1. INTRODUCTION
Nowadays, green growth has been identified by many countries around the world as the strategic focus of economic, social development and ensuring sustainable development. This is also the development goal of many different fields such as economy, industry, service, consumption, tourism, etc.., respectively, forming different types of green economy, green technology, green energy, green products, green consumption, green tourism...
Developing green tourism products, respecting natural factors and local culture is the solution for Vietnam to develop sustainable tourism. This is associated with preserving and promoting national cultural values, preserving the landscape and protecting the environment, ensuring security, national defense, social order and safety, contributing to the implementation of the national strategy on green growth, approved by the government in 2012. Besides enhancing sustainable economic benefits, green tourism development also positively affects tourists' perception in the direction that tourism is not only enjoyment but also associated with the responsibility of environmental protection, heritage protection, contributing to conservation and sustainable development with the active participation of communities and localities. From these great benefits, it is inevitable that green tourism will become a development trend in the future. However, how to exploit and develop green tourism depends on the strategy of each country.
From the reality of green tourism development of countries, from the requirements and principles of tourism development at each destination, each locality, all are considered in the direction of sustainability and compared with tourist destinations green in Vietnam at present, which shows that we are facing many challenges, especially environmental problems. The limitations and shortcomings in environmental protection have reduced the benefits brought by tourism as well as adversely affected the sustainable development of tourism in Vietnam, which causes of the lack of specific green tourism products that attract international tourists in our country. It can be said that the development of green tourism and green growth in the Mekong Delta tourism region is both an opportunity and a challenge, as well as an important goal in the trend of sustainable tourism development of our country.
2. RESEARCH METHODS
This article uses some main research methods such as synthesis, analysis and evaluation methods. Secondary data sources are synthesized from domestic and foreign organizations, including: World Tourism Organization, Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, General Statistics Office, Institute of Tourism Research and Development, Mekong Delta Tourism Association, localities and a number of articles and previous related scientific work... in order to clarify the theoretical basis, analyze the potentials and current status of green tourism development. At the same time, the development of green tourism also faces many challenges that require many synchronous solutions to develop effectively in the current context of The Mekong Delta tourist region.
3. CONTENT
3.1. Theoretical basis of green tourism
Green tourism in recent years has become a trend of interest and development in many countries around the world, including Vietnam. Researches on green tourism have been carried out by many domestic and foreign scholars, but there are still many different opinions on how to express the content.
According to Doods and Joppe, the concept of green tourism focuses on the following components: Protect the environment and bio-diversity; Long-term development potential of the local economy; Preserve and promote cultuaral diversity; Rich experience for customers (Doods and Joppe, 2001).
According to author Nguyen Van Dinh: “Green tourism is a type of tourism based on nature and culture, with environmental education, contributing to conservation and sustainable development efforts, with the active participation of local community. It can be said that developing green tourism is the key to responsible tourism development, ensuring sustainable tourism.” (Nguyen Van Dinh, 2020).
Figure 3.1. Model of target components of green tourism
Source: Dodds and Joppe (2001)
According to the International Tourism Association, green tourism can be defined as “responsible travel to natural areas, relate to the conservation of the environment, maintaining the prosperous of local people. This is a type that brings benefits in many aspects of economy - society - environment.”
Thus, in terms of content, it can be seen that green tourism exploits natural, cultural and community values, creates sustainable spaces, tourism products, livelihoods... in the direction of being friendly to the natural environment. Developing green tourism towards the main objectives, including: (1). Using resources economically and efficiently; (2). Creating green space for residents and visitors to experience and use; (3). Create awareness, habits and behaviors to protect the living environment; (4). Forming green business and living trends; (5) Create livelihoods, jobs, incomes and sharing benefit in local communities. (Tran Van Anh, 2022).
