Sustainable Marine Tourism in Vietnam: A Balance Between Growth and Preservation

Strategic Insights -

Vietnam's 3,260km coastline and prioritized coastal tourism development have made it a vital sector for local and national economic growth, with marine tourism accounting for up to 70% of the total revenue. However, rapid growth has brought environmental challenges, including plastic waste, coral reef degradation, and ecosystem imbalance. To address these issues, various initiatives and projects have been implemented to restore marine ecosystems and promote sustainable marine tourism.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Via ++t Nam Institute for Tourism Development Research (ITDR) warned that plastic waste from tourism activities could triple by 2030, reaching 336,400 tonnes annually.
  • Over 15ha of coral reef have been revived in Nha Trang Bay since 2015, while the Cu Lao Cham Marine Protected Area has safeguarded over 16,000ha through joint efforts between local authorities, fishermen, and NGOs.
  • Initiatives such as GreenHub's "Joining Hands for A Blue Sea" have mobilized thousands of volunteers to clean beaches in Aa Naoung, QuaoPSng Nam, and Phu Yen, improving public awareness and supporting the long-term development of sustainable marine tourism.
  • The "Act for a Blue Sea" campaign launched by the For Green Future Fund (Vingroup) collected 72 tonnes of waste along 17 hectares of beaches across 28 coastal provinces, involving nearly 10,000 volunteers on June 8.
  • Many individuals are making conscious travel choices by avoiding single-use plastics and preferring eco-friendly tours, encouraging their children to participate in beach clean-up activities.
  • The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has issued environmental guidelines aimed at eliminating single-use plastics at tourist sites and accommodations by 2025.
  • Experts emphasize the need for collaboration among the State, businesses, and local communities to achieve sustainable marine tourism, focusing on eco-tourism, the use of green technology in waste management, and public education.

Statistics:

  • 336,400 tonnes: projected plastic waste from tourism activities by 2030
  • 15ha: coral reef area revived in Nha Trang Bay since 2015
  • 16,000ha: area safeguarded by Cu Lao Cham Marine Protected Area
  • 200,000: number of visitors to Cu Lao Cham Marine Protected Area annually
  • US$30 million: revenue generated by Cu Lao Cham Marine Protected Area annually
  • 10,000: number of volunteers participating in "Act for a Blue Sea" campaign on June 8
  • 72 tonnes: amount of waste collected by "Act for a Blue Sea" campaign
  • 17 hectares: length of beaches cleaned by "Act for a Blue Sea" campaign
  • 28: number of coastal provinces involved in "Act for a Blue Sea" campaign

Sources:

  • "Tackling marine pollution for greener tourism" article by [no source mentioned]
  • Via ++t Nam Institute for Tourism Development Research (ITDR)
  • GreenHub's "Joining Hands for A Blue Sea" initiative
  • For Green Future Fund (Vingroup)
  • Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam
  • Via ++t Nam Tourism Association