Coastal, island localities boost green tourism
VOV.VN - Several coastal and island localities have devised strategies and action plans aimed at raising environmental awareness and promoting sustainable tourism, including carrying out plastic waste reduction measures.
The Vietnam tourism system planning scheme for the 2021 to 2030 period, with a vision towards 2045, defines coastal and island tourism as one of the main product lines. It emphasizes the importance of sustainable tourism development in conjunction with environmental protection and effective climate change response. By 2030, all tourist areas, accommodation establishments, and other coastal service businesses, are expected to eliminate the use of single-use plastic products and non-biodegradable plastic bags.
Phu Quoc, a famous tourist destination located in the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang, attracts about 5.5 million visitors annually. According to the municipal authorities, with a strong commitment to develop a green and sustainable economy, including tourism, the city is set to completely ban single-use plastic products in coastal tourist areas and for use by night market vendors by 2025. Moreover, by that time 80% of the areas within the Phu Quoc marine protected area will be free of plastic waste.
Similarly, Con Dao district in the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau, which is another impressive coastal and island tourist destination, has implemented a 2022 to 2025 project on research and application of circular economy models for sustainable socio-economic development. Under the terms of the project, various activities are being launched, such as training sessions on waste sorting at source and commitments from the local tourism association and transport companies to reduce plastic use in their services.
For green tourism linked to sustainable environmental protection to succeed, it requires more than just awareness campaigns and pilot models. It demands the voluntary and persistent efforts of every citizen, tourist, and service provider through specific and practical actions.
A representative of Nicobar Con Dao Hotel revealed that the hotel has replaced plastic water bottles with glass ones, while also offering guests shampoo and shower gel in small, reusable glass bottles.
Similarly, The Secret Con Dao Hotel and Six Senses Con Dao Resort have made efforts by installing water filtration systems to avoid using single-use plastic bottles.
