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| Community-based tourism models that combine local cultural experiences with environmental protection are considered well suited to the development of green tourism |
A shift driven by businesses' proactiveness
In late May 2026, Hue welcomed its first hotel to receive a Green Tourism certification when Thanh Lich Royal Boutique Hotel - Hue was awarded the VITA GREEN Green Tourism designation. More recently, on July 9th, at the VITA Awards 2026, organized by Vietnam Tourism Association in collaboration with the People's Committee of Ninh Binh Province, the hotel was also honored as Vietnam's Leading Green Tourism Accommodation 2025.
Recently, a range of initiatives to promote green tourism has been introduced. However, achieving this goal requires time, significant investment, and changes in operational practices. Therefore, the transition remains challenging for businesses that are not fully prepared to take the initiative.
According to Mr. Ho Dang Xuan Lan, Vice Chairman of the Tourism Association and Chairman of the City's Hotel Association, meeting green tourism standards requires businesses to make changes ranging from small daily practices to major capital investments. This includes revising operating procedures, training employees, upgrading facilities with energy - and water-saving equipment, and implementing waste segregation systems... The considerable upfront costs have inevitably slowed the pace of the transition for many businesses.
Mr. Le Truong Nhat Khanh - Product Director of Thanh Lich Royal Boutique Hotel - Hue, said that going green cannot be achieved overnight but requires a gradual and sustained effort. Aside from the substantial financial investment, two key challenges involve changing employee habits and influencing tourists' perceptions. To address this, the hotel displays informational messages throughout its premises to help guests understand and support its environmental initiatives.
"We have expanded green spaces throughout the hotel and organized extensive training programs for managers and staff on energy conservation, plastic waste reduction, waste sorting, efficient resource use, and environmentally friendly service procedures…," Mr. Khanh said.
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| Staff at Thanh Lich Royal Boutique Hotel - Hue paying close attention to maintaining green spaces throughout the property |
Exchanging higher costs for competitive advantages
Recently, Hue City People's Committee has issued the Green Tourism Criteria under Decision No. 1431/QD-UBND, dated May 4th, 2026. The criteria apply to tourism accommodation establishments, tourist attractions, and food service businesses, encouraging them to use resources efficiently, reduce waste, and strengthen corporate social responsibility.
For many years, concerns over investment costs have been one of the biggest barriers preventing businesses from embracing green tourism. However, a closer look at the transition reveals considerable opportunities for businesses that voluntarily adopt these standards.
Director of the Department of Tourism Tran Thi Hoai Tram said that Hue's tourism development strategy focuses not only on increasing visitor numbers but, more importantly, on achieving sustainable growth. Participation in the Green Tourism Criteria demonstrates the commitment of accommodation providers, tourist attractions, and food service businesses while also bringing them tangible benefits through official recognition as certified green tourism establishments.
Today, travelers are increasingly seeking environmentally responsible and sustainable tourism experiences. Higher-spending visitors, particularly those from Europe and North America, are often among the strongest supporters of this trend. Many international tour operators also prioritize working with partners that meet sustainability standards. Businesses that achieve green certification can differentiate themselves in the marketplace while strengthening their brand reputation. In addition, Hue City and the tourism sector actively promote certified businesses through various tourism promotion activities, helping businesses save on marketing costs. “In the long run, international partners may require green certification as a condition for cooperation. Businesses that fail to meet these standards could be excluded from accommodation partner lists. Those that make the transition early will therefore enjoy a competitive advantage,” Mr. Khanh noted.
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| Replacing single-use plastic water bottles to reduce plastic waste |
The initial investment required for the green transition can be significant; it ultimately helps businesses lower operating costs through savings in electricity, water, and energy consumption.
Speaking at the VITA GREEN certification ceremony for Thanh Lich Royal Boutique Hotel - Hue, Mr. Vu The Binh, Chairman of Vietnam Tourism Association, said that green transformation in the tourism industry is no longer a symbolic campaign but has become a guiding principle for the sustainable development of Vietnam's tourism sector. More than 70 businesses nationwide have now achieved green certification. Notably, many certified businesses have reported positive improvements in their operations while enhancing their ability to attract visitors by meeting internationally recognized sustainability standards.
As green tourism gradually evolves from an option into an industry standard, businesses that embrace the transition will not only benefit themselves but also contribute to building a broader green tourism ecosystem, strengthening the Hue tourism brand, and enhancing the city's competitiveness with other destinations.