Not only developing based on its abundant tourism potential, Quang Ninh is gradually positioning itself as Vietnam’s pioneering green tourism destination. From development strategies and spatial planning to product development and raising community responsibility, the province is gradually realizing its goal of sustainable growth, making green tourism a competitive advantage.
Green tourism is no longer just a trend; it is becoming an essential requirement amid climate change, environmental pressures and changing visitor needs. In recent years, more and more visitors have prioritized destinations that are environmentally responsible, preserve culture and develop harmoniously with local communities.
Recognizing this trend, the Quang Ninh Tourism Association recently coordinated with the Vietnam Tourism Association to organize a seminar introducing the "VITA Green - Green Tourism" Criteria for tourism businesses in the area. According to Mr. Nguyen Ba Dung, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Tourism Association, the criteria focus on environmental protection, efficient resource use, preservation of indigenous culture and responsibility toward the community. When applied, the criteria will not only help businesses improve product quality and optimize operating costs, but also build sustainable brands that meet the market’s green consumption trends. The implementation of the criteria is expected to help enhance the competitiveness of Quang Ninh’s tourism sector in the new period.
Notably, Quang Ninh has also been selected to host the 2026 National Green Tourism Forum, further affirming its leading role in the green transition of Vietnam’s tourism industry. The forum aims to bring about a shift from awareness to action, promoting the development of an image of Vietnamese tourism based on sustainable development and aligned with international trends.
Under the Quang Ninh Provincial Planning for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision to 2050, the development of ecotourism and community-based tourism has been identified as one of the strategic priorities, associated with biodiversity conservation and the development of a green economy.
Across the province, many green tourism models are gradually taking shape, creating livelihoods for local residents while contributing to resource conservation. In Binh Lieu, community-based tourism activities associated with the cultures of the Dao, Tay and San Chi ethnic groups are attracting increasing numbers of visitors. In Dong Trieu, a countryside tourism model combining agriculture and culture offers visitors intimate experiences such as farming, sampling local specialties and watching water puppetry. Meanwhile, Co To is becoming one of the pioneering localities with the goal of building a plastic-waste-free island...
Even in Ha Long Bay, many tourism businesses are proactively transitioning toward greener operations, gradually using environmentally friendly materials. Waste management, energy conservation and restrictions on single-use plastic items are being implemented more strictly. These are important steps toward preserving the value of this World Natural Heritage Site.
What sets Quang Ninh apart lies not only in developing more green tourism products, but also in its strategic approach. As early as 2013, the province identified the goal of shifting its development model from "brown" to "green", gradually reducing dependence on mineral extraction while strongly developing tourism and high-quality services. In 2023, the Project for the Recovery and Sustainable Development of the Tourism Industry continued to affirm the goal of developing tourism toward green growth, associated with nature conservation and the promotion of traditional cultural values.
According to experts, green tourism is helping Quang Ninh transform its development model. The province is focusing on increasing the value of visitor experiences, extending stays and raising visitor spending. At the same time, it emphasizes conservation as a guiding principle, minimizing conflicts between economic development and heritage preservation.
By 2030, with a vision to 2045, the province aims to become the country’s leading green tourism and sea-and-island tourism hub, and gradually reach the international level. To realize this goal, a new value chain is taking shape, with products including high-end resorts, MICE tourism, wellness tourism, cultural tourism, festivals and ecotourism... targeting visitors with high spending levels and longer stays. This is accompanied by the development of sustainable infrastructure, interregional connectivity and a civilized night-time economy, with impacts on the environment carefully controlled.
