Wildlife tourism, as reported by the United Nations World Tourism Organization, constitutes 7% of global tourism, with a minimum estimated value of US$37 billion. In Africa, an astounding 80% of annual tourism revenue is derived from wildlife observation. However, the swift growth of tourism also poses the risk of environmental degradation.

The costs of rapid expansion Data from the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) reveal that Vietnam has experienced an explosive rise in visitor numbers since welcoming its first million international tourists in 1994. By 2019, Vietnam had attracted 18 million international tourists and 85 million domestic tourists. The tourism industry in Vietnam has consistently maintained double-digit growth, positioning the country among the six nations with the fastest-growing tourism sectors globally. During a workshop aimed at promoting the conservation of wild species and environmental protection through responsible tourism on September 27, Hoang Hoa Quan, deputy head of the Tourism Management Department at VNAT, highlighted the potential benefits of tourism development. He emphasized that tourism can significantly enhance communication efforts regarding the value of national parks, conservation areas, and landmarks by amplifying their unique attributes through a ripple effect. Tourism revenue can be channeled to support conservation initiatives, raise awareness about nature and wildlife among both domestic and international tourists, encourage local governments and communities to take responsibility for wildlife protection, create additional job opportunities, and boost community income through tourism services. However, Quan also cautioned against potential challenges associated with rapid tourism growth. As tourism develops, it not only benefits local residents but also attracts migrants from other regions in search of job opportunities, especially in areas with high tourist traffic. This influx poses several challenges for local authorities. Firstly, resource management becomes increasingly complex as the population surges. The demand for essential services like water supply and electricity rises, necessitating efficient allocation and sustainable practices. Secondly, infrastructure must be expanded to accommodate the growing population, encompassing not only transportation networks but also public facilities such as schools and healthcare institutions. Moreover, tourism development and wildlife conservation can place added stress on wildlife due to tourists’ demands for observation, photography, hunting, and souvenirs. This can disrupt existing ecological balances, including food chains and gender ratios among species. Additionally, it can introduce new diseases and intensify illegal hunting and wildlife trading by individuals from other areas to cater to tourists. Data from the World Wide Fund for Nature in Vietnam indicate that a staggering 30% of tourists consume wildlife during their visits. According to Nguyen Thuy Hang, a representative of WWF-VN, Vietnam ranks 16th among the top 25 countries for biodiversity and boasts 34 national parks, 66 nature reserves, 18 species and landscape conservation areas, and nine Ramsar-recognized wetlands. Despite its high species diversity, individual population numbers in Vietnam remain low, placing immense pressure on wildlife. Hang issued a stark warning: “If the current rates of hunting continue, we risk irreparable loss of natural resources.” The tourism industry needs to step up The tourism industry plays a pivotal role in curbing wildlife consumption and promoting responsible behavior among tourists. Wildlife consumption not only threatens animal populations but also jeopardizes the balance of ecosystems. Tourism-related sectors, including travel agencies, tour operators, and transport services, have an ethical and environmental obligation to combat this behavior. Quan said responsible tourism should be economically viable and ecologically responsible. Achieving this equilibrium entails providing employment and income to local communities while actively preserving environmental values. Responsible tourism should protect heritage sites, conserve ecosystems, and minimize environmental impact. When managed conscientiously, tourism can significantly enhance the value of national parks and conservation areas. Responsible tourism not only allocates additional resources for conservation efforts but also fosters awareness among tourists about the importance of nature and wildlife. Such awareness can transcend borders, compelling local governments and communities to take greater responsibility in safeguarding their natural treasures, all driven by tourism revenue. This symbiotic relationship also extends to local communities, creating job opportunities and boosting income through tourism services. John Scanlon, secretary-general of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, has stressed the tourism industry’s role in combatting the illegal wildlife trade. During his keynote at the 17th Global Summit World Travel and Tourism Council, Scanlon emphasized the importance of local investment and direct engagement with and support for local communities. He cited the success of the Northern Rangelands Trust in Northern Kenya, a collaborative effort with local communities to protect wildlife partially funded by tourism revenue. This approach not only conserves wildlife but also provides employment for hundreds of local Kenyans, reinforcing the notion that locals are the best stewards of wildlife when they have a vested interest in its protection. Noteworthy conservation successes, including a 50% reduction in elephant poaching and zero incidents of rhino poaching for four years, have been achieved through community-based approaches like the one employed by the Northern Rangelands Trust in Northern Kenya. Similar success stories exist in other locations, such as Chitwan National Park in Nepal, indicating the effectiveness and replicability of this approach to wildlife protection. Raising collective awareness is another vital solution. The mindset surrounding the use of wildlife for food, decor, and souvenirs must evolve, spanning from tourists to local communities. Educational programs serve as potent tools to elevate awareness about wildlife preservation, consequently reducing the demand for illicit wildlife products. Cat Tien National Park exemplifies this solution. In the first seven months of 2023, the park welcomed nearly 55,000 visitors. Deputy Director of Tourism at Cat Tien, Nguyen Dinh Quoc Viet, underscores the park’s commitment to balancing tourism and conservation. Stringent guidelines, including waste management protocols and noise restrictions, minimize the impact on wildlife. The area also functions as an educational hub, encouraging tourists to adopt responsible behaviors extending beyond their visit. Fostering responsible tourism in Vietnam necessitates a comprehensive approach. Quan and Viet advocate for comprehensive policies encompassing responsible waste management, strict regulations on wildlife interaction, and educational programs. The implementation of comprehensive education and awareness programs is essential for sustainable tourism in Vietnam. Policies should mandate training in responsible tourism practices for tour operators and guides, contributing to the preservation of cultural and natural resources. The responsibility for steering tourism toward a sustainable future extends not only to industry players but also to the community and tourists themselves. Additionally, prioritizing community-based tourism initiatives is crucial. Such policies would facilitate the participation of local communities in tourism activities and conservation efforts, providing economic opportunities while ensuring sustainable development. These measures are indispensable for the long-term viability of Vietnam’s tourism sector.