Con Dao island, a popular tourist destination off the coast of Vietnam’s southern Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, has set an ambitious goal of making its tourism economy carbon-zero in the coming years, a local tourism official said.
The island district has received the go-ahead from provincial authorities for a project to develop a circular economy in tourism, Chin Han, director-general of the provincial tourism department, said on the sidelines of a tourism-related meeting on Thursday.
The project is expected to address the island’s tourism-related challenges as well as unlock its tourism potential to balance the environment and the local economy in the long run, Han explained.
Under the project, Con Dao will create and promote travel products and services aimed at high-spending tourists, culture and history enthusiasts, and nature lovers.
Officials suggested that businesses in the sector organise more adventure tours to tap the tourism potential of Con Dao National Park.
According to Chu Hong Minh, vice president of the Con Dao Island Tourism Association, the introduction of digital technology will enable visitors to the island to enjoy a wider range of tours and services in the areas of culture, spirituality, history and ecotourism.
Tours and services that allow visitors to explore the island’s stunning natural beauty, watch sea turtles lay their eggs at night, release turtles back into the ocean and go diving to see the coral reefs are popular with both domestic and international tourists.
Minh said visitors to Con Dao would have the opportunity to experience the daily activities of local people, thanks to the islanders’ active participation in community-based tourism.
Industry insiders say the greenery, peaceful lifestyle and fresh air make Con Dao an attractive tourist destination.
These companies believed that the island boasts many aspects for developing eco-friendly and sustainable tourism.
The Con Dao Tourism Department is piloting the use of renewable energy in local resorts and tourist sites. Photo: HK/Tuoi Tre
Speaking at the event, a representative from SaigonTourist Travel Services Joint Stock Company, a subsidiary of Vietnam’s leading tourism company SaigonTourist Group, stressed the need to balance the growing number of tourists visiting the island with the amount of waste the tourism sector discharges into the environment.
A representative of SaigonTourism suggested further investment in infrastructure to keep Con Dao island green and clean.
Commenting on the issue, Han stressed the importance of raising awareness about net-zero emissions among industry stakeholders, including tourism service providers, tourists and local residents.
Hanh added that Con Dao island will be able to develop a sustainable tourism industry with low carbon emissions in the near future.
In the first half of 2024, Con Dao Island district welcomed more than 396,000 tourists, generating tourism revenue of more than VND1.5 trillion (US$58.9 million), up more than 102 percent and nearly 105 percent respectively from the same period last year.
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