The principles that should be followed when developing green tourism include: (1). Respecting for nature, recycling and preserving ecosystems; (2). Tourism activities have a harmonious relationship with natural ecosystems, culture, communities and do not pollute the environment; (3). Creating sustainable livelihoods for the community based on the restoration, regeneration and development of natural and cultural values; (4). Materials and parties involved in product formation must be preserved and regenerated; (5). Taking the harmonious economic - social - environmental benefits, benefits of the community, enterprises and the State as development goals (Tran Van Anh, 2022).
3.2. Guidelines, strategies and policies for green tourism development in Vietnam
In the current general development trend of the world, Vietnam can not stand outside the direction of promoting green growth. According to the Prime Minister's Decision No. 1393/QD-TTg dated September 25, 2012, approving the national strategy on green growth for the period 2011-2020 and a vision to 2050 with the following main contents:
In terms of point of view: Green growth is an important content of sustainable development, ensuring fast, effective and sustainable economic development and making an important contribution to the implementation of the national strategy on climate change; Green growth must be by people and for people, contributing to job creation, poverty alleviation, and improvement of people's material and spiritual lives; Green growth is based on increasing investment in conservation, development and effective use of natural capital, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving and advanced environmental quality, thereby stimulating economic growth; Green growth must be based on modern science and technology, suitable to Vietnam's conditions; Green growth is the cause of the entire Party, people, authorities at all levels, ministries, branches, localities, businesses and social organizations.
In terms of Objectives: Green growth, towards a low-carbon economy, enrichment of natural capital becomes the mainstream in sustainable economic development; Reducing emissions and increasing the ability to absorb greenhouse gases has gradually become a mandatory and important indicator in socio-economic development. Specifically: 1) Reconstruction and perfecting economic institutions in the direction of greening existing industries and encouraging the development of economic sectors that use energy and resources efficiently with high added value; 2) Research and widely apply advanced technologies to more effectively use natural resources, reduce the intensity of greenhouse gas emissions, and contribute to an effective response to climate change; 3) Improving people's living standards, building an environmentally friendly lifestyle through creating many jobs from industries, agriculture, green services, investing in natural capital, developing green infrastructure.
Resolution 08-NQ/TW dated 16/01/2017 of the Politburo on Developing tourism into a spearhead economic sector has set forth requirements related to sustainable tourism development, which are: "new awareness and thinking about tourism development, restructuring the tourism industry to ensure professionalism, modernity and sustainable development according to the rules of the market economy and international integration... Tourism development needs to ensure the harmony between growth goals and the safety and sustainability of the ecological environment, balance and stability in society and people to avoid causing harm and affecting cultural heritage...”
In Decision 147-QD/TTg dated January 22, 2020 of the Prime Minister approving the Strategy for Vietnam's tourism development to 2030, it was determined: "Focus on developing high-quality, diversified tourism products. diversified, with high added value and increased experience for tourists, based on the advantages of resources of each region and locality, in line with market demand and improving the competitiveness of tourism Vietnam".
According to Decision No. 882/QD-TTg dated July 22, 2022 of the Prime Minister, assigning the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to preside over the national action plan on green growth for the period 2021-2030. Tourism has two groups of tasks: "Improving institutions and policies to manage tourism development in the direction of green and sustainable growth" and "Prioritizing the development of tourism types in the direction of green growth (tourism and tourism). ecology, community tourism, agricultural and rural tourism, sea and island resort tourism associated with blue sea economic development, adventure sports tourism ensuring green standards and criteria...) development of green tourism products”. In particular, the task group "Improving institutions and policies to manage tourism development in the direction of green and sustainable growth" has two specific tasks: "Effective construction and implementation of a tourism system planning tourism in the 2021 - 2030 period, with a vision to 2045 associated with green economy, blue sea economy" and "Completing institutions and policies prioritizing development of eco-tourism, agricultural and rural tourism, tourism community calendar. Develop a set of evaluation criteria and implement a rating system on green growth for tourist destinations and tourism business establishments in Vietnam. These are two high priority tasks.
