ATTRACTING GREEN FDI INTO TOURISM OF VIETNAM

VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, HA NOI
UNIVERSITY OF ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS
FACULTY OF INTERNATIONAL ECONOMICS AND BUSINESS

ANNUAL THESIS
ATTRACTING " GREEN" FDI INTO TOURISM OF
VIETNAM

Instructor: Ph.D. Nguyen Manh Hung
Student: Nguyen Thi Nhung Anh
Class: QH-2010E-CLC
Faculty of International Economics and Business

Hà Nội, 8/2013


Contents


3

INTRODUCTION
Vietnam is a country has the advantage of natural ecological, historical
and cultural conditions, ... especially a lot of tangible and intangible heritage .
Besides, Vietnam also has more than 1,000 km of coastline stretching from the
North to the South. However, in the first few months of 2013, the country's
tourism continues growing negatively . Why does that "smokeless industry" in
our country grow such badly?
According to statistics, except January, 2013, tourism growth in
international arrivals is

2.2% over the same period in 2012, while the 4

consecutive months from February , 2013 to May , 2013, international
passengers fell compared with the same period in 2012, even in the peak months
of Vietnam tourism ( November to March). Although the rate of decline is only a
number, this is still clearly alarming. And with the way to improve Vietnam
tourism industry today, is there anything improved in attracting international
visitors during the remaining months of 2013?
Being curious about this exciting new paradigm, I chose this topic after
many considerations. It seemed to be a very complex and difficult issue to me,
because it is full of new concepts, new aspects. However, I saw the necessary of
problem for not only academic field but also practical field. With the
enthusiastic instruction of my advisor, and my own efforts to learn about this
issue, I have already completed my small thesis on the topic “Attracting "
green" FDI into tourism of Vietnam”.
With the deep and sincere gratitude, I would like to express my great
thankfulness to my instructor, Ph.D. Nguyen Manh Hung. In the process of
completing this thesis, he has helped me a lot in orientating the outline,


4

providing me with some update news and specialized knowledge, and especially,
he has encouraged me to successfully accomplish this working paper.
Moreover, I also want to send my appreciation to the Faculty of
International Economics and Business, University of Economics and Business,
for giving me an opportunity to try myself in preparation for my official thesis
next school year.
Best regards,
Nguyen Thi Nhung Anh

CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION ABOUT THE ISSUE
1.1. The urgency and significance of research issue


5

Vietnam has enough elements for the development of tourism into a
spearhead economic sector.
In 2008, Vietnam welcomed 4,218 million international passengers, this
figure in 2009 was 3.8 million, down 11% from the previous year. In 2012, the
number of international visitors to Vietnam is about 6.8 million, domestic
tourists reached 32.5 million. Revenue of Vietnam tourism in 2009 reached
approximately 68.000 billion 160,000 billion in 2012 . Tourism contributes 5%
to the GDP of Vietnam
However, Vietnam's tourism industry for many years, is also alarmed about
the victims "slash cut", visitors bullying, poor infrastructure, poor service
quality, and poor management, making a bad impression with tourists. For more
than 20 years of tourism development, Vietnam just focus on natural
exploitation-oriented development strategy, and lacks of investing in a basically
for travel, and other far countries in the region. There are still no theaters,
performing arts center good enough to introduce to international visitors, to
diversify cultural tourism products.
After the outbreak period 2008 - 2010 with several billion projects, from
2012 to now, a series of real estate projects (hotels and resorts) in the tourism
sector has been revoked. Data from the Foreign Investment Department showed
up to 20/6/2013, total FDI capital registered in the field of real estate business
more than $ 48 billion, down $ 1.7 billion compared to the end of 2012. This is
the area of FDI have also decreased in the largest amount. Among tourism
projects has been revoked, we have to mention the big names like Pearl of Asia

worth 2 billion euros in Phu Quoc of Trustee Suisse Group (Switzerland), The
world of Cultural wonders worth $ 1.3 billion in Vung Tau of Good Choice


