Green tourism strengthens Da Nang’s appeal

Greener way to discover the city

For travelers seeking more meaningful journeys, Da Nang offers an invitation to experience the destination, alongside its beaches and urban attractions.

Here, protecting the environment is increasingly becoming part of what makes a holiday memorable, from exploring cultural heritage and natural landscapes to discovering local communities committed to a greener future.

According to the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, the country’s tourism sector is shifting from expansion in scale towards higher-quality, more sustainable development under the National Action Plan on Green Growth.

Practical examples include Hoi An’s circular destination model, which aims to reduce plastic waste by more than 60%.

Green tourism is no longer an optional movement, but has become a ‘passport’ for the sustainable development of the global tourism industry.

The shift also reflects changing traveler expectations. International surveys in 2026 indicate that 85% of travelers consider sustainable tourism important, while 35% want more experiences that support environmental protection and connect them with local communities.

For Da Nang, greener travel is therefore both an environmental commitment and an opportunity to offer visitors more distinctive experiences.

Small actions, meaningful change

With its expanded geographical area and diverse resources spanning urban landscapes, beaches, cultural heritage, craft villages and mountain ecosystems, Da Nang has considerable potential to develop tourism in harmony with nature. Community initiatives are helping turn that potential into action.

Activities such as “Clean Up Son Tra”, “Clean Up Da Nang - Go Green Stay Green”, underwater clean-ups, coral protection, “Waste for Green Plants” and the “Forest, Take a Breath” campaign encourage residents, businesses and visitors to take a more active role in protecting the environment.

The city’s accommodation sector is another important part of this transition. With more than 2,400 tourism accommodation establishments and over 67,000 rooms, greener daily operations could make a significant difference to the destination’s overall environmental footprint.

The Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism has advised the municipal People’s Committee on the Da Nang Green Stay criteria for green tourism accommodation establishments.

The framework encourages businesses to adopt environmentally responsible practices and gradually improve their operations.

The next step is to connect green accommodation providers with travel companies, transport services, restaurants, craft villages and local communities, creating a more integrated tourism network.

Local OCOP (One Commune - One Product) items and cultural experiences are also expected to feature more prominently in visitor itineraries, helping generate greater value for both businesses and residents.

Closer look at local life Da Nang’s green tourism journey also opens up opportunities to explore lesser-known destinations alongside its popular urban and coastal attractions.

The city plans to further develop tourism in its southern areas, including Tam Ky, Phu Ninh, coastal destinations and island communities, with a focus on community-based tourism, craft villages, agricultural experiences and local cuisine.

These experiences offer visitors opportunities to discover the landscapes, traditions and everyday lives of local communities while supporting livelihoods and helping preserve cultural identity.

By placing residents at the heart of tourism development, the city aims to protect natural ecosystems, maintain local character, encourage longer stays and distribute tourism benefits more evenly across the destination.