Vietnam is prioritizing sustainable development in its tourism sector, focusing on quality growth and minimizing environmental impact, according to government officials and industry leaders.
Vietnam Advances Sustainability in Tourism
Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Ho An Phong emphasized that Vietnam’s tourism sector is steadfastly pursuing greener development, rather than rapid growth, at a conference in January to roll out the Vietnam Tourism Association’s 2026 action plan.
“Vietnam has a diverse cultural foundation, a distinct identity, and rich tourism resources, with the tourism sector also being prioritised for public and social investment to support its development,” he said. “The tourism sector will continue to develop in a green and responsible manner in the period ahead, expanding in scale while enhancing quality, and making an effective contribution to economic development.”
Sustainable tourism is becoming an essential requirement amid climate change, resource depletion, and mounting pressure on the natural environment, officials say.
“Before modern concepts towards the nature, our ancestors lived by a very simple principle: living in harmony with nature; farming according to the seasons; adapting to the soil; healing by regulating blood circulation; and managing community life towards the rhythm of land, water, wind, and rain. Sustainable tourism or lifestyle is very similar and familiar in the country,” said Bobby Nguyen, CEO of Mekong Rustic Hospitality.
According to Nguyen, the concept of travel towards nature should focus on learning from ancestral practices and adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh, head of the State Steering Committee on Tourism, recently called for a shift from recovery to growth and competitiveness within the sector. These directives aim to steer Vietnam’s tourism towards higher-quality growth and contributions to the country’s GDP.
Market demand for sustainable tourism is also growing. According to Agoda’s 2025 Sustainable Travel Survey, Vietnam ranks among the markets with the highest levels of interest, trailing only the Philippines (86 percent), India (82 percent), Taiwan (80 percent), and Malaysia (80 percent).
Notably, 77 percent of Vietnamese travellers prioritize sustainable options when planning trips, exceeding the Asia-wide average of 68 percent.
Vu Ngoc Lam, director of Agoda Vietnam, noted that Vietnamese travellers are increasingly prioritizing eco-friendly accommodations and nature- and community-based activities, seeking to minimize negative environmental impacts. “Rather than simply seeking leisure holidays, many travellers are looking for more meaningful experiences that contribute to the preservation of nature and local cultures,” Lam noted.
Vietnamese tourism businesses are adapting to this trend, integrating sustainability as a core pillar of their long-term development strategies.
Bui Thanh Tu, marketing director of BestPrice Travel, said the company is partnering with electric vehicle providers to offer greener transportation options, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
“This is a long-term approach to meeting the trend of responsible tourism, while creating differentiated value for tourism products,” Tu said.
Businesses are also focusing on developing eco-tours and nature-based tours in destinations such as Halong Bay, Hue, Danang, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City, incorporating activities that provide insights into the environment, local culture, and community life.
Hoteliers are also adopting sustainable practices, aligning with standards set by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, which focus on effective planning, maximizing social and economic benefits, enhancing cultural heritage, and reducing environmental impacts.
Shamila Rolfe, general manager Mövenpick Living West Hanoi, stated the hotel is committed to best practices, having achieved HACC and International Green Globe certifications. The hotel utilizes eco-friendly green cars and online tools for sustainable reporting.
Bui Duc Khiem, cluster general manager Fusion Original Saigon Centre, HIIVE by fusion Binh Duong, and HIIVE by fusion Binh Duong New City, noted that sustainability is core to the Fusion Hotel Group’s vision and daily operations. All properties have achieved EDGE certification for green building standards.
Sven Albert Saebel, managing director, Royal Capital Group, said sustainability is embedded in their long-term development strategy, with partnerships with local farmers and participation in beach clean-up programs.
Daniel Jamal Muhor, general manager, Sheraton Phu Quoc, anticipates continued growth, particularly leading up to the APEC Summit in 2027, and is focused on operational readiness, service excellence, and sustainable growth.
Piyoros Naronglith, general manager Renaissance Danang Hoi An Resort & Spa, highlighted the importance of balancing natural beauty with cultural depth, noting Hoi An’s recognition as a world’s best city in 2025. The resort achieved Green Key certification in December.
Manjit Ghosh, general manager, Six Senses Con Dao, believes success will belong to hotels that curate personalized journeys, focusing on pristine nature and wellness. The resort operates under a regenerative model, aiming to leave places and communities better than they found them.
Steven Huy Nguyen, complex director of Sales & Marketing Danang Marriott Resort & Spa, believes wellness and sustainable travel will continue to grow in popularity, with the resort leveraging technology to reduce its environmental impact, such as the Winnow system for food waste reduction.
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