Vietnamese travelers worry about tourism affecting environment: survey

The 2024 Sustainable Tourism survey said 40% are "tired" of hearing repeatedly about climate changes in recent times.

The annual report surveyed people 18 years old or more who traveled at least once in the previous 12 months and planned to do so again in the next 12.

Some 94% desired sustainable trips in the next 12 months, and 21% considered sustainable trips "righteous decision."

However, Vietnamese travelers were disappointed in facing the reality of services labeled as sustainable tourism such as high prices and insignificant impacts on the environment (46%). A small number of travelers were not aware that their travel behaviors were affecting the environment.

A tourist takes photos of butterflies at Cuc Phuong National Park in northern Vietnam, April 2024. Photo by VnExpress/Tuan Anh

The survey found Vietnamese travelers increasingly interested in sustainable tourism and the environmental impacts of tourism, but 35% did not believe the seriousness of climate change.

Some 41% said sustainability is no longer prioritized in their tourism choice, and 47% thought it brings less impact on environment.

Varun Grover, country head of Booking in Vietnam, said the survey truly reflected opinions, awareness, behavior of travelers, and looming barriers to sustainable tourism.

But the report this year showed that many travelers have been discouraged by considerable challenges when choosing sustainable tourism.

Though some Vietnamese travelers believe environmental damage is irreparable and individual sustainable tourism choice can hardly create changes, Grover said that "consensus, cooperation can make considerable positive changes."