Princes Islands, an unspoiled archipelago an hour by boat from Istanbul, is Türkiye's forgotten paradise. Apart from essential services, there are no gasoline-powered vehicles on the islands. The main sounds here come from electric bicycles, seagulls and the sound of suitcases being pulled...
Japan to impose tourist tax on Miyajima Island from late 2023.
Promoting the “responsibility” of tourists
Ecotourism is one of the fastest growing forms of tourism today. Although there are many definitions, according to experts, the nature of ecotourism is to create an organic, harmonious relationship between people and nature, promote a sense of responsibility in protecting the environment, and bring economic benefits to the local community with the purpose of conservation. However, there are still many misunderstandings related to this field, such as considering ecotourism as primitive, wild tourism...
In fact, the development of ecotourism is promoted through smart planning, even applying harsh regulations. This is the direction of many destinations around the world, especially on islands.
In Japan, several islands are considering imposing a sightseeing tax to reduce overtourism. Starting in October 2023, Hatsukaichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture will impose a tax on visitors to Miyajima Island, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Itsukushima Shrine. Other islands that attract large numbers of tourists, such as Taketomi in Okinawa Prefecture and Sado in Niigata Prefecture, are also considering similar taxes. These taxes are intended to secure funding to manage the huge influx of tourists while also reinvesting.
The Jeju Island government in South Korea is trying to impose an eco-tourism tax to limit the negative impact on the environment. Those who rent cars will be charged an additional 5,000 won, and those who rent minivans will be charged 10,000 won per day. Tourists who rent buses will be charged 5% of the rental fee.
Revenue from the tax is used to address the island's growing pollution and wastewater problems, while protecting natural resources from the influx of more than 10 million tourists each year.
In France, 80% of tourism activities are concentrated in only 20% of the territory. Therefore, the functional sectors of this country have built a promotional program to promote 4-season tourism. At the same time, this country is also placing many restrictions on destinations.
Limit vehicle exhaust, apply new energy initiatives
In general, the move by the authorities is largely driven by the view that ecotourism is about taking responsibility for the environment. One of these is the impact of man-made emissions. To address this, many islands have made plans to say “no” to cars or motor vehicle exhaust.
For example, La Graciosa - a small island off the coast of Lanzarote, Spain has no roads but visitors can cycle, walk along beautiful beaches and explore some romantic restaurants along the coast. Or Princes Island, a pristine archipelago an hour by boat from Istanbul, is Turkey's forgotten paradise. Apart from essential services, there are no gasoline-powered vehicles on the island. The silence is broken only by the sound of electric bicycles, seagulls and the sound of suitcases being pulled...
Lamma Island, Hong Kong (China) is one of the "car-free" islands in the world.
Meanwhile, Lamma Island, Hong Kong (China) is always in the top list of the most car-free islands worth exploring in the world. Just a ferry ride away from Hong Kong, it is not by chance that Lamma is known as the "paradise island" of the famous island nation. Thanks to the efforts of the local government, all residents and tourists here travel by bicycle or on foot.
And when it comes to Lamma Island, it is impossible not to mention as a symbol, Lamma Style Wind Power Plant located on the hilltop of Lamma Island, the first renewable energy production facility in Hong Kong, attracting many walkers and photography enthusiasts to check in. It produces an average of 1 million kWh of green electricity per year, helping to reduce CO2 emissions by 800 tons per year.
An equally impressive energy solution is the island of Tau in American Samoa. The island has now ditched its traditional fuel-powered generators and switched to giant solar panels, meeting nearly 100% of the island’s energy needs.
The “chosen islands”
Clearly, the strategy of developing ecotourism with smart planning and management ideas is creating a significant effect on destinations. However, each country tries to “choose the right place to entrust their gold”, giving priority to beautiful islands with diverse and rich resources.
Vietnam, with 11 World Biosphere Reserves recognized by UNESCO, has great potential for developing ecotourism. Among them, there are destinations that need to be focused on research and systematic planning to become international-class ecotourism destinations such as Cat Ba Island.
As one of the three largest islands in Vietnam with an area of over 150 km2, Cat Ba has long been considered the top tourist destination in the North with white sand beaches and clear water, hidden behind limestone mountains and primeval forests. In addition, Cat Ba also possesses valuable natural hot mineral springs. International tourists love to explore Cat Ba with its diverse and rich ecosystem of majestic and poetic mountains, forests and seas.
Cat Ba aims to become an ecological, smart, zero-emission island.
Cat Ba National Park was recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve in 2004. Nearly 20 years later, along with Ha Long Bay, Cat Ba archipelago was officially recognized by UNESCO as a world natural heritage, opening up great opportunities for tourism development for this island.
According to the Master Plan for Sustainable Tourism Development of Cat Ba Archipelago to 2025 and Vision to 2050, Cat Ba will develop into a “Jade” island where visitors will have the best experiences of global ecological and landscape values; where conservation efforts will be supported by modern “green” technologies and activities based on the principles of sustainable tourism, with ecotourism and community tourism as the core.
From great ambitions to planning solutions for Cat Ba are the concerns of Hai Phong authorities and tourism workers. In the context that ecotourism has not yet really developed systematically in Vietnam, each international story and experience can be a valuable suggestion for the "pearl island" of the North.
Tung Duong
Source
Comment (0)