Ecotourism a boon for southeastern region post-pandemic
As tourism has borne the brunt of disruptions caused by COVID-19, ecotourism and resort tourism in southeastern localities are being viewed as priorities to trigger a prompt recovery and sustainable development in the sector.
HCM City (VNA) - As tourism has borne the brunt of disruptionscaused by COVID-19, ecotourism and resort tourism in southeastern localities arebeing viewed as priorities to trigger a prompt recovery and sustainabledevelopment in the sector.
The strategy and master plan on Vietnam’s tourism development in 2020and vision to 2030 stipulates that the Southeast is among seven regions with animportant role in regards to the sector, adding that sea- and forest-based ecotourismcombined with cultural and historical values are the region’s prominentproducts.
The southeastern region boasts a tropical equatorial climate with highand almost unchanged temperature all the year round, and is endowed with bigrivers, lakes and diverse forest ecologies along with 180 km of coast lines, whichexperts say are great advantages in tourism.
Of note, HCM City boasts strengths in ecotourism, primarily withdestinations on its outskirts, raising its competitiveness even among majortourism centres in the region and the world. An official of the city’s TourismDepartment said the city’s latest tourism promotion programme has focused onlocal destinations in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, Dong Nai province has invested in improving the quality oflocal destinations. It is noteworthy that orchard tours have gained popularity,with Long Khanh city serving around 4,000-5,000 tourists each weekend.
Before COVID-19 broke out, southern localities welcomed 50 millionholidaymakers each year on average, which was still below its potential,experts noted.
Concerted and appropriate measures are greatly needed to fully tap intothe strengths of each locality and the region as a whole.
Southern localities are advised to further conserve resources at ecotourismsites and apply scientific and technological achievements in the endeavour.
Communications should be bolstered to raise public awareness,especially among local residents.
Localities in the region have been working to build regionally-linked toursthat showcase their outstanding destinations and products./.
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Visitors at Can Gio ecotourism site (Photo: VNA) 