6

(USA). Additionally, more than 30 tourism projects in North Cam Ranh
peninsula (Khanh Hoa) are also warned to be revoked

due to delays in

implementation.
An expert in the field of investment management explained, due to the
global economic difficulties, raising capital is not like expected, the bosses can
not afford to deploy their commitments. However, Dr Le Dang Doanh - former
Director of the Research Institute for Economic Management Central said that
many units just like "take seat" rather than serious investment, so when the
situation becomes more difficult, there will be more hangged and slow conducted
projects
At the last session, some deputies asked questions "Vietnam tourism is not
developed commensurably to the potential" when it only ranked 80th out of 139
countries, behind Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand - the fewer of the national
natural and cultural heritage in the world. Minister Hoang Tuan Anh also said
the tourism infrastructure in Vietnam is inferior to other countries. "At present,
Vietnam has 575 hotels from 3 stars to 5 stars. Meanwhile, high-qualified
hotels in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore more than us," . Prof. Nguyen Mai President of FDI Enterprises Association states that in the period that the world
economy is more volatile, do not need to make by all means more tourism
projects . We need to evaluate objectively which factors Vietnam tourism lacks
to attract investment. "Do not continue spreading state licenses for all projects
and then if they do not work, everything we can do is revoking," he said.

"There's still a lot to do with attracting investment in the hotel, tourism sector, ,


7

one of the critical issues to promote Vietnam tourism development," the experts
concluded.
This is the reason our tourism needs attracting " green " FDI. It's time to act,
to save an indispensable economic sector.
1.2. Literature review
The paper work "Sustainable tourism in Vietnam - The indicators" of Dao
Huy Tuan has analyzed some factors which affects sustainable tourism
development in our country, as well as the role of that industry with our
economy. The author wrote : " Currently, sustainable tourism is not only a
temporary phenomenon , but a trend of the times, the targets set for development
and has important implications not only in economic terms but has special
significance for the sustainable development of the society, under the perspective
of community resources exploitation and environmental (including natural and
human) on a global scale. The indicator are often used for the purpose of getting
to know the fastest way of complex systems, such as issues relating to
sustainable development, to take timely measures, impacts to for development
activities easier, more regular and more easily identified. During the 40 years of
establishment and development, Vietnam tourism has made significant progress
and has now become an economic sector rightful place in the national economy.
However, the exploitation of natural resources for tourism development besides
the positive impact is gradually revealed negative effects: inadvertently
contributed to the degradation of natural resources, ecological environment
pollution , threatening the survival of natural ecosystems and endemic change
living habits of the species ... Sustainable development of tourism is the only

8

solution to overcome the environmental pollution, limiting the ability to degrade
natural resources, maintaining biodiversity "
Another paper work " Some thoughts of sustainable tourism development "
- author Phan Huy Xu - Prof., Vice President, Head of Tourism Department,
Saigon College of Arts and Cultural Tourism should be taken into account. The
author has mentioned some concepts of sustainable, or "green" tourism, and
given some solutions to develop "green" tourism in Vietnam. " Although there
are several concepts, " green" tourism requires these factors. First, minimizing
negative impacts to the natural and human environment. Tourism must be
environmentally friendly. Second, ensuring the multiple benefits of the local
population. Increasing local incomes. Third, being responsible for tourism
development today and tomorrow, so "green" tourism means tourism
responsibilities "
On the other hand, the work " Green tourim development in Vietnam" of Dr.
Tran Van Hung has analyzed deeply the potential as well as solutions to develop
" green" tourism in Vietnam. The paper gives concept of " green" tourism: "
"Green" tourism is a type of nature and culture -based tourism , with
environmental education,

contributing to

conservation

and

sustainable

development efforts , with the active participation of local communities. In
recent years, "green" tourism has been growing rapidly in many countries around
the world and is increasingly attracting the attention of the broad social strata,
especially for those wishing to visiting and recreation. Besides contributing in
significant nature conservation, protection of biodiversity and cultural
community, the development of "green" tourism has brought enormous
economic resources, created additional employment opportunities and improved


9

income for the country as well as local communities, especially people in remote
and sparse areas - where there are the natural reservation and the attractive
landscape. In addition, "green" tourism also contributes to improving people's
health and knowledge through environmental education, cultural history, and
recreation. Therefore, in many countries and regions in the world, besides the
economic benefits, "green" tourism is seen as a very effective solution to protect
the ecological environment through reducing pressure to exploit natural
resources to serve the needs of tourists, the local people to participate in tourism
activities. ". Moreover, the author stated the potential of Vietnam tourism
through a lot of figures : " Located in the belt of tropical monsoon climate,
Vietnam's territory stretches over 15 degrees latitude with ¾ is hilly and plateau,
with over 3,200 km of coastline, thousands islands ... On the territory that was
inhabited by many ethnic communities with a history of thousands of years of
water and struggling to keep up with the more traditional country has its own
characteristics, many cultural and historical monuments, Vietnam has many
facilitate the development of green tourism and ecotourism. Vietnam has a high
biodiversity, and ecosystem characteristics. Regarding the composition of plant
and animal species, in Vietnam there are 14 624 species of plants in 300
families, including many ancient and rare species, valuable species economy,

