Technology is key to the sustainable development of green tourism and the cultural industry in Da Lat. The application of technology to management, process optimization, and environmental impact reduction is crucial.

The city boasts natural beauty and is the home of many ethnic minority groups with traditional habits, customs, and festivals as well as migrants from many areas across the country.

The cultural values of K’Ho and Churu ethnic minority groups and the culture of internal migrants have created a colorful vision for tourists.

With rich and diverse natural conditions, Da Lat boasts untapped potential to develop green tourism products, such as eco-tourism, farm tourism, medical tourism, adventure tourism, and experiential tourism, to help entice travelers while preserving the ecosystem.

Importance of green tourism

Green tourism has emerged as a global trend, capturing the interest of governments, enterprises, and consumers.

While it is a method of tourism, 'green' is also a philosophy of life and a movement focused on environmental protection and embracing a sustainable green lifestyle.

Green tourism means prioritizing activities that minimize negative impacts on the natural environment and help preserve valuable natural resources.

The key principles are using natural resources effectively, limiting the exploitation of flora and fauna resources, reducing carbon emissions, and managing waste.

Reducing large concrete projects and single-use plastic in exchange for recycled and eco-friendly materials helps protect the natural ecosystem.

Green tourism contributes to the sustainable development of the local community, creates jobs, and boosts the local economy without phasing out cultural values. 

One of the challenges of developing green tourism is maintaining the balance of economic development and environmental protection.

Changing public awareness of the role of green tourism requires great efforts from relevant units.

Cultural industry: A bridge of tradition and modernity

Culture industry brings economic values and plays an important role in spreading and preserving the nation’s culture.

Amid globalization, this industry is a bridge between various cultures and fosters international understanding and cooperation.

One of the key tasks is to preserve and promote traditional cultural values.

This effort involves reviving and enhancing traditional crafts, forms of traditional art like dance and singing, and cultural festivals while also promoting modern cultural elements such as architecture, music, cinema, and events.

In the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, technology plays a crucial role in advancing the cultural industry.

It facilitates the digitization of cultural products, the development of virtual museums, and the application of virtual and augmented reality to create immersive experiences.

Modern technology is being leveraged to organize events and cater to diverse audience demands.

Actions needed for a sustainable future

When looking ahead, it is clear that sustainable development is a global responsibility, not confined to any nation or region.

The following are the specific actions that Da Lat should focus on:

Integrating technology and innovation

Solutions that need boosting include using renewable energy, applying information technology to tourism management, and digitizing cultural data.

State management agencies’ policies and support

To support sustainable development, the government should issue policies to support green tourism models and the cultural industry, including providing tax incentives, simplifying investment procedures, and supporting start-up projects in the two sectors. 

Improving public awareness, developing communities

The role of education is important in changing public perception of protecting the environment and preserving culture.

We must include environmental and cultural education in school curricula, starting from elementary school, and encourage people from all walks of life to join environmental protection and cultural preservation activities.

Boosting the participation of local communities

Local communities should actively participate in the development of the tourism and cultural industries to create job opportunities and help preserve and promote their cultural heritage.

Authorities and businesses must establish mutually beneficial cooperation models with residents, with a particular focus on developing community-based tourism projects.

Responsibility of relevant units to green tourism, cultural industry

Corporate social responsibility

Enterprises should strengthen their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives to enhance their brand reputation and contribute to sustainable development. These efforts can include environmental protection, community support, and investment in social projects.

Encouraging innovation among businesses

To boost tourism development and cultural identity, enterprises should make conditions conducive to innovation.

Innovation goes beyond technology, encompassing management practices, business models, and products or services that align with market demands and prioritize green, sustainable trends.

Every individual and organization has a role to play in minimizing environmental impact. This requires implementing concrete measures to reduce carbon emissions, protect natural resources, and promote recycling and reuse.

Joining preservation programs

Everyone has a responsibility to support nature and cultural preservation efforts. This can be achieved by participating in volunteer programs, supporting preservation initiatives led by non-governmental organizations, or adopting eco-friendly consumption habits to minimize environmental impact.

Da Lat’s natural landscapes, architecture, and local culture are invaluable assets that form the foundation for developing sustainable green tourism and a thriving cultural industry in the future.

* This article was originally written in Vietnamese by Dr. Pham S, vice-chairman of the People’s Committee of Lam Dong Province

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