 |
| Green tourist destinations have caught the attention of visitors. (Photo: VNA) |
As the global travel industry continues to evolve, a promising new trend has emerged that aligns environmental responsibility with meaningful exploration: net-zero tourism. Though still a relatively new concept, net-zero tourism is quickly gaining attention for its ability to create impactful travel experiences while minimizing harm to the planet. By focusing on carbon-neutral operations, this approach is helping communities, ecosystems, and travelers take a giant step toward sustainable development.
Green Journeys Through Ben Tre’s Coconut Heartland
One pioneering example is the “Net Zero Tours Ben Tre,” a low-impact travel initiative developed by C2T Communications and Tourism Company Limited. Located in the Mekong Delta’s lush Ben Tre province — famously known as the “land of coconuts” — this tour offers a gentle immersion into local life and nature.
Guests explore waterways, cycle through villages, enjoy folk music, and sample traditional foods served in biodegradable materials like coconut shells. As part of the journey, travelers are also educated about their carbon footprint and invited to participate in eco-restorative activities such as planting mangroves, cleaning riverbanks, and purchasing local goods that support the community.
Every detail, from transport choices to souvenir options, is selected with sustainability in mind, giving visitors the chance to enjoy authentic experiences while actively contributing to environmental preservation.
A Carbon-Neutral Escape in Ba Ria – Vung Tau
In Suoi Rao commune of Ba Ria – Vung Tau province, Suoi Rao Ecolodge stands as a leading example of net-zero tourism in action. Recognized with a net-zero station certificate by the Institute of Applied Research and Innovation in Enterprises (IARIE), this eco-retreat spans five hectares, with over 95% of its land devoted to greenery.
Visitors here are treated to immersive experiences like walking or biking under tree canopies, learning about ethnic minority traditions, and reconnecting with nature. Thanks to measures such as forest management and soil improvement, the ecolodge captures around 260 tonnes of carbon while emitting just 19 tonnes annually, effectively offsetting its environmental impact.
Sustainable Travel as a Shared Responsibility
The shift towards net-zero tourism requires not only action from businesses and tour operators but also support from government agencies and local communities. Institutions like the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism are promoting this model by encouraging eco-friendly infrastructure, energy-efficient transport, and waste-free tourism practices.
Private companies like Vietravel are also stepping up. Their recent “50-Year Train” initiative links cultural regions across Vietnam while prioritizing green destinations and low-impact operations. From distributing biodegradable bags to organizing clean-up events, Vietravel demonstrates how tourism businesses can lead the way in responsible travel.
Charting a New Course for Sustainable Development
As Truong Minh Huy Vu from the Ho Chi Minh City Institute for Development Studies highlights, the path to net-zero tourism involves coordinated action and long-term planning. Green investment, technical support, and inclusive policies will be key to expanding this movement.
Whether it’s through hands-on environmental engagement, supporting local traditions, or reducing emissions, net-zero tourism presents an opportunity to travel not only farther, but wiser.
Suoi Rao Ecolodge
Website: https://www.suoiraoecolodge.info/Vietravel
Website: https://www.vietravel.comFor more travel inspiration read the daily online "The Holiday and Travel Magazine"
https://theholidayandtravelmagazine.blogspot.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment