Developing Net Zero Tourism in Vietnam Towards Sustainable Development

Vietnam’s commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 has profound implications for its booming tourism industry. This study analyzes Vietnam’s current tourism policies and technological innovations in the context of “Net Zero Tourism,” focusing on concrete policy and technology solutions rather than generic overviews. Through a review of national policy documents, industry reports, and global best practices, we examine how Vietnam’s tourism development strategy aligns with sustainability and carbon neutrality goals, and identify gaps and opportunities. We find that Vietnam has integrated sustainable tourism principles into its national strategy, emphasizing green growth and digital transformation, yet explicit pathways to carbon neutrality in tourism remain nascent. Technological innovations – from renewable energy use in hotels and transport electrification to digital tools for efficiency – are emerging in Vietnam’s tourism sector, but wider adoption is needed. Global exemplars in decarbonizing transport, greening accommodations, and sustainable destination management provide valuable lessons applicable to Vietnam’s context. Key tourism sub-sectors (transport, accommodation, tour operations) and major destinations (e.g. Ha Long Bay, Da Nang, the Mekong Delta) are analyzed as case examples to illustrate challenges and potential net-zero solutions. Based on the findings, we propose targeted policy measures (such as stronger green standards, incentives for low-carbon investments, and inter-sectoral climate policies) and technology-driven strategies (such as expanding renewable energy, promoting electric mobility, and adopting smart systems) to steer Vietnam’s tourism toward a net zero future. These recommendations aim to bolster Vietnam’s sustainable tourism competitiveness while contributing to national climate goals. The study concludes with reflections on implementation challenges and the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration in advancing net zero tourism in Vietnam.