Socialist Republic of Vietnam

(11-06-2005)

HCM CITY — Although eco-tourism has become a popular trend over the past few years in Viet Nam, many Vietnamese tour developers are still wondering whether this new vacation idea will take off here.

Some tourism experts see great potential for this sector. A pristine natural environment, the main prerequisite for eco-tourism, thrives in Viet Nam, according to Professor Ross Dowling, from the Australian Edith Cowan University’s School of Marketing, Tourism and Leisure.

Dowling spoke at a one-day workshop on Viet Nam Tourism Industry Development, which was held in HCM City yesterday, organised by Australian Education International, the Vietnamese Graduates from Australia Club and Edith Cowan University.

"I have seen lots of different opportunities for ecotourism," Dowling said, "You do still have wonderful beaches [and] magnificent forests. You still have many animal and plant species which eco-tourists would like to see."

Ecotourism, according to Dowling, is a niche form of tourism which fosters sustainable practices.

"It is nature-based, ecologically sustainable, environmentally educational, locally beneficial and fosters tourist satisfaction," Dowling said, "Ecotourism should include education in the environment, about the environment and for the environment, and always involves local communities."

However if Viet Nam wants to develop an ecotourism industry, Mark Exeter, a tourism expert from Western Australia, said that Viet Nam needs to properly plan and develop the destinations.

Exeter told Vietnamese tour operators and developers that whenever they want to develop an ecotourist destination, they need to research the accessibility of the spot, the accommodation, the attraction, the activities for tourists, and the amenities.

Dowling said that Viet Nam, which expects 3- 3.5 million foreign visitors this year, needs to develop the industry more.

According to the World Tourism Organisation’s figures presented by Dowling, France was the top tourist destination with 77 million foreign visitors last year, followed by Spain, which had 54 million foreign visitors; the United States, 46 million; China, 42 million; and Hong Kong, 22 million. — VNS