Phu Quy preserves its green appeal for sustainable tourism
Lam Dong's tourism industry has grown rapidly, with Phu Quy Special Zone standing out for transforming its natural assets into long-term value through sustainable tourism.
Tourism booms as environmental pressures grow
In May 2026, Lam Dong welcomed an estimated 2.1 million visitors, up 19.39% year-on-year, including 119,000 international arrivals, an increase of 20.96%. Tourism revenue reached nearly VND6 trillion, up more than 23%.
According to the provincial Tourism Development Steering Committee, the province received an estimated 11.995 million visitors in the first half of 2026, up 18.08% from a year earlier and fulfilling 47.83% of its annual target. International arrivals totaled an estimated 825,000, up 18.6%, while tourism revenue rose 22.15% year-on-year to about VND33.31 trillion.
Against this backdrop, Phu Quy has emerged as a standout destination, thanks to its unspoiled landscapes, clean environment, rich marine ecosystem and distinctive island culture. These advantages provide a solid foundation for the area to become a leading green tourism destination in Lam Dong and the surrounding region.
However, the rapid growth in visitor numbers has also placed increasing pressure on the island's environment. Plastic waste, the depletion of natural resources and the impacts of climate change underscore the need for more sustainable tourism development.
Ngo Minh Pho of the Phu Quy Tourism Association said weekend bookings to the island are fully booked through the end of July, reflecting the destination's growing appeal. However, he stressed that tourism growth must go hand in hand with environmental protection.
“If the marine environment is polluted and the natural landscape deteriorates, it will not only affect tourism but also directly impact the lives of island residents,” he said.
Green tourism has become an inevitable trend in the modern tourism industry. Beyond reducing environmental impacts and preserving natural resources and cultural heritage, it also enhances destination quality and strengthens long-term competitiveness.
Joining hands to protect the green island
Against this backdrop, the “Green Tourism - For a Sustainable Future” campaign was launched in Phu Quy as a call for collective action to protect the environment, reduce plastic waste, raise public awareness and promote the island as a clean, green, friendly and safe destination.
Nguyen Lan Ngoc, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, stressed the need to strengthen the environmental responsibility of local communities, businesses and visitors. She also called for greater efforts to reduce plastic waste, limit single-use plastics, encourage eco-friendly tourism businesses, conserve natural ecosystems, protect the marine environment and preserve local cultural values alongside sustainable tourism development.
Le Hong Loi, Chairman of the People's Committee of Phu Quy Special Zone, urged residents, visitors and tourism businesses to make environmental protection part of their daily routine. He encouraged visitors to help keep the island clean and even plant a tree before leaving.
According to the Lam Dong Tourism Association, 12 tourism businesses and service providers in Phu Quy have pledged to eliminate or minimize the use of single-use plastic products, replacing them with environmentally friendly alternatives such as glass bottles, paper cups, ceramic mugs, paper bags, cloth bags and reusable products. While modest, these efforts are laying the foundation for a green tourism ecosystem on the island.
As an island surrounded by the sea, even a single plastic bag or bottle discarded into the ocean can remain there for decades. Yet every piece of litter collected and every tree planted helps make Phu Quy greener.
Preserving Phu Quy's green environment today is not only about safeguarding a tourism destination but also about protecting a natural gift for future generations. This is how the island can achieve sustainable development and become a truly green destination.