Quang Nam determined to raise the level of green tourism

Representatives of tourism businesses shared at the seminar "Staying committed to green tourism - From commitment to action". Photo: QUOC TUAN

Sticking to sustainable tourism

More than once, the investor and the sustainable tourism development project of Silk Sense Hoi An River Resort (Cam An Ward, Hoi An City) were shaken about the green tourism path. That was the sharing of this unit's representative at the discussion.

According to Ms. Ha Thi Dieu Vien - General Manager of Silk Sense Hoi An River Resort, when the COVID-19 pandemic had just ended, the number of visitors had decreased while the competition was very high. At that time, there was a viewpoint on whether or not to stop and minimize the implementation of green criteria to cut costs, help the resort breathe easier financially and increase price competitiveness.

"We considered a lot to make the final decision, and Silk Sense Hoi An River Resort has continued to maintain "green operations" to try to maintain the core value of sustainable development. We have researched and learned more solutions to optimize operations; at the same time, still maintaining the green, environmentally friendly criteria that the unit has pursued since its establishment" - Ms. Vien confided.

Overcoming many difficulties, Silk Sense Hoi An River Resort is one of the units steadfast in green development in Quang Nam. Photo: QUOC TUAN

According to Mr. Vuong Dinh Manh - Chairman of the Green Tourism Club (Quang Nam Tourism Association), the most difficult thing for the local business community to pursue green tourism is to balance economic revenue and transition towards sustainable and responsible development.

"The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected the development of green tourism in Quang Nam. However, in the past 3 years, we have seen a big change in both businesses and the community.

The approach to green tourism has changed from spontaneous to voluntary; many units have proactively built products to reduce emissions, registered to participate in green certification of the Quang Nam Green Tourism Criteria. The good news is that recently many delegations from all over the country have come to Hoi An to consult and learn about the green tourism development model" - Mr. Manh shared.

Dong Giang Heaven Gate Eco-tourism Area is the latest destination to be granted a green certificate by the Provincial People's Committee according to the Quang Nam Green Tourism Criteria. Photo: QUOC TUAN

Quang Nam is the first locality in the country to issue a set of provincial green tourism criteria (in 2021) with 7 groups of fields. To date, the whole province has had 33 businesses and destinations recognized as meeting standards and granted Quang Nam green tourism certificates.

Enhancing the green tourism brand of Quang Nam

Sharing at the discussion, opinions were unanimous that there should be close connection between parties in building and promoting the green tourism brand of Quang Nam. At the same time, there should be stronger commitment and policies from the government as well as business partners so that local tourism businesses have more motivation and basis for green transformation.

International visitors experience making bamboo products at Taboo Bamboo Workshop (Cam Thanh Commune, Hoi An City). Photo: QUOC TUAN

According to Mr. Van Ba ​​Son - Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Quang Nam, the unique thing is that Quang Nam tourism has begun to approach green tourism quite early (around the early 2000s), then Cu Lao Cham also created a big effect on tourists when conveying the message "island without plastic bags".

Quang Nam tourism industry has recently made many strong moves to develop the local tourism brand in the direction of green tourism, most recently promoting and advertising under the slogan "Quang Nam - Green Heritage Land".

However, Mr. Son also acknowledged that the influence of the Quang Nam Green Tourism Criteria has not yet gone beyond the national "border" despite being elaborately built, referring to international criteria.

Through a survey of 9,867 samples in 109 countries by the end of 2024 by Trip.com, 92% of travelers consider choosing green travel products; about 75% want to have sustainable travel stickers when searching for products online; about 21% are willing to pay more than 5% for sustainable travel activities...

In particular, GenZ (the generation born between 1997 and 2012) is the generation that is more oriented towards green tourism than other groups.

Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Quang Nam Van Ba ​​Son spoke at the seminar. Photo: QUOC TUAN

According to Mr. Son, the mechanism for developing green tourism is not strong enough to encourage businesses to engage, but there is no national scope for this issue either. The Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Quang Nam has also made many recommendations to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.

"Currently, the department is actively coordinating with the Swiss Federal Directorate for Economic Affairs to complete and promote the Quang Nam Green Tourism Criteria. In June - July 2025, the department will work with an international organization to have this set of criteria certified internationally; at that time, any business that is granted this certification will have a great advantage in attracting customers and enhancing its brand," Mr. Son informed.

Source: https://baoquangnam.vn/quang-nam-kien-dinh-nang-tam-du-lich-xanh-3151789.html