Editor’s note: This piece is written by Ray Kuscherts, an Australian who has lived in Vietnam over the past decade, in response to a Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper series of discussions on developing Da Lat tourism through local culture and natural resources.

This series seeks to help Da Lat tourism continue growing toward green and sustainable development, while fostering a cultural industry based on natural resources, biodiversity, and local cultural heritage. Valuable ideas are invited to be sent to hongtuoi@tuoitre.com.vn by December 14 before they are forwarded to the leadership of Da Lat City and Lam Dong Province. Submissions should be made with contact information and bank account details, which the editorial team will use to process royalty payment after publication. 

This story was edited by Tuoi Tre News for clarity, consistency, and coherence.

Da Lat, nestled in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, is renowned for its cool climate, lush pine forests, and vibrant flower gardens. As an Australian expat who has called Vietnam home for 11 years, I have witnessed this picturesque city's rapid growth and the pressing need for sustainable tourism practices to preserve Da Lat's natural beauty in conjunction with sustainability.

There is a real threat in growth and expansion becoming a city's demise -- if precautions are not taken to ensure the region's environmental safety. 

Da Lat's tourism industry has seen significant expansion, attracting domestic and international tourists over the past decade.

However, the current tourism model often prioritizes short-term gains over long-term sustainability, leading to issues like waste management and the depletion of natural resources. 

Due to increasing popularity, the city faces challenges such as environmental degradation and overcrowding, adding to the threat of ruining this amazing holiday location. 

Eco-tourism

One of the most promising avenues for sustainable tourism in Da Lat is eco-tourism. This approach emphasizes the conservation of natural habitats and promotes environmental awareness among tourists.

Developing eco-tourism zones in areas like the Bidoup Nui Ba National Park can offer visitors immersive experiences in nature while ensuring a degree of foresight and protection.

Activities such as guided nature walks, bird watching, and educational tours about flora and fauna can enhance the tourist experience and foster a deeper appreciation for the environment.

Sustainable hospitality

The hospitality sector in Da Lat plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainability.

Hotels and resorts create enormous pollution from garbage, including unused food, electricity from the misuse of air conditioning, and using fossil fuels in things like maintenance and transport.

Hotels and resorts should adopt green practices, like using energy-efficient systems, rainwater harvesting, and solar power. Accommodation can reduce their environmental footprint by implementing waste reduction programs, sourcing local and organic food, and encouraging guests to participate in eco-friendly activities. 

Developing eco-lodges and sustainable resorts can attract environmentally conscious travelers and set a benchmark for the industry. This has not occurred over the past decade, with precedence given to resort and high-end establishment development over environmental protection.

Community-based tourism, agritourism

Empowering local communities through tourism is essential for sustainable development. Tourism stemming from community initiatives will provide economic benefits to residents while preserving cultural heritage. 

In Da Lat, this could involve homestays, cultural workshops, and agricultural tours where tourists can learn about traditional farming practices and local crafts. By involving local communities in tourism planning and decision-making, we can ensure that tourism and economic development sit alongside environmental protection.

Da Lat's fertile land and favorable climate make it an ideal location for agritourism. Allowing this form of tourism to thrive encourages farmers, the environment, and tourism to co-exist and ensure a bright future for the region. 

Under the agritourism umbrella guests can participate in farm-to-table activities, such as harvesting vegetables, learning about organic farming techniques, and enjoying locally-sourced meals.

Eco-friendly transportation

In my observations, Da Lat has gone backward over the past 15 years with roads remaining slow and no innovation in travel options to and from the city. 

More environmentally friendly options must be designed to save the local environment and economy. Trains, straight highways, cheap community transport, and alternate fuel usage are just a few discussion points to evaluate for future planning.

Effective waste management 

Da Lat needs to implement comprehensive waste reduction and recycling programs to minimize the impact of tourism on the environment.

It is critical that the area becomes self-sufficient, and the region reduces its trash by more than 90 percent over the next decade. Suggestions include composting garbage and re-using it on farms, reducing packaging of fresh food and eliminating unnecessary packaging from the community. 

Off-peak tourism

To alleviate the pressure on Da Lat's infrastructure and natural resources, it is important to promote off-peak tourism. If you have ever been to Da Lat over the Lunar New Year (Tet) break, you know that the city is bustling! Everyone wants to visit Da Lat in the middle of winter when it is amazingly fresh and green.

While the increased traffic benefits local businesses, it undeniably puts a strain on the environment. Encouraging summer holidays during off-peak times, when numbers are lower, can help balance movement and reduce the impact on the ecosystem.

I love Da Lat and fondly remember those days when it did not require traffic lights or a highway. It was a pristine getaway to a romantic location that would exceed your expectations. It still holds that feeling every time I travel there but I am concerned about its future. 

Da Lat has the potential to become a model for green and sustainable tourism in Vietnam. By embracing change and putting the environment before profit, we will see the region thrive while maintaining that fresh, romantic, and inviting environment that made us fall in love the first time. 

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