Tourists generate twice as much plastic waste as locals in Vietnam: UNDP study

The UNDP study on plastic pollution in the tourism sector, conducted in the two destinations and published on Feb. 6, warns that rapid tourism growth is accompanied by mounting environmental pressure, with plastic waste emerging as an economic risk to the industry.

The study highlights that tourists generate waste at a much higher intensity than local residents.

On average, tourists staying in Da Nang produce more than two kilograms of waste a day and 0.5 kilograms in Ninh Binh.

In terms of plastic waste, each generates 0.12-0.27 kilograms per day, 1.7 to two times that locals do.

In 2025 there were more than 22 million foreign visitors and 135 million domestic tourists.

Ninh Binh received 19.42 million visitors, up 26.7% and including more than 2.2 million foreigners.

Da Nang received 20.3 million, a 25% rise.

There is a strong correlation between visitor numbers and waste generation, particularly plastic waste.

The UNDP has also quantified the economic cost of inaction.

In Ninh Binh, damage from plastic pollution is estimated at VND606.7 billion (US$23.3 million) per year, equivalent to 3% of tourism revenues, mainly due to reputational harm and thus reduced likelihood of repeat visits.

In Da Nang, annual losses are estimated at approximately VND1.747 trillion, or 6.5% of tourism revenue.

Ha Van Sieu, deputy director of the Vietnam National Tourism Administration, said reducing plastic waste is no longer optional but a core requirement for developing sustainable, green and responsible tourism.

He said his agency is committed to incorporating research findings and policy recommendations to improve regulations, guide product development and strengthen inter-agency coordination.

"This is a strategy that delivers dual benefits, protecting communities while improving service quality and safeguarding the value of Vietnam’s tourism brand."