From the tourism development strategies and policies of our Party and the State as well as the trend of tourism demand in the world, it can be seen that the development of green tourism is an important strategy of Vietnam's tourism to enhance competitiveness in the integration process. The Mekong Delta tourism region with its own characteristics and strengths, possess a lot of potential in tourism activities associated with green tourism, and is consistent with the orientations in the national planning, regional planning and local planning on tourism development in general and tourism development towards sustainable or green growth in particular. Therefore, with its position as one of the seven tourist regions in Vietnam, the priority of green tourism development in the Mekong Delta is also completely consistent with the general trend of our country.
3.3. Overview of the Mekong Delta tourism region
The Mekong Delta is formed by alluvium from the Mekong River - one of the seven largest rivers in the world, resulting in relatively flat and low terrain, except for some mountains in An Giang and Kien Giang. The region includes Can Tho city and 12 provinces: An Giang, Ben Tre, Bac Lieu, Ca Mau, Dong Thap, Hau Giang, Kien Giang, Soc Trang, Long An, Tien Giang, Tra Vinh and Vinh Long. Due to the characteristics of the Mekong Delta region, the system of canals is interlaced, so waterway traffic still plays an important role in people's lives as well as socio-economic development. In addition, the Mekong Delta has a coastline of over 700 km with waters covering both the South East Sea and the West Sea (Gulf of Thailand); has a land border with Cambodia over 400km. Over the past time, the region has focused on investing heavily in infrastructure systems, relatively extensive road routes, and large bridges such as My Thuan, Can Tho, Rach Mieu, Ham Luong, Co Chien, etc. and that completed on all major rivers in the region. Currently, the region has 02 international airports (Can Tho, Phu Quoc) and 02 domestic airports (Rach Gia, Ca Mau); international and domestic routes are constantly growing in frequency and new routes. It can be seen clearly that, the strongly developed transport system has brought the Mekong Delta region to other domestic markets as well as international markets, bringing great advantages in socio-economic development.
The Mekong Delta tourist region has a relatively rich tourism resource system with its own specific and unique characteristics. The region is the intersection of ethnic cultures of the Kinh, Chinese, Khmer and Cham. This is a very important factor as the foundation for the formation of an extremely unique and valuable human resource system. Important natural tourism resources of the region are rivers, gardens associated with the Mekong River and the interlaced system of canals, dunes, islets, gardens, fields and orchards that can be considered as natural resources, that is the most typical resource of the region. Natural tourism resources are associated with conservation centers of precious genetic resources such as: Tram Chim National Park (Dong Thap Province), Tra Su Melaleuca forest (An Giang), Lung Ngoc Hoang Nature Reserve (Hau Giang Province), Bang Lang stork garden (Can Tho city), Tan Long stork garden (Soc Trang), U Minh mangrove forest (Kien Giang and Ca Mau), Lam Ngu biodiversity area and Trem river school (Ca Mau)... In particular, the region also owns 02 out of 11 world biosphere reserves recognized by UNESCO in Vietnam, including: Kien Giang coastal and island biosphere reserve (recognized in 2006), Ca Mau Cape biosphere reserve (recognized in 2009). Besides, the Mekong Delta has more than 700 km of coastline and more than 145 large and small islands and many beautiful and pristine beaches: Mui Nai, Hon Chong (Kien Giang), Hon Khoai (Ca Mau), Ba Dong (Tra Vinh)... In which, the most famous is the island city of Phu Quoc (Kien Giang). The regional tourism territory with the orientation of national tourism development is determined to have 05 national tourist areas, 07 national tourist sites and many other important tourist zones and spots. Final, in terms of tourism resources, the Mekong Delta tourist region has a unique system of tourism resources, which is different from other regions in the country. Tourism products of Mekong Delta have an important position in Vietnam's tourism product system and it is necessary to develop in the direction of sustainable tourism.
