Reminders in boom times

21 May 2018 2183 | World Travel News

As Vietnam’s tourism industry continues to boom, it is essential measures are put in place to preserve the country’s rich heritage and bounty of natural beauty, tourism leaders warn.

Halong Bay’s pristine environment comes under threat from more visitors and cruises

According to figures from Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), the country welcomed more than 12.9 million international arrivals in 2017 – a 29.1 per cent year-on-year increase. More than 73 million domestic visitors were also recorded in 2017. Revenue from tourism rose by 25.2 per cent in 2017 to US$23 billion, accounting for seven percent of GDP.

Dinh Ngoc Duc, head of VNAT’s marketing department, predicted the number of foreign tourists in 2018 will increase to between 15 and 17 million.

Tour operators claim the rise in part is connected with a major marketing push from the government in 2017, which saw an action plan to develop tourism as an economic pillar issued. This includes creating more favourable conditions for travel operators, said Pham Ha, CEO of Luxury Travel Vietnam.

Nguyen Duc Quynh, deputy director general of Furama Resort Da Nang, added the central shift of focus on the tourism sector has also triggered a sense of urgency to preserve what tourists flock to the country for its “natural beauty and heritage”.

Added Nguyen: “The acknowledgement helps the government pay more attention to the preservation of Vietnam’s nature and heritage by introducing laws on the conservation of these issues.”

For example, the government has halted controversial development that threatened the environment at Son Tra Nature Reserve area, and plans are being mooted to introduce building regulations that promote sustainable development and encourage design to be in keeping with its surroundings.

Last year, the traditional musical performance of Bai Choi, from Central Vietnam, was recognised by UNESCO as the country’s 12th non-material heritage. A swathe of EU-funded training programmes have also been rolled out to raise service standards in the industry, and a new Tourism Law, addressing issues such as regulations on star rating, accommodation and tourism products, was introduced.

Anton Jurgens, general manager of Exo Travel Vietnam, said: “With increased footfall, the country needs to promote everything that makes it stand out, be it natural beauty, heritage, culture or food. This can have a damaging effect on the environment and society’s perception of heritage, for example. But if managed well, it can enhance a country’s sense of pride. In general, Vietnam is doing a good job.”

Despite these steps, the industry claims it is imperative more efforts are pumped into preserving Vietnam’s natural and cultural charm in both the short- and long-term.