Agoda survey cites key measures for sustainable tourism growth
Overtourism, deforestation for tourism and the use of single-use plastic products are top concerns for tourism sector in Vietnam and many other countries, according to the Sustainable Travel Trends Survey launched by the world leading online travel platform Agoda on the occasion of the World Environment Day 2021 (June 5).
HCM City (VNA) – Overtourism, deforestation fortourism and the use of single-use plastic products are top concerns for tourismsector in Vietnam and many other countries, according to the Sustainable Travel Trends Survey launched bythe world leading online travel platform Agoda on the occasion of the WorldEnvironment Day 2021 (June 5).
According to thesurvey, many Vietnamese people hope that hotels and accommodation facilities switch to userenewable energy and reduce single-use products.
Meanwhile, thecurrent trend of tourists is to prioritise untouched and lesser-known destinations, said the survey.
It cited that thepublic in Vietnam considers governments and travel agencies should share the responsibilityin ensuring sustainable development of tourism.
According to the survey, easyidentification of sustainable eco-friendly travel options, limited use ofsingle-use plastics and financial incentives for accommodation providers whomaximize energy efficiencies are the top three additional measures needed tomake travel more sustainable.
Establishing moreprotected areas to limit tourist numbers and removal of single-use bathroomamenities round out the top five global measures, it added.
When it came to holding governmentsmost accountable, those in Indonesia and UK were most likely to do so (36percent), China followed not too far behind at 33 percent, with Australia andMalaysia in fourth and fifth spot (28 percent and 27 percent, respectively).
It alsorevealed globally that overtourism, and pollution of beaches and waterways arethe top two concerns of the impact of tourism, with deforestation and energyinefficiencies (including overconsumption of electricity/water) ranking jointthird.
John Brown, CEOAgoda said that it can be seen from the Agoda Sustainable Travel Trends Surveythat the messages of taking simple steps such as switching off lights and airconditioning when leaving the room or reducing waste by minimising use ofsingle-use plastics are being embraced by the public across the globe.
While there aredifferent interpretations of what practices are eco-friendly or sustainable,most of the public are keen to be able to do their part, by actively pledgingto choose eco-friendly properties or make smarter environmental choiceswhen traveling, he said./.
During a dive on a small island off the coast of Binh Thuan province, Nguyen Van Gioi and other tour guides were able to see hundreds of poisonous crown-of-thorns starfish, which are coral predators.
Thousands of representatives from tourism management agencies and enterprises gathered in the northern province of Ninh Binh on April 15 to discuss ways to promote domestic tourism.
The first and only direct service connecting the two countries at the moment is set to operate three times per week using the modern wide-body Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
Mu Cang Chai is home to nearly 83,000 hectares of forest, including almost 60,000 hectares of unspoiled natural woodland. Recognising this potential, local authorities have embraced a holistic strategy that protects biodiversity while promoting tourism.
Phu Quoc ranks among the top 10 leading tourist islands in Asia. As the largest island in Vietnam, it boasts stunning natural beauty, with expansive coral reefs resting beneath the sea and a number of beautiful, poetic beaches such as Sao, Truong, and Khem, known for their fine white sand and crystal-clear waters.
Vietnam's national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet are among the exhibitors, promoting key destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Phu Quoc, as well as distinctive tourism products.
Alexander Musikhin, Vice President of ATOR and CEO of the Intourist travel agency, highlighted Vietnam as a top destination offering a unique blend of beach holidays and cultural excursions.
According to Seoul’s Tourism Industry Department, approximately 20,000 Vietnamese visitors travel to the city each year for medical treatment. Vietnam consistently ranks among the top 10 countries with the highest number of medical tourists to Seoul.
An analysis of accommodation search data based on check-in dates for June and July revealed that Nha Trang surpassed all other destinations in popularity among Korean users.
The programme is organised by the Khanh Hoa provincial Youth Union and the “Khanh Hoa people speak English” Project, and aims to promote the culture, history, cuisine and other tourism products of Nha Trang – Khanh Hoa to international visitors.
VNAT Director General Nguyen Trung Khanh called visa a golden ticket to pulling in crowds, but he is clear that it needs coordinated efforts across multiple sectors to keep the momentum going in this fast-moving global travel scene.
As a tourism hub, Hanoi is now actively developing strategies to attract Muslim travellers. In recent years, the city has seen a notable uptick in visitors from countries with large Muslim populations.
When tourists witness firsthand the passion and care of farmers, they’re willing to pay higher prices because they see the genuine worth behind every product.
During the first five months, China continued to be Vietnam's largest source market of tourists, followed by the RoK, China’s Taiwan, the US, and Japan.
After more than three months of operation, the popularity of the free tours in Bac Ninh province shows no signs of cooling down. Many tourists return every week in hopes of experiencing all the tours and visiting every destination.
Typical products of Phu Tho are being showcased at the Lao Cai International Travel Mart 2025, held in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai from June 5-8.
Featuring 130 stalls and delegations from 120 travel agencies representing more than ten countries and territories, the event is expected to provide a platform for establishing partnerships and attracting more visitors to Lao Cai in the future.
Kicking off the festival on the evening of June 7 will be the grand music concert titled “Nha Trang Say Hi”, featuring popular artists from the trending show “Anh Trai Say Hi”. The event will be broadcast live nationwide and conclude with a fireworks display over Nha Trang Bay.
Data from Booking.com reveals that during the peak summer vacation in June and July, beach trips continue to be a top priority for Vietnamese travellers.
The northern midland province of Phu Tho has carried out all-round measures to improve tourism infrastructure, services, and offerings, elevating visitor experience and reinforcing the province’s unique cultural identity.
Hanoi has directed lodging providers and tourist destinations to bolster preparations in staffing, service quality, security, and sanitation. Community-based lodging platforms such as Airbnb are also being promoted strongly to expand housing supply during the holiday period.
A bird view of Cat Ba archipelago (Photo: VNA) 
