On April 7, 2025, the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Day hosted a Talkshow titled "Green Tourism for Sustainable Development," drawing significant attention from industry experts and attendees alike. This event served as a platform for discussions on the evolving landscape of tourism, particularly in the context of sustainability and community involvement.
One of the standout examples highlighted during the talk was the transformation of Tan Hoa, a village in Quang Binh province, which has successfully turned its challenges into opportunities. Nguyen Chau A, the founder of Oxalis Adventure, shared the remarkable journey of Tan Hoa, which was once a poverty-stricken village with 86% of households living below the poverty line. "Initially, Tan Hoa was just a poor village isolated during flood seasons. Since 2011, we began to envision a different path, leveraging the locality's unique flood characteristics," A explained.
With technical support from experts, local government backing, and the determination of residents, the village implemented floating houses as a flood resilience solution. These structures not only provided safety but also became a unique tourist attraction. During the flood season, visitors can experience life on the water, paddle kayaks through the village, and enjoy local cuisine. In 2024 alone, Tan Hoa welcomed 11,000 visitors, generating over 10 billion VND in revenue. The first quarter of 2025 saw more than 5,000 visitors and revenue of 5.5 billion VND, a remarkable feat for a village previously known as a flood zone.
International recognition followed when the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) honored Tan Hoa as the "Best Tourism Village in the World." Oxalis Adventure has also ventured into high-end adventure tourism by transforming Son Doong, the world's largest cave, into a premium tour destination. "When we announced the tour priced at 3,000 USD, many deemed it unfeasible. However, with strict operational guidelines, limited guest numbers, and local porter training, we established a globally recognized brand," A stated.
Despite the success stories, experts at the talk emphasized that green tourism cannot be a one-size-fits-all approach. Dr. Duong Duc Minh, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Institute for Economic Development and Tourism Research, remarked, "Green tourism is an inevitable trend, but it cannot be done hastily. Each destination must be planned according to its ecological and cultural characteristics, with the community at its core." He argued that successful green tourism requires collaboration among four key players: the government for policy support, businesses for product development, scientists for advisory solutions, and community members for operational involvement.
Bui Thi Ngoc Hieu, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, cited the community tourism tour in Thien Lieng island commune (Can Gio) as a practical example. "We focus on salt production, the mangrove ecosystem, and distinctive local lifestyles. However, replicating this model in other islands without considering local conditions will lead to failure," she cautioned. Hieu highlighted that while Ho Chi Minh City is a large urban center, it still has significant potential for green tourism through waterways and ecological spaces like Can Gio and Cu Chi.
From a youth perspective, Helly Tong, founder of a community project on sustainable development, emphasized the importance of intertwining green tourism with cultural knowledge and responsibility. "Young people seek more than just beautiful photo spots; they want to understand the stories behind the places they visit, including history, geography, and local values," Tong explained. She introduced "Map Me," an open data platform integrating geographical, cultural, and environmental information to provide travelers with deep insights, helping them choose destinations aligned with their personal values and social responsibilities. "Green tourism is not merely about adding greenery to old products; it's a new development mindset prioritizing community benefits and sustainability," Tong asserted.
Interestingly, the discussion revealed that green tourism isn't confined to rural or coastal areas. Urban centers like Ho Chi Minh City also have substantial opportunities for sustainable tourism development. The success of Tan Hoa, once known as a flood-prone area, illustrates the value of creating tourism products adaptable to all weather conditions, ensuring year-round operation. However, experts cautioned against the risks of rapid tourism development, which could disrupt local cultural and social structures. In large cities, the potential for urban green tourism is immense, encouraging visitors to explore on foot, by bicycle, or via electric vehicles instead of private cars.
Ultimately, creating attractive, convenient, and environmentally friendly tourism products is crucial. Sustainable tourism can only thrive when it protects nature while offering genuinely enjoyable experiences for travelers. Nguyen Chau A emphasized, "Green tourism must balance ecological preservation with the creation of memorable experiences for tourists."
The talkshow underscored the importance of strategic planning and community involvement in developing green tourism. As the industry evolves, the insights shared at this event will guide future initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable practices within Vietnam's tourism sector.
In conclusion, the shift towards green tourism represents a significant opportunity for Vietnam's diverse landscapes and communities. By embracing sustainable practices, the country can enhance its tourism offerings and ensure that both visitors and locals benefit from a thriving, responsible tourism industry.