including more than 1000 species of medicinal plants, 100 species of edible
forest fruit ... About 11 217 animals to species and subspecies, including 1,009
species and subspecies of birds, 265 species of mammals, 349 species of reptiles,
amphibians, 2000 species of marine fish, 500 species of freshwater fish and
thousands of shrimp, crab , molluscs and other aquatic organisms. In mammals,
10 species of Vietnam tropical characteristics such as: Cross, Hill, flying fox,


10

civet cartridge, loris, gibbon, Pangolin, elephants, tapirs, rhinos and especially in
the 20th century with 5 species New mammal discovered they were in Vietnam.
This proves that the biodiversity of Vietnam remains high and there may be
many new species in Vietnam. Along with the natural flora and fauna, Vietnam
is also a center of artificial plants. Worldwide, there are 8 crop center , 3 are
concentrated in the center of Southeast Asia (South China - Himalayas, India Burma, Indochina - Indonesia) with approximately 270 agricultural crops,
particularly in Vietnam has more than 200 plant species, of which 90% crop of
the Center for South China, 70% of central India plant, Myanmar. This is a
prerequisite for the organization of green tourism development "
1.3. Research purposes and missions
1.3.1. Research purposes
Through research on the development of tourism in Vietnam, that topic
follows the direction to clarify the impact of FDI on tourism, then recommends
measures to attract "green" FDI associated with sustainable development
Vietnam tourism
1.3.2. Research missions
- Clarifying the concept of "green" FDI Defining criteria to identify "green"
FDI.
- Considering the situation of Vietnam tourism development

as well as

deterioration in some resorts
- Researching some outstanding cases of Vietnam resorts
- Proposals and recommendations some immediate measures to attract "green"
FDI associated with sustainable development in Vietnam tourism


11

1.4. Research questions
To achieve the above purpose, the following questions will be answered:
- What is " green " FDI? Why should Vietnam actively attract " green " FDI ?
- What does the development of tourism in Vietnam like? The infrastructure
system

in

Vietnam

tourist

areas

is

qualified

or

not

?

- What does Vietnam need to do to attach " green " FDI with the aim of
sustainable tourism development ?
1.5. Object and scope of research
Object of research: the research topic focuses on the development of tourism in
Vietnam, pointing out the solutions to attract " green " FDI for developing
tourism
Scope of research: Vietnam tourism industry in the period 2010-2013
1.6. Layout of the study
CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION ABOUT THE ISSUE
CHAPTER 2: SCIENTIFIC BASIS OF ATTRACTING " GREEN " FDI INTO
VIETNAM TOURISM
CHAPTER 3 : RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND HYPOTHESIS
CHAPTER 4: RESEARCH RESULT
CHAPTER 5: SOME SOLUTIONS TO ATTRACT " GREEN " FDI INTO
TOURISM OF VIETNAM
CHAPTER 6. CONCLUSIONS AND EXCHANGE
CHAPTER 2: SCIENTIFIC BASIS OF ATTRACTING " GREEN " FDI
INTO VIETNAM TOURISM


12

2.1. Concepts related to "green" FDI
In the present development stage of our country, the "green" economic is
becoming more and more urgent than ever. In recent times, the process of
economic development has caused so many problems of environmental

pollution, destruction and waste of natural resources of the country, and although
the economy is growth rate is relatively high, we are wasting a lot of resources
(Pham Chi Lan, 2013). In this condition, the issue of "green" FDI in recent years
has become a hot issue , attracting the attention of many economists and
investors.
"Green" FDI is the capital of foreign direct investment to help protecting
and improving the natural environment, can appear in any industrial sectors and
in all stages as well as the level of technology of chain treatment. This inflows of
foreign companies are invested in environmentally friendly projects as well as
establishing a form of cleaner investment , more efficient production processes.
"Green" FDI also help reducing greenhouse gas emissions and global climate
change.
2.2. The necessity to attract “ green “ FDI into tourism of Vietnam
2.2.1.The importance of tourism to Vietnam economy
In terms of economy, tourism is a service sector whose products rely on and
includes high - qualified products of the different economic sectors.So today's
tourism industry is not only an effective economic sector, but it is also an
economic leverage which is promoting the development of other economic
sectors, create the initial accumulation of the economy, is an important means to
the open-door policy, as a bridge between the outside world and domestic.