3.4. Current situation of green tourism in Mekong Delta tourism region
With its own characteristics and strengths, the Mekong Delta tourism region has many potentials and achievements in tourism activities associated with the natural environment, rivers and lakes. This is completely consistent with the orientations in the national planning, regional planning and local planning on tourism development in general and tourism development towards sustainable or green growth in particular. However, besides the positive results and values, it is fact that the tourism development in the region for many years also has limitations and inadequacies.
Firstly, the current system of tourism products is still monotonous, not commensurate with the relatively diverse tourism resources in the region. Except for Phu Quoc sea and island tourism and festivals, most localities in the region only focus on exploiting tourism products based on main resources such as rivers, gardens and Don Ca Tai Tu. In which, tourism products mainly focus on: river tourism (Seam Reap - Phnom Penh - Chau Doc - Vinh Long - Tien Giang - Ho Chi Minh City route); ecotourism: visit to learn about rivers, gardens and the lives of indigenous people in: Vinh Long, Tien Giang, Ben Tre, Can Tho... typical floating markets: Cai Be (Tien Giang), Phong Dien, Cai Rang (Can Tho)...; visit national parks, nature reserves with typical wetland ecosystems (Dong Thap, Long An, Kien Giang, Ca Mau...); Cultural tourism: Ba Chua Xu festival, learn Khmer cultural values, enjoy Southern folk songs, enjoy Southern cuisine, visit historical and cultural relics, cultural relics network (Rach Gam - Xoai Mut, Phu Quoc prison, Temple of Literature...), craft village tourism, community tourism... Thus, it can be seen that the current status of the tourism product system has not yet fully exploited the diverse potential of cultural tourism as well as eco-tourism of the region.
Secondly, the situation of climate change can seriously affect the tourism resources of the region, especially the coastal tourism resources. Climate change also changes natural conditions affecting natural ecosystems in national parks and nature reserves of the region. Recently, the phenomenon of coastal erosion has caused impacts on tourism activities (Khai Long - Ca Mau tourist area). Bad effects, degrade, depletion or severe damage to the nature and environment of the region. This not only reduces the value of growth, but is also a direct cause of the unsustainability of tourism activities.
Third, incomplete awareness of green tourism development of tourism business organizations and individuals. Because of the economic purpose with short-term business goal is to reduce costs and increase profits, many travel companies instead of conducted a survey to build tourism programs, assessed supply and demand to build tourism products in line with the trend of green tourism. They were copied the products of other companies without really paying attention to environmental protection and sustainable long-term development. More and more accommodation and tourism services are built on islands without planning, causing the risk of coastal erosion and degradation of marine and island ecosystems. Untreated wastewater from accommodation facilities and tourism services is discharged directly into the environment, increasing the level of coastal seawater pollution. Tourism development has not been associated with efficient exploitation and use of natural resources, low efficiency of resource use, and not closely associated with environmental protection. The rapid development has negatively affected the tourism environment.
Fourth, the models of community-based tourism in the region show that these are community-based tourism development models invested and operated by individual business households or enterprises. The models are all towards using local resources, developing experiential tourism products, local specialties, community cultural values... to serve tourists. These models are attractive to tourists, create jobs for local people, and natural and cultural values are restored and preserved. However, these models are still not many, the level of spread and synthesis efficiency is not high.
Fifth, tourism industry and state management agencies have not yet built and issued adequate guidelines on criteria, conditions, and environmental impact assessment related to tourism activities, especially with tourism business establishments, it is confusing to apply in practice. In addition, there has not been a comprehensive evaluation study and a green tourism development system as a basis for proposing solutions to rationally exploit natural resources to ensure sustainable development. The lack of rationality in the viewpoints, methods and models of tourism development, the tourism development is still heavily exploitative and focuses too much on the growth in terms of economic figures. While the development of tourism in the direction of green and sustainable growth has been set and paid much attention in strategies and policies, but in reality it is still conservative, fragmented and has a lot of spontaneity, not really forming a pervasive value.
