Vietnam's Coastal Tourism Development Faces Environmental Challenges

Strategic Insights -

As Vietnam prioritizes the development of its coastal and island tourism, a surge in visitors has led to environmental concerns, including marine pollution, coral reef degradation, and ecosystem imbalance. With over 3,260 km of coastline, Vietnam's tourism revenue relies heavily on marine activities, which account for up to 70% of the sector's total revenue. However, the country's rapid growth has brought about the need for sustainable solutions to preserve its natural resources for future generations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Vietnam Institute for Tourism Development Research (ITDR) warned that plastic waste from tourism activities could triple by 2030, reaching 336,400 tonnes annually.
  • Projects focused on restoring marine ecosystems have shown positive results, such as the revival of over 15 hectares of coral reef in Nha Trang Bay since 2015.
  • Initiatives like GreenHub's "Joining Hands for A Blue Sea" have mobilised thousands of volunteers to clean beaches in Da Nang, Quang Nam, and Phu Yen, improving public awareness and supporting sustainable marine tourism.
  • Community action and policy support have led to significant results, such as the "Act for a Blue Sea" campaign collecting 72 tonnes of waste along 17 hectares of beaches across 28 coastal provinces.
  • The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has issued environmental guidelines to eliminate single-use plastics at tourist sites and accommodations by 2025.
  • Experts emphasize the importance of collaboration among the State, businesses, and local communities to promote eco-tourism, green technology, and public education.
  • Vu The Binh, President of the Vietnam Tourism Association, urged localities and tourism operators to find alternatives to plastic in business activities, highlighting the shared responsibility of protecting the environment for future generations.

Statistics:

  • Over 3,260 km of coastline in Vietnam.
  • Marine tourism accounts for up to 70% of total revenue.
  • Plastic waste from tourism activities could reach 336,400 tonnes annually by 2030.
  • Over 15 hectares of coral reef revived in Nha Trang Bay since 2015.
  • Cu Lao Cham Marine Protected Area has safeguarded over 16,000 hectares.
  • Each year, the area welcomes over 200,000 visitors, generating around 30 million USD in revenue.
  • Over 10,000 volunteers participated in the "Act for a Blue Sea" campaign, collecting 72 tonnes of waste.
  • 28 coastal provinces supported the "Act for a Blue Sea" campaign.

Sources:

  • Vietnam News Agency
  • Vietnam 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
  • Vietnam Tourism Association