13

Tourism is a clear influence on the development of the econom by tourists'
consumptions . Tourism is to satisfy the consumers' demand for material goods
and non-material goods. Hence, the demand for services is recognized by
travelers interest
Tourism activities can change the balance of revenue and expenditure of the
country and the region. International tourists bring foreign currency into

the country they travel to, increasing foreign exchange earner for the country.
Within the scope of a nation, tourism activities disturb the circulation of money
and goods. When one area becomes a tourist destinations, tourists from
everywhere flocking will make the demand for all goods increased significantly.
It requires a mountain of materials and goods has stimulated strongly relevant
economic sectors , especially agriculture, processing industry..... Besides,
supplies

of

goods

for

tourism

requires

high

quality,

rich

in

types, beautiful and attractive forms. This means that requested goods
must be produced in a high-tech, advanced level to meet the demands of visitors.
International tourism is a means of propaganda and advertising which are
not losing money . Specifically, when coming to a particular resort, customers

are familiar with some items. Upon returning to the country , those customers
start

looking

for

those

things

in

the

local

market

and

if

not found, customers can request the foreign trade to import items . In this way,
international tourism contributes to the propaganda of our country's production.
2.2.2. The degradation of Vietnam environment has bad effects on
developing tourism


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Vietnam has over 3,260 km sea shore with 125 large and small beaches,
about 2,273 coastal islands, 44 smaller puddles - bays, 1,120 coral reefs,
252.500ha mangroves and distribution of seagrasses from the North to the South.
Therefore, Vietnam's sea tourism is considered a lot of potential and strengths.
However, several accommodation facilities, tourist services built on the islands
are not as planned, which have
degradation

of

island

increased risks of shoreline erosion and

ecosystems.

Untreated

wastewater

from

the

accommodation facilities, tourist services directly discharged into the
environment increase the level of organic coastal water. Apart from oil pollution
of coastal water by boats transport tourists, recreation facilities, water sports,
coral mining to serve demand for souvenirs ... also contributed to the degradation
of tropical ecosystems. Consequently, the famous beaches of Vietnam is facing

the risk of pollution of the water environment seriously.

CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND CASE STUDY
3.1.Research methodology


15

In this subject, the study used the case study methodology to collect
sufficient data in a systematic way about Vietnam tourism development. This
methododology also allows the study to focus on the analysis and evaluation
responsibilities of FDI projects in environmental protection
The study will select a number of typical scenarios of environmental
pollution in tourist areas to study and confirm that " Vietnam environment is
severely damaged. If not focusing on improving the situation, as well as
attracting FDI to invest in tourism development, smokeless industry of our
country will soon going into impasse.
3.2. Theoretical framework and propositions
"Green" tourism is a type of nature and culture -based tourism , with
environmental education,

contributing to

conservation

and

sustainable

development efforts , with the active participation of local communities. In

recent years, "green" tourism has been growing rapidly in many countries around
the world and is increasingly attracting the attention of the broad social strata,
especially for those wishing to visiting and recreation. Besides contributing in
significant nature conservation, protection of biodiversity and cultural
community, the development of "green" tourism has brought enormous
economic resources, created additional employment opportunities and improved
income for the country as well as local communities, especially people in remote
and sparse areas - where there are the natural reservation and the attractive
landscape. In addition, "green" tourism also contributes to improving people's
health and knowledge through environmental education, cultural history, and
recreation. Therefore, in many countries and regions in the world, besides the
economic benefits, "green" tourism is seen as a very effective solution to protect


16

the ecological environment through reducing pressure to exploit natural
resources to serve the needs of tourists, the local people to participate in tourism
activities. ( Dr. Tran Van Hung )
There are some factors which affect developing “ green “ tourism : Natural
tourism environment, socio-economic tourism environment, human tourism
environment. As mentioned above, "green" tourism is associated with nature and
culture, so the first factor affecting the development of "green" tourism is natural
tourism environment. Besides, "green" tourism is expected to contribute to local
interests, thus the second factor deciding whether a tourist resort is green or not
is socio-economic tourism environment. Third, at one tourism destination,
human are indispensable parts contributing to the "green" of the resort, so human
tourism environment is the last element that should be referred to when
considering "green" tourism


