Da Nang tourism pioneers sustainable transformation

International visitors experience mat weaving in Kim Bong village (Hoi An ward). Photo: QUOC TUAN

In his message on World Tourism Day this year, Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary General of the World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), said that more than ever, we need to reflect and redefine the true meaning of tourism.

Tourism is not just about statistics or economic revenue, but more importantly about the sustainable value that the industry can contribute to the community and to our planet.

Mr. Zurab Pololikashvili believes that sustainable transformation through tourism can only become a reality when we open up space for creative ideas. That requires us to reshape business models, taking core values as the foundation, not just focusing on profit goals.

It can be said that Da Nang is one of the pioneering localities in the country to pay attention to approaching and quickly adapting to this issue.

Mr. Van Ba Son, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, informed that sustainable tourism has been taking shape in Da Nang since the early 2000s, with a notable highlight being the construction of Cu Lao Cham island without plastic bags.

Gradually, many green tourism models and zero-plastic waste tourism models were born, along with the local green tourism development strategy, creating a green destination brand for Da Nang.

In the journey of sustainable transformation, the launch of the first set of provincial-level green tourism criteria in the country in 2021 demonstrates the clear commitment of local authorities.

Destination of old brick kilns associated with local characteristics (Nam Phuoc commune). Photo: QUOC TUAN

This move has been highly appreciated by the national tourism management agency and a number of international organizations; a number of provinces and cities across the country have connected to consult and replicate this model.

In addition to the honorary titles of international organizations, the local sustainable transformation efforts were recognized when, together with Ha Giang and Dong Thap, they were selected to implement the project "Swiss Tourism for Sustainable Development in Vietnam" (ST4SD) from 2024 to 2027.

In addition, the locality was also selected to pilot the project "Reducing plastic waste in the tourism sector" (implemented in the old Quang Nam and Ninh Binh from 2023 - 2024).

In addition, at the end of 2024, the locality will also be the venue for the first UN Tourism International Conference on Rural Tourism, demonstrating a strong commitment to the sustainable and equitable development of rural communities around the world.

According to Mr. Phan Xuan Thanh, former Chairman of Quang Nam Tourism Association, tourism needs to be established as a key industry with integration, creating multi-industry spillover, contributing to forming urban identity and improving people's quality of life.

Mr. Phan Xuan Thanh said that in the context of expanding development and increasingly fierce competition for destinations, Da Nang needs to clearly establish that green tourism is not only a trend but also needs to be established as a strategic foundation for the development of the entire industry in the new period.

This is the direction to ensure harmony between economic growth and environmental protection, between modernization and preservation of traditional culture, as a foundation for sustainable, long-term development of Da Nang.

Mr. Cao Tri Dung - Chairman of Da Nang Tourism Association said: "Green tourism is recognized as a pillar in tourism in the new city of Da Nang, and will strive to spread it to the whole country. In the coming time, Da Nang Green Tourism Association will continue to promote itself as a responsible member as well as a large role in the Vietnam Green Tourism Association".

Source: https://baodanang.vn/du-lich-da-nang-tien-phong-chuyen-doi-ben-vung-3303775.html