Vietnamese tourists have expressed their wish to choose ecotourism (59% of participants), limit single-use plastic on flights/at lodges (57%) and encourage financial rewards for accommodation facilities that maximise energy efficiency (40%) towards more sustainable tourism in the post-COVID-19 period.
Natural destinations are always the choices of almost Vietnamese tourists. (Photo: Oxalis)
This is part of the results of a survey on Sustainable Tourism Trends just released by Agoda on the occasion of the World Environment Day (June 5).
Agoda, a digital travel platform offering a global network of 2 million properties across more than 200 countries and territories around the world, conducted a survey on sustainable tourism and pointed out the leading solutions for the sustainable development of the tourism sector.
According to this survey, the top measures consist of the provision of more eco-friendly travel options, the reduction of single-use plastics and the offering of monetary rewards to accommodation providers who use energy-saving measures. In the rankings of positive solutions to make tourism more sustainable, many other useful methods, such as the establishment of nature reserves to limit tourist numbers and the elimination of disposable bathroom products, were highlighted.
The top concerns in Vietnam were overcrowding (28%) and deforestation for tourism (24%). Survey respondents said that many Vietnamese people expressed their hope that hotels and other accommodation providers will switch to using water and renewable energy sources and reduce their reliance on single-use plastic products.
The current trend of Vietnamese tourists is to give preference to pristine and little-known attractions as well believing the Government and travel agencies need to share the responsibility in ensuring sustainable tourism.
Along with Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and China, Vietnam is also a top tourism market committed to cleaning up beaches.
Agoda points out the tourism activities' impacts on environment. (Photo: agoda)
Similarly, actual statistics from many countries around the world show that people believe the Government should take the main responsibility for creating positive change in respect of the environment and tourism activities, followed by agencies and enterprises and then individuals. Up to 36% of people in Indonesia and the UK, 33% of Chinese people and 28% of Australians share this view.
On the other hand, other people around the world believe individuals must play the most important role in promoting the sustainable development of tourism.
Although there is no one-size-fits-all answer, people worldwide affirmed that actions contributing to enhancing sustainable or eco-friendly tourism will protect the environment more effectively in the near future.
Regarding the commitment to help tourism sector develop better during post COVID-19 period, almost all survey respondents answered that the management of single-use plastic is a top commitment, followed by turning off air conditioners and lights when not in use and developing eco-friendly accommodation.
CEO of Agoda John Brown said that simple measures to promote sustainable tourism such as turning off lights and air conditioners when leaving the room and reducing waste by limiting the use of single-use plastics are now favoured by tourists around the world.
Despite the many different interpretations of eco-friendly activities and sustainable tourism, most travelers want to choose eco-friendly accommodation and make smart choices for their travels.
T.Linh
