HCM City (VNA) – A green tourism development initiative themed “Sustainable Tourism and Net Zero Goal” is gaining momentum in Ho Chi Minh City and Mekong Delta provinces within their tourism cooperation.
By promoting environmental awareness and sustainable tourism practices, the programme is encouraging travel businesses to rethink their strategies and adopt more eco-friendly and socially responsible models.
Since its launch, several inter-provincial green tourism products have been rolled out, appealing to both domestic and international markets. These tours not only offer leisure and exploration but also embed messages of environmental protection, nature conservation, and education, all aligned with the global tourism trend toward achieving net-zero emissions.
A standout initiative is the “Save the Cranes – Preserve the Green” campaign launched in May by Vietravel. The campaign features eco-tours that combine travel with environmental education, particularly at Tram Chim National Park in Dong Thap province which is considered the “green lung” of the region. Through this initiative, tourists and tour operators alike contribute to the preservation of the park while experiencing the unique biodiversity of the region.
According to Vietravel representatives, these tours offer not only scenic beauty but also hands-on learning experiences that foster environmental awareness, especially among young travelers. The company’s model of “tourism integrated with environmental education” has received praise for its innovative and sustainable approach.
Meanwhile, Innotour, another Vietnamese tour operator, is expanding the green tourism model through its “Tree Planting Tour – Small Actions, Big Values” programme in Vinh Long province. Around 100 participants, including tourists and government officials, recently helped plant more than 1,300 trees in the coastal conservation area of Con Lon.
The initiative aims to prevent coastal erosion and adapt to climate change, with plans to make it an annual activity, said Nguyen Duc Hung, a representative of Innotour.
Vu Ngoc Lam, Country Director of Agoda Vietnam, said that Vietnam’s appeal lies in its unique blend of cultural richness, natural beauty, and warm hospitality.
Visa waivers for Polish, Swiss, and Czech citizens, effective March to December this year have contributed to a tourism surge from these markets, Lam said.
In the first half of 2025, hotel search traffic from Poland jumped by 306%, followed by 155% from the Czech Republic and 68% from Switzerland. Ho Chi Minh City, in particular, has emerged as a favorite destination thanks to its mix of modernity, history, and vibrant street food culture.
Across the region, more tourism businesses and travelers are embracing eco-conscious practices such as tree planting, waste reduction, and the use of sustainable materials. These grassroots actions support the broader “Sustainable Tourism and Net Zero Goal” programme signed by localities and 26 travel firms.
According to Bui Thi Ngoc Hieu, Deputy Director of HCM City’s Department of Tourism, the city plans to strengthen a programme linked to southern border provinces’ historical values, expand tourism promotion in central Vietnam, and promote the use of 3D smart maps for digital tourism marketing.
Training programmes will also be offered to enhance the capacity of local communities and tourism staff, particularly in waterway-based tourism, which aims to foster regional tourism development aligned with net-zero emissions.
Following recent administrative boundary reforms, HCMC City is positioning itself as a multifaceted tourism hub that blends urban vibrancy with coastal, mountainous, and cultural heritage elements. This diversity not only enhances visitor experience but also solidifies the city’s reputation on the domestic and global tourism map.
In the first half of 2025, the city welcomed over 3.8 million international arrivals, up 44% year-on-year, while domestic tourist numbers exceeded 18 million, up 7%. Tourism revenue reached nearly 118 trillion VND ( 4.5 billion USD), marking a 27.3% increase compared to the same period in 2024./.
