Green Tourism and Environmental Governance: Toward a Sustainable Future for Vietnam’s Destinations

Vietnam’s tourism sector has experienced rapid growth in recent decades, bringing significant economic benefits but also mounting environmental pressures. Green tourism – tourism practices that minimize environmental impact – has become a strategic priority for Vietnam amid global calls for sustainability. This paper examines the nexus between green tourism and environmental governance in Vietnam, applying an empirical case study approach. It analyzes recent data on tourism growth and environmental indicators, reviews national policy frameworks and initiatives, and evaluates governance mechanisms in managing tourism’s environmental footprint. Results indicate that while Vietnam has incorporated sustainability principles into its tourism strategies and implemented various green initiatives (such as plastic waste reduction in destinations like H? Long Bay), challenges persist. Popular destinations face overcrowding, pollution, and ecosystem degradation, and Vietnam was ranked 96th of 99 countries on a global sustainable tourism index. Governance gaps including enforcement of environmental regulations, stakeholder coordination, and investment in green infrastructure impede progress. The discussion compares Vietnam’s efforts with regional examples and highlights the need for stronger policy implementation, community engagement, and public–private collaboration. The paper offers policy recommendations for enhancing environmental governance and sustainable tourism in Vietnam, including stricter environmental standards, incentive mechanisms for eco-friendly practices, improved monitoring, and inclusive governance structures. These measures are critical for Vietnam to ensure its tourism growth aligns with environmental conservation, safeguarding both its natural heritage and the sector’s long-term viability.