Vietnam travelers are led to clean up tourist sites to reduce emissions. (Photo: Vietravel)
Vietnam's tourism sector is actively promoting low-carbon travel, with local travel agencies introducing green itineraries aimed at minimizing carbon emissions generated by tourists. Some operators have launched "Net Zero Passports" to enhance visitors' awareness of carbon reduction. Additionally, Vietnam Airlines has become a pioneer by successfully testing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Low-carbon tours lead tourists to clean up
Often referred to as a "smokeless industry" due to its relatively low pollution levels, the tourism sector has seen a rise in carbon emissions in recent years. A study published in Nature Climate Change predicts that carbon emissions from tourism could reach 6.5 billion tons by 2025, a 44% increase since 2013, accounting for approximately 13% of global carbon emissions.
Vietnam's largest tourism group, Vietravel Holdings, initiated its "Go Green" program in 2013, providing biodegradable bags and leading tourists in cleaning up popular sites. The program also includes specially arranged accommodations, transportation, and activities designed to minimize carbon output during trips.
In Ben Tre province, C2T Media and Tourism has partnered with the Institute for Applied Research and Enterprise Innovation (3AI) to launch the Net Zero Passport initiative. This program provides tourists with notebooks and pencils to document the carbon emissions associated with different products they encounter during their travels.
Vietnam airlines tests SAF through Singapore-Hanoi flight
Transportation, which accounts for over 70% of carbon emissions associated with travel, is a critical focus area. Vietnam Airlines recently completed a successful flight from Singapore to Hanoi using a blend of sustainable aviation fuel derived from biomass, making it the first Vietnamese airline to test SAF in a commercial flight.
In the railway sector, the Ministry of Transport is exploring electrification, aiming to utilize clean energy by 2050. Majo George, a senior lecturer at RMIT University’s Vietnam campus, emphasized the need for a clear policy framework to help establish infrastructure standards and secure funding sources.
Also, the Vietnamese government is considering high-speed railway connecting the north and south of the country. According to the Ministry of Transport, the proposed line will span 1,541 kilometers and feature 23 stations. If completed by 2035, it is expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions in the tourism transportation sector.
As global sustainability trends influence Vietnam's green tourism efforts, an increasing number of travelers are prioritizing carbon reduction. An independent survey of 1,000 individuals aged 18 and over revealed that 96% believe sustainable tourism is a crucial factor in their travel decisions, with 94% indicating a willingness to choose more sustainable trips within the next 12 months.
Source: Vietnam+、RMIT、The Investor