3.5. Solutions for green tourism development in the Mekong Delta tourism region
From the above analysis, it can be believed that the trend of green and sustainable tourism in the Mekong Delta tourism region is an urgent requirement. The authors propose some solutions to develop green tourism in the Mekong Delta tourism region as follows:
(1) Need to develop and issue a set of criteria and standards for green tourism. In the planning, development areas for each industry must be identified. On that basis, management agencies and tourism businesses apply in the process of investment, planning and business. At the same time, this is also the basis for recognition of green tourism products.
(2) Establishing business communities, business association, clubs with green business trends and commit to implementing green development criteria and benefits. These units will have the role of positioning the market, promoting the brand through different means and methods to convey green messages and green tourism to stakeholders.
(3) Raising awareness and training on green tourism for managers at all levels from state management, corporate governance of the tourism industry and tourism-related industries in terms of content, meaning and significance of green tourism development. At the same time, raising awareness, education and training in the development of green tourism brands for the parties involved in tourism business activities and the local community. The process of implementing the green tourism development plan needs to immediately build the awareness of those in charge of management, there is a need for consistency, cooperation in building and presenting a consistent image and message about the tourism brand green. The State needs to have a plan to train overseas professionals and managers to manage green tourism, green growth and green economy.
(4) Improving promotion and publicity of green tourism on the basis of 4.0 technology application. In order to carry out the promotion of regional tourism brands associated with green tourism, localities need to link and unify in promotional activities. Uniformly build and use synchronous green tourism logos and slogans for localities in the region. Localities with similar product lines need to participate in market promotion activities. Attracting the participation of businesses using local logos and slogans when deploying green tourism products.
(5) Developing infrastructure and facilities for tourism in the region. The investment in tourism infrastructure and technical facilities is associated with using green energy. Implement effective models and projects associated with green lifestyle practices and green behaviors. Developing models of homestays, exploiting green space.
(6) Focus on investing and developing product groups in the direction of green tourism, oriented for local residents and businesses to invest in tourism, mainly according to the following groups of tourism products: (1). Ecotourism products in nature reserves and national parks; (2). Community tourism products, villages and gardens; (3). Agricultural and rural tourism products; (4). Historical and cultural tourism products, tourism to learn about the culture of Khmer and Cham ethnic groups; tourism to learn about craft villages; (5). Traditional religious education tourism products.
4. CONCLUSION
In fact, the development of green tourism has become a highlight of development not only in the Mekong Delta tourism region but also in Vietnam, contributing to building a culture of respecting and protecting the environment, providing positive experience for visitors, and bringing sustainable development to the locality. To do that, leaders of the Mekong Delta tourism regions need to coordinate with all levels, departments and local people to propose specific cooperation contents such as: developing unique tourism products of the region; strengthen effective publicity and promotion; develop professional tourism human resources in the locality; calling for investment in tourism development... towards green tourism and sustainable tourism development in the current context.
REFERENCES
1. Tran Van Anh (2022), Green tourism development in Quang Nam - Potentials, current situation and solutions, Scientific Journal of Dong A University, Issue 4, December 2022 (p. 74 - p.78).
2. Nguyen Van Dinh (2021), Conservation and development of Vietnam's green tourism, Environmental Journal, (pp. 41 - p.43).
3. Do Phuong Quyen, Dau Minh Duc (2022), Some solutions to develop green tourism in the Mekong Delta, Proceedings of the National Workshop "Tra Vinh - creating typical tourism products associated with construction" building new countryside in the period of 2021 - 2025", Agriculture Publishing House
4. Prime Minister (2011), Approving the "Strategy for development of Vietnam's tourism to 2020, vision to 2030", Hanoi
5. Prime Minister (2020), Approving the Vietnam tourism development strategy to 2030, Hanoi
6. National Administration of Tourism (2016), Master Plan for Tourism Development in the Mekong Delta to 2030, Hanoi
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