conservation rather than mass tourism. This shift includes investments in waste management solutions, eco-friendly amenities, and low-impact activities for visitors. By emphasizing responsible tourism experiences, localities can attract eco-conscious travelers from abroad, encouraging them to stay longer and spend more.
These strategic moves are essential for the long-term growth of the tourism sector, ensuring that destinations remain appealing and competitive in the face of evolving travel trends. Vietnam’s national tourism development strategy targeting 2030 includes a firm commitment to sustainable, inclusive, and green growth, with actionable strategies outlined in the National Green Growth Strategy 2021–2030 extending through 2050.
The Vietnam Tourism Association (VITA) has established the VITA Green Tourism Criteria, providing essential guidelines for destinations, hospitality providers, and travel agencies to achieve sustainable operations. These criteria align with global standards such as the GSTC, Travelife, and Green Key, facilitating the integration of Vietnamese businesses into the worldwide eco-tourism landscape.
As of May 2026, over 70 tourism operators in Vietnam have been awarded the prestigious VITA Green certificate, signalling the first officially recognized green tourism entities in the country. This certification process supports incremental sustainability initiatives without heavy upfront investments, positioning operators advantageously for future growth and international recognition.
Local tourism businesses showcase that impactful sustainable practices can be adopted through manageable initiatives. For instance, the Ninh Binh Legend Hotel, certified by VITA, has implemented measures such as reducing single-use plastics, opting for energy-efficient appliances, and minimizing paper usage while prioritizing locally sourced products.
These practical steps not only bolster environmental protection but also enhance guest satisfaction, operational efficiency, and market competitiveness. By integrating sustainable methods into everyday operations, tourism operators can attract more international eco-conscious visitors and contribute to the long-term resilience of the industry.
Vietnam’s sustainable tourism initiatives are strategically focused on attracting high-potential international markets. Countries like Australia, India, and Japan show a growing penchant for eco-friendly travel, heritage excursions, and wellness experiences, presenting Vietnam with ripe opportunities to enhance inbound travel.
By leveraging certified green operators, innovative eco-tourism offerings, and sustainable marketing strategies, Vietnam enhances its allure among premium visitor segments, fostering extended stays, repeat visits, and increased spending. This approach not only boosts the country’s tourism competitiveness but also aligns expansion with global sustainability goals.
Vietnam is on track to ensure the enduring success of its tourism sector by integrating eco-certification programs, community-based tourism frameworks, and net-zero travel initiatives. Through partnerships, industry regulations, and innovative sector-specific strategies, Vietnam aims to remain resilient and globally competitive in its tourism development efforts. The commitment to sustainable tourism is anticipated to generate increased visitor numbers, economic development, and job creation while safeguarding the nation’s cultural heritage and natural resources for generations to come, ensuring Vietnam’s status as a premier destination in Southeast Asia.
Source: The post Vietnam Accelerates Green Tourism with Sustainable Practices to Drive the Future Travel Growth, Attract International Visitors and Boost their Local Economy Revenue first appeared on www.travelandtourworld.com.
