Tourism sector sets sights on net zero

Green and sustainable tourism has become increasingly popular in Vietnam in recent years. Many ecotourism products aim to achieve net-zero emissions. In Dong Nai, a wide range of tourism products focused on exploration and experiential activities is helping round out a high-quality, sustainable tourism ecosystem.

Visitors cycle around the Ta Thiet Base historical site. Photo: Ngoc Lien

Dong Nai is seeking to transform its tourism sector by capitalizing on its natural and cultural assets and expanding its ecotourism, resort and recreational offerings. Partnerships with Vietnamese travel and adventure operators are also creating opportunities to develop new tourism products.

Diversifying green tourism products

Dong Nai has more than 370,000 hectares of forest and land designated for three forest categories, providing a substantial resource base for nature-based tourism, outdoor activities and wildlife observation. Tourism operators and destinations across the city are increasingly adopting greener practices and developing products that make better use of these natural assets.

Cat Tien National Park is an important conservation area in Vietnam and Southeast Asia, known for its tropical forests and rich biodiversity. In recent years, the park has been developing ecotourism with a focus on environmental protection and emissions reduction, in line with broader efforts to advance the net-zero goal.

Visitors explore natural forests in Dong Nai.

Cat Tien National Park is a major destination in Dong Nai, contributing to nature conservation, supporting local livelihoods and fostering international cooperation in biodiversity research and protection.

Tran Van Binh, Deputy Director of Cat Tien National Park, said the park had diversified its ecotourism offerings in recent years. These include tours to explore tropical forest ecosystems, outdoor sports and trekking, as well as specialized programs for scientific research, field studies and environmental education.

In 2026, the park partnered with Oxalis Company Limited, based in Quang Tri Province, to develop new forest exploration tours that have drawn visitor interest. The tours offer opportunities to experience the area's natural environment and showcase Vietnam's natural heritage to international visitors.

Visitor numbers at Cat Tien National Park have continued to rise, generating revenue to support forest management and conservation. Ecotourism also creates jobs for local residents through tour guiding, homestays and sales of local products.

During a visit to Cat Tien National Park, Tran Thi Lan Anh, a visitor from Ban Co ward in Ho Chi Minh City, described the park as an ideal destination for tourists and scientists seeking to explore, learn about and study nature. She said the park had long been a favorite destination for her family on weekends, public holidays, during Tet and especially when the pink shower trees were in full bloom. She expressed hope that the city would develop more high-quality tourism products that meet green and sustainable standards, contributing to its net-zero goals.

Dong Nai has three approved schemes for ecotourism, resorts and recreational activities, endorsed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and the City People's Committee. The schemes involve the Tan Phu Protective Forest Management Board in Dinh Quan commune, Dong Nai Culture and Nature Reserve in Tri An ward, and Cat Tien National Park in Nam Cat Tien commune. They provide a basis for developing sustainable forest-based tourism by harnessing natural and cultural assets and historical sites while safeguarding the environment.

Promoting responsible tourism

Closer coordination among forest management units will help Dong Nai develop its ecotourism sector and strengthen international cooperation, while delivering economic, social and environmental benefits.

As climate change and biodiversity loss pose growing global challenges, sustainable ecotourism can help protect natural ecosystems, support a greener economy and advance sustainable development in Vietnam.

To help ensure the city achieves its target of 11% growth in gross regional domestic product (GRDP) in 2026, the Dong Nai City Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism (DoCST) has developed a growth scenario for the sectors under its management in the fourth quarter of 2026. The scenario outlines measures to monitor and assess implementation progress and the extent to which targets are being met, contributing to the city's overall economic growth target of 11%.

Nguyen Nho Kien, Director of Meerkat Travel Co., Ltd. in Dinh Quan commune, said the company had pursued sustainable tourism and environmental protection since its establishment. The company recently supported the DoCST in organizing the “Emission Reduction 2026” caravan tour from Ho Chi Minh City to Dinh Quan commune in Dong Nai City. Through its nature-based tourism products and community outreach, Meerkat Travel has built its corporate culture around four pillars: mission, vision, values and community.

Delegates take part in “Emission Reduction 2026” caravan tour.

Kien said Meerkat Travel's mission was to connect people with nature and local communities, promote agricultural products that support healthy living, and raise awareness of environmental protection. Its vision was to build a green and sustainable business model that creates greater value for the community, especially its customers.

Meerkat Travel also aims to develop responsible, nature-based community tourism products that respect local cultural heritage. To put this approach into practice, it has set several environmental goals for its tours. These include organizing tree-planting activities, gradually phasing out single-use plastics, replacing plastic bowls with coconut-shell alternatives, reducing the use of plastic bottles, and encouraging visitors to use reusable products and environmentally friendly materials.

The company also pledges to protect the natural environment by avoiding tree felling and ensuring that wildlife is not disturbed.

By N. Lien – Translated by M.Nguyet, Minho