Natural tourism environment : Factors to assess the degree of tourist



attraction in terms of landscape, biodiversity, environment pollution ....
Socio-economic tourism environment : The contribution of tourism for
conservation and development of the local economy, the contribution of
tourism to conservation and restoration of tourism resources, the rate of
tourism human resources are exploited for tourism over total tourism
human resources are statistics, tourism turnover rate is quoted for local



government, the effectiveness of the planned tourism activities
Human tourism environment : The number of tourists come back to the
tourist destinations

3.3. Case study : Some situations of tourist resort in Vietnam


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3.2.1. Resorts which are protected and developed in good condition “ green” resorts
Phu Quoc Island, Kien Giang is one of the country's " green " tourism
resorts. It is not only scenic but also be invested to construct the infrastructure to
attract tourists.
•

Natural tourism environment

The area of Phu Quoc Island is 573 km ², the length is 50 km, the most
extensive area in the north island is 25 km, with many beautiful beaches
stretching from the north to the south and 99 mountains rolling and endless
jungles. Especially in 2006, Kien Giang biosphere reserves and coastal island is
considered a UNESCO biosphere reserve in the world, including Phu Quoc,
which is the pride of the island's inhabitants.
•

Socio-economic tourism environment

Those who do not know Phu Quoc have been longing to visit once that
emerald island to enjoy the tourism products here, such as bathing, bathing
springs, hiking, leisure, watching natural landscapes in the reconciliation among
the ocean - heaven - clouds - water - mountains. Tourism products here are
associated with various types of the historical - cultural history - revolution, life
style and customs residents origin Island, fishing villages, traditional villages
research, natural ecosystems and especially to visit the historic Cay Dua Prison a beautiful symbol, shining heroism of the South revolution . Places such as
Duong Dong, Duong To, An Thoi, Ham Ninh, Vong Beach, Khem Beach, Sao
Beach, Ganh Dau, Cua Can, Tranh stream, Da Ban stream ... always remain in


18

the visitors' hearts in the farewell moment to Phu Quoc . The south of the island
has 12 different islands, belonged to An Thoi Islands and in northern islands,
with Mong Tay island , ... are the ideal places for sailing, fishing, diving coral ,
picnicking, exploring deserted islands.
In recent years, Kien Giang province has invested in the construction of
system restaurants, luxury hotels , with about 1,800 living room equipped for

visitors traveling to Phu Quoc, simultaneously inviting and attracting many
investment projects for tourism development. The province also invested tens of
thousands billion VND in development road system connecting the center of Phu
Quoc island with tourist attractions. Maritime and air systems connecting Phu
Quoc island

to the land are upgraded to ensure passenger safety and

convenience..
Phu Quoc Island has been approved by the Prime Minister to become a
Centrally special administrative - economy region in 2020. This is a favorable
condition for further development of Phu Quoc tourism and truly become the
country's gem island .
Kien Giang has totally planned for Phu Quoc island tourism development in
2020, with the aim to welcome 1 - 1.2 million visitors / year in 2015, which
accounted for 35% of international visitors and total revenue of $ 209 million ; in
2020 to welcome 2-3 million visitors / year, which accounted for 40% of
international visitors, total revenue of $771 million
•

Human tourism environment


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Thanks to favorable natural conditions for tourism development, being
invested in infrastructure, adding that almost all touching issues are cracked
down on by the local government, Phu Quoc becomes one of the few tourist
destinations that can attrac foreign tourists more than once. Average monthly,
Phu Quoc gets approximately 3,000 domestic and foreign tourists to visit, of

which over 30% are international visitors from many countries and regions all
over the world. Kien Giang is trying to develop Phu Quoc island into a tourist
center, resort, international trade, modern, high-caliber countries in the region
and the world in 2020.
Thus, it can be seen that, Phu Quoc has become one destination which
cannot be missed when foreign tourists coming to Vietnam. This is one of the
few resorts in our country received positive feedback from foreign tourists.
3.2.2. Resorts in bad condition
Previously, Sapa, Ha Long Bay and Hoi An Ancient Town is considered to
be the optional destinations in Vietnam by the magazine international tourist
guide.. But now no more, instead of that, those places represent for the weak
capacity of the authorities who did not know how to take advantage of cultural
treasures of the country, although tourism income has increased.
3.2.2.1. Sapa
• Natural tourism environment
Some years ago, Sapa's landscapes are so beautiful, but now it is just a
pointless town, full of colorful inns, restaurants which are imitated the
Mediterranean style, the karaoke bars and the garish decor stores; women and


