Hue aims for Net Zero: [2] Pioneering low-emission tourism

Net Zero tourism is becoming a highlight in the ancient capital region, and Hue is one of the pioneering localities implementing this model. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions and move towards the Net Zero goal, Hue City is utilizing green transportation methods in tourism, developing tours and routes, and establishing many community tourism sites that reduce plastic usage, limit plastic-using devices, employ renewable energy, and issue detailed plans for sustainable tourism development.

These green tourism models not only raise awareness among residents and tourists about environmental protection and emission reduction but are also contributing to the green transformation of Hue's tourism industry.

Tourism linked with environmental protection

Approximately over 10km from the city center, Chuon Lagoon (a part of the Tam Giang - Cau Hai lagoon system) is becoming a new plastic-reduction tourism destination in Hue City.

With the support of the Project “Hue - Plastic Smart City in Central Viet Nam” (WWF-Viet Nam) and the local authorities, many tourism service establishments have committed to implementing plastic reduction solutions in their businesses. For example, single-use plastic bottles are being replaced by reusable glass bottles in restaurants and homestays, and establishments are increasingly using durable stainless steel food containers, helping reduce plastic bags and waste. In homestays, ceramic dispensers for shampoo and shower gel are installed instead of single-use plastic items in accommodation activities.

The Net Zero trend is increasingly taking root in the daily lives of residents and local businesses around Chuon Lagoon. The area has even introduced a free water-refill station for tourists, helping minimize the use of plastic water bottles on every trip, along with communication signboards and waste-sorting bins.

Ms. Truong Thi Thu Trang, a resident of Thuan Hoa Ward in Hue City, shared her impressions. She had visited Chuon Lagoon many times to enjoy the scenery and seafood, but on her recent return a few days ago, she was pleasantly surprised by the positive changes.

“In previous visits, I still saw plastic waste around, but now it’s completely different: The environment is cleaner and fresher. Many establishments have replaced plastic items with eco-friendly alternatives, making visitors feel more comfortable and reassured during their experience. I think this is a very sensible direction: it both protects the landscape and creates a highlight for a greener, more sustainable Hue tourism,” Ms. Trang said.

Meanwhile, the experiential tour “A Net Zero Day in Hue” (Net Zero Tour) has also been successfully implemented by iVietnam Travel Joint Stock Company (iVietnam Travel) in recent times.

Joining the tour, visitors begin their journey with green-transition transport such as energy-efficient electric cars and eco-friendly bicycles, use glass bottles instead of plastic ones, and replace plastic bags with reusable cloth bags. The itinerary includes two stops: the Thuy Bieu Ecological Village (Thuy Xuan Ward) and KODO Hue Hub - a Culture, Education, and Arts Complex (Kim Long Ward). The final activity is a sunset SUP paddling session combined with collecting trash to help protect the water of the Huong River. Meals follow a clean-eating concept, prioritizing local ingredients and balanced portions.

Ms. Nguyen Anh, CEO of iVietnam Travel, noted that in Viet Nam, according to statistics from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, around 1.8 million tons of plastic waste are generated each year. In Hue alone, waste is still found at tourist sites such as the Tam Giang Lagoon, Thuan An Beach, and the Huong River. Therefore, coordinated action and timely solutions are essential. She added that the Net Zero Tour aligns well with Hue’s green tourism development strategy.

In recent times, the Hue Monuments Conservation Center has also introduced electric-assisted bicycles as a tourism service. This not only offers visitors a fresh experience but also helps reduce carbon emissions, noise, and pollution within the heritage area.

“Hue is not only preserving the values of its past but is also proactively innovating toward becoming a green heritage city - building and promoting the image of Hue’s monuments as a friendly, clean, and green destination for visitors from near and far. Through this, tourism becomes closely linked with sustainability and environmental responsibility,” said Mr. Hoang Viet Trung, Director of the Hue Monuments Conservation Center.

In September 2025, Hue City approved the project “Pilot waterway tourism route connecting heritage sites via electric boats on the Huong river and its tributaries”, aiming to diversify tourism products and move toward sustainable, responsible, and environmentally friendly tourism development.

Sustainable tourism development

As climate change increasingly affects all aspects of life, tourism models that rely solely on resource extraction are revealing their limitations. Developing tourism in a green and sustainable direction has become an inevitable trend. When tourism is responsible, we not only protect the environment but also create long-term value for local communities and the broader economy.

