Hanoi (VNA)ꦿ - Unifying to revive tourism after the COVID-19 pandemic, leaders of the sector of localities and businesses are said to have all understood that investing in sustainable tourism is investing in a better future for everyone.”

Green tourism, sustainable tourism and green investment have become the most mentioned "keywords" at most conferences and roundtable meetings from the national to local level. Tourism businesses understand that only by following the "green" path, sustainable tourism development can be achieved. Vietnam's strategy for tourism development to 2030 has set an orientation towards sustainable development on the basis of green growth, and the optimising of tourism’s contributions to sustainable development goals. It can be said that never before has sustainable tourism been placed as a priority as it is at this time. Especially after the "shock" caused by the global pandemic, people are more aware of the negative effects that nature and the environment are suffering. Thuy Ngoc from Hanoi said that every three months her family travels by plane or train to the countryside, with lots of green trees, rivers for her three young children to change the atmosphere. Almost every month the go camping in the suburbs by car.   Ngoc shared that in the past, her family often chose busy entertainment areas. But after the pandemic, they prioritise travelling to places where her children can immerse themselves in nature, as they can learn how to adapt to the living environment, and learn new life skills. For the green economy to develop sustainably, the engagement of the local community is the main driving force to protect natural resources and customs and lifestyles in the indigenous cultural space. Many localities, destinations, and businesses have pioneered the development of green tourism. Hoi An ancient city, a UNESCO-recognised World Cultural Heritage Site, in the central province of Quang Nam has called on the community and tourists to limit the use of single-use plastic products. Hoi An also officially launched the "plastic-free hotel" model last September. It aims to reduce plastic waste by 13-15% each year, with a goal of generating no single-use plastic waste by 2025. Recently, Co To Island District in the northern province of Quang Ninh and Trang An scenic spot in the northern province of Ninh Binh have also piloted regulations requiring tourists not to bring plastic bottles, nylon bags, or materials at risk of environmental pollution when traveling. Founder of DiDi Travels Ltd. Bui Tri Nha said that the COVID-19 pandemic has created a strong 'push' for the company with a decision to promote tour routes to experience indigenous culture close to nature, and associated with beautiful adventure tourist destinations in the northern mountainous provinces like Cao Bang and Lang Son. These tours have contributed to creating sustainable livelihoods and revitalising the cultural space for community-based tourism to develop. A good sign is that many localities have quickly seized this opportunity to transform themselves. According to a survey by Booking.com, 88% of domestic tourists said that COVID-19 pandemic has prompted them to travel in a sustainable manner. They tend to be more willing to pay more to reduce the impact on the environment and support the local cultural heritage at their tourist destinations./.