20

children from ethnic red cheeks stand full of the path of Sapa , dress tribally
waiting for tourists to take pictures and earn money.
•

Socio-economic tourism environment

Not only that, the tourist attraction in Sa Pa are seriously degraded. The
Sapa display area ancient rock carvings albeit a precious value, but the fact is

depreciating every day in the eyes of visitors. That's not mentioning the cultural
heritage needing to be preserved in a scientific way, seriously.In October -1994,
Sapa ancient rock was recognized as national historic heritage by the Ministry of
Culture - Information . Sapa ancient rock dump is located in between upland side
of a hill, on the one hand and the river terraces of the ethnic minorities in the
area of 3 villages: Hau Thao, Su Pan and Ta Van . Currently, that ancient rocks
area are proposed by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage. However, Sapa
display area ancient rock carvings now looks like a desert. Many paintings paper
pattern painted the many shapes such as calligraphy, symbol, silhouette, stairs ...
on display here (with all the pictures stored pattern of the ancient rocks on earth
world) was not intact. Some were torned, some were removed, tilt reclining
chairs, garbage disposal full of under-floor galleries. As in the ancient stone
marked the place flowers where painted all sorts of characters are losing cultural
values, where corrosion due to climbing and fading patterns
•

Human tourism environment

Between the sweltering summer, tourists flocked to Sa Pa , which is
considered the most ideal place to avoid heating of the North. Foreign visitors,
are seemingly unable to go to Vietnam without coming to Sa Pa, Ha Long, Hue.


21

But nowhere in the country of Vietnam, we can hear the word "money" as much
as in Sa Pa. The story "no money no photography", " no money no talking "...;
story about sellers sticking visitors as ... beggars were very familiar in this place.
Sa Pa has attracted hundreds of thousands of tourists every year nationally
and internationally. When the French discovered and explored the pristine beauty

of this place, they have planned and built it into a place like no other resort in the
north of Vietnam. Sa Pa early developed, but the soon maturity , with the lax
management have destroyed Sa Pa ... Implications from tourism development
has taken a lot from Sa Pa, the biggest loss is the disappearance of the residents'
hospitability.
Early morning , Sa Pa was dim in mist, the sales people were down to the
town. They brought the basket of goods , which were not heavy because they
were mostly souvenirs. The children of H'mong attracted the attention of tourists
because of their pristine and innocent appearance , like Northwest flowers. The
tourists were taking pictures and talking with them. They started looking
inclined, inquisitive glances . When the tourists wanted to take photos, the girls
waved her hand profusely: "No shooting, no shooting," . She casually said: "do
no buying no taking pictures", " Not for money, no taking pictures". And the
reaction of the kids is that they turn round to the visitors. They all shook their
heads and walked away bored.
From the town of Sa Pa, tourists traveled together to Ham Rong
sightseeing, visiting the Ta Phin, Thac Bac, Cau May, to Ta Van, Ban Ho, Lao
Chai village ... . Traveling anywhere , just having stepped down from the car, no
time to watch the mountain village landscape, the visitors had a crowd of women


22

of H'mong, Dao, Giay surrounding by colorful clothes , deep into the headlines.
Beneath adults' space,

the kids of H'Mong handled a few cute little brocade

bags to sale.
At first glance, the scene is fun, busy, showing the hospitality of the people

here, but there are not many people who are comfortable and excited to be
bothered during such travel itinerary. There was no beauty, no romance, then
visitors can see the sad hearts, shame and indignation.
3.2.2.2. Ha Long Bay
•

Natural tourism environment

Having the scencery and ecologically diversity, Ha Long Bay was
recognized as a World Heritage Site and is one of the 29 most beautiful bays in
the world, but now this resort is increasingly sleazy by pollution, the "hustle" of
travel services as well as " slash cut " visitors. In the book introducing tourist
attractions, Ha Long bay is described as a work of great visual art of nature with
the presence of thousands of diverse islands , with many interesting caves and is
home to high biodiversity with typical eco-systems. However, in these days,
visitors to Ha Long Bay is not out of frustration with what they saw . This place
is not like photos of rippling blue water anymore, now the sea water here was
patchy discoloration, oil spills on the water, and well-stuffed garbage floating
everywhere.
•

