With over 3,260 km of coastline from the North to the South, Vietnam is an attractive destination for both domestic and international tourists. The country’s tourism development strategy to 2030 prioritises the development of coastal and island tourism, including beach resorts, marine sports and entertainment.
Marine tourism accounts for up to 70% of the sector’s total revenue, making it a vital contributor to local and national economic growth. However, rapid growth has brought environmental challenges, prompting coastal provinces to seek sustainable solutions to preserve natural resources for future generations.
Tackling marine pollution for greener tourism
The surge in the number of visitors has exacerbated issues such as plastic waste, coral reef degradation, and ecosystem imbalance. 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 yielded positive results. In Nha Trang Bay, more than 15 hectares of coral reef have been revived since 2015, while the Cu Lao Cham Marine Protected Area has safeguarded over 16,000 hectares through joint efforts between local authorities, fishermen, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Each year, the area welcomes over 200,000 visitors, generating around 30 million USD in revenue while preserving its long-term natural value.
Initiatives such as GreenHub’s “Joining Hands for A Blue Sea” have mobilised thousands of volunteers to clean beaches in Da Nang, Quang Nam and Phu Yen. These efforts have improved public awareness and supported the long-term development of sustainable marine tourism.
Community action and policy support
On June 8, nearly 10,000 volunteers joined the “Act for a Blue Sea” campaign launched by the For Green Future Fund (Vingroup), collecting 72 tonnes of waste along 17 hectares of beaches across 28 coastal provinces. Organisers said such activities nurture a culture of environmental responsibility and inspire long-term behaviour change.
Individuals are also making conscious travel choices by avoiding single-use plastics and preferring eco-friendly tours.
In addition to setting an example by disposing of waste properly and minimising littering, many also encourage their children to take part in beach clean-up activities organised by local authorities or tour operators.In response, Vietnam has implemented various policies to combat plastic pollution that results from the tourism industry. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has issued environmental guidelines aimed at eliminating single-use plastics at tourist sites and accommodations by 2025.
Towards sustainable coastal future
Experts emphasised that sustainable marine tourism requires collaboration among the State, businesses, and local communities. There is a strong focus on eco-tourism, the use of green technology in waste management, and enhancing public education.
Vu The Binh, President of the Vietnam Tourism Association, urged localities and tourism operators to find alternatives to plastic in business activities. He highlighted that marine conservation is not only a responsibility of the tourism industry but a shared duty of individuals and tourists.
Protecting the environment today aims to safeguard precious resources and preserve natural beauty so that future generations have the opportunity to experience Vietnam’s pristine and blue beaches./.
(VNA)