Ms. Nguyen Anh, CEO of iVietnam Travel, affirmed that sustainable tourism must naturally follow the path of green tourism. This is considered the right direction in the current context, especially as Viet Nam is striving to fulfill its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

“Our Net Zero Tour costs on average 10-15% more than traditional tours; however, the value it provides is significant. With the message ‘Slow down with every journey,’ we aim to offer customers a high-quality and distinctive tourism product, featuring green experiences that promote environmental protection, reduce plastic waste, and play an important role in responding to climate change, especially helping offset some of the CO₂ emissions generated by the tourism industry,” Ms. Nguyen Anh said.

Ms. Hoang Ngoc Tuong Van, Project Manager of “Hue - A Plastic Smart City in Central Viet Nam”, shared that so far the project has collaborated with Hue City to establish four community-based low-plastic tourism sites, promising to attract both tourists and local residents to enjoy green, environmentally friendly experiences. WWF-Viet Nam hopes that the low-plastic community tourism model in Hue will continue to be refined and expanded, contributing to the development of a responsible, green tourism community for a cleaner, brighter Hue free of plastic waste.

According to Ms. Tran Thi Hoai Tram, Director of the Hue Department of Tourism, the city is gradually asserting its pioneering role in green tourism and plastic-free tourism. This represents a long-term tourism development strategy that creates a distinctive identity. In recent years, the city has implemented a series of green tourism models with the spirit that Hue should not only preserve its heritage but also aspire to become a city of innovation and creativity, connecting the past with the future. Green tourism is seen as the “key” to renewing cultural values and advancing Hue without losing its unique identity.

Going forward, the tourism sector will continue developing new routes and tours associated with green tourism, especially within the heritage area, while also organizing training sessions and encouraging travel agencies and tour guides to implement the Plastic Reduction Code of Conduct (carried out jointly by the Hue - A Plastic Smart City in Central Viet Nam Project, the Hue Monuments Conservation Center, and the Department of Tourism). At the same time, digital technology achievements will be applied to manage and develop green tourism. The Department also called on local tourism businesses to expand networking, strengthen cooperation, and develop professional, environmentally friendly tourism products.

It can be said that the ancient capital of Hue is taking steady steps on the journey to build a Net Zero destination, where the development of the tourism economy is linked with heritage conservation, environmental preservation, and improving the quality of community life.

Offering suggestions for Net Zero tourism development, Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Huy, an expert on climate change, stated that Hue possesses an inner-city river system intrinsically linked with natural, historical, and scenic values, such as the Huong River, Ngu Ha, and Nhu Y. Therefore, the resources from these rivers need to be exploited synchronously and connected into an economic value chain, creating distinctive tourism products without impacting the environment. In addition to improving boats to run on electric or solar power, rest stops could be established along the river system for tourists to enjoy cuisine and purchase local products and specialties. Furthermore, community-participatory tours will contribute to enhancing livelihoods, thereby creating a river tourism ecosystem that is both rich in identity and environmentally friendly - a suitable direction for Net Zero tourism.

Dr. Huy also proposed that Hue strongly develop low-emission garden house tours. Simultaneously, the tourism sector needs to launch an energy-saving movement in accommodation facilities, restaurants, and hotels to reduce fuel consumption and establish a habit of emission reduction. These will be important foundations for building a green and sustainable tourism model for Hue in the future.

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Binh, Standing Vice Chairman of the Hue People’s Committee, stated that to achieve the goal of making Hue a Net Zero tourism destination and contribute to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, the unified effort of the entire political system, businesses, and local communities is essential. Developing green tourism is not only a trend but also a responsibility of every locality.

“Hue has the advantage of being a heritage city, rich in cultural values and abundant, harmonious natural landscapes, which makes it all the more important to take the lead in sustainable tourism development. We hope that every resident and tourism service provider can become a ‘green ambassador,’ working together to build the image of Hue as a safe, clean, and emission-free destination,” Mr. Binh emphasized.

Recently, in November 2025, the Hue Department of Tourism, in collaboration with the “Hue - A Plastic Smart City in Central Viet Nam” Project and iVietnam Travel, organized a pilot Low-Plastic Tourism Tour. The route covered Tu Hieu Pagoda - Vong Canh Hill - Incense Village - Thuy Bieu - Tam Giang Lagoon. Throughout the journey, visitors carried personal water bottles, cycled, explored the sites, collected and sorted waste, and learned about green transition initiatives in tourism. A highlight of the tour was tree planting at Tam Giang Lagoon, helping combat salinity and erosion while promoting the message of sustainable tourism.