Socio-economic tourism environment

According to local citizens , Ha Long Bay become a mess by overcrowding
cruise ships and disorganized activities . In Bai Chay area, daily there are


23

average 450 daily shuttle cruise Ha Long Bay tours and nearly 1000 transports ,

international shipping ... working 24/24h on the sea. Excess oil from the ship
each day covers the water , not mentioning the means of water transports and the
restaurants there discharging wastes into the sea. Standing on the shore, waste
and thick oil smell is warm even anonymously, so hardly anyone brave enough
to step down to the sea waving to such pollution. Most visitors could only
shower in the off-shore islands.
•

Human tourism environment

Not only polluted water environment, Ha Long Tourism environment is
also contaminated seriously. Like many other resorts in Vietnam, " slash cut " is
also rafe here. For example, a recent visitor was so furious that he is fooled by
the blackshoe . He said he had carefully asked price before is 10,000VND per
pair, but after receiving the shoes, the blackshoe had the visitor to pay up to
350,000VND for the base paste, replace a pair of insoles. He required to remove
pieces to pay 10,000VND but these people insisted 200,000VND. Finally, the
visitors must also pay 100,000VND . In addition, visitors are also uncomfortable
from the beach to the station, and all the sightseeing areas always have a street
team clinging, begging purchase.
In addition, the rampant vessels operated without licenses leaving port or
dock, wrong cruise line, ... with the lack of control of boat safety has led many
tourists died. In October 2012, there were 5 people losing the lives in boat
collision. In May second, 2011 , 9 people were killed in the sinking.


24

This Tet holiday , Quang Ninh has welcomed 20 thousand tourists per day,
including thousands of international visitors arriving by cruise ship-sized star

rating. A great deal of arrivals , with many close tourist destinations, a range of
services incurred in each tour

pinched guests. For example, conveying

passengers on large ships by canoe, motor boat to Bai Chay ferry area and
Saigon Port with too high price has made bad impressions on tourists.
3.2.2.3. Hoi An Ancient Town
• Natural tourism environment
In Hoi An, the perennial people there moved elsewhere, leaving space for
restaurants, cafes and hotels, so instead of seeing the old houses are still
occupied, tourists just see the space behind the souvenir shop. In Hoi An now,
tourists only find a drab neighborhood, no longer bearing the ancient cultures of
Vietnam. During daytime , that place is almost inactive, only at night, the
lanterns are lighting , bringing little beauty for sightseeing and photography
•

Socio-economic tourism environment

Scale of specialized business in Hoi An is still small, the benefit of the
community is not awared by organizations or individuals . The tourism industry
lacks of strategic planning. Massive tourism development led to a overload of
the monuments. Business civilization has not been focused . Environmental
pollution is alarming. Therefore, raising awareness of protecting landscapes,
urban infrastructure construction,

and accumulating

imperative solutions proposed by businessmen.

experiences... are


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In additon, Hoi An tourism is facing a shortage of labor management. With
3,500 employees working in the tourism business, accounting for 31% of the
total number of employees directly involved in the tourism - service industry ,
which has 1,400 employees trained professionally, accounting for 35% . Labor
force in the tourism industry is very young, with 93% under the age of 45, with
professional training and foreign language, which can meet the requirements of
current employees, but the employees which are highly trained from universities
are currently only 20%. Thus, the labor force is still weak, mostly are people
from other provinces and overseas. Mr. Tran Thai Do - Director of Asian Silk
said: "Towards the sustainable development,

enterprises should note three

factors: distinctiveness, professionalism and social responsibility."

=> In Sapa, Ha Long Bay and Hoi An, people just want to earn quickly money
by rushing to build restaurants, hotels, reinforced only for travelers to sleep one
or two nights and leave. Because of poor management capabilities of the famous
tourist resorts, Vietnam has not fully exploited its tourism potential with 3,000
km of coastline and the world famous cuisines. Vietnam in 2007 attracted 4.2
million foreign visitors, while Thailand threefolds that number and Singappore
has

more than 10 million visitors. Statistics show that 85% of visitors to

Vietnam never return.

CHAPTER 4: RESEARCH RESULTS
4.1. The impact level of three tourism environment