Vietnam Teams Up With New Zealand And More Countries In A Global Circular Tourism Movement As Destinations Shift From Mass Travel To Regenerative Experiences, Green Innovation And Sustainable Community Growth

Written By: Manab Baidya

Manab Baidya

I am currently studying for MA in English while also currently pursuing Journalism at Dibrugarh University. Passionate about storytelling, media, communication, and creative expression through words. Working as a Content Writer in the travel and tourism industry, where I transform destinations, experiences, and cultures into engaging stories. Constantly learning, exploring new ideas, and building a journey driven by creativity, curiosity, and meaningful content. Believer in growth, good vibes, and the power of words to connect people across the world.

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August 2, 2026 9:22 AM

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Vietnam is working with New Zealand and other countries on a project to change the way people travel. They want to move from having too many tourists at one time and focus on helping the environment and the local communities. Vietnam and other countries that rely on tourism are doing this because they need to protect the beauty of their lands keep their cultural traditions alive and reduce the harm caused by climate change. Vietnam and these other countries are trying to make tourism better by making visitors help take care of the places they visit which will help the economies and the environment in the long run. Vietnam is really focusing on tourism that helps the environment and the communities like Vietnam because they want to make sure that tourism helps Vietnam and does not hurt it.

Vietnam is joining a growing group of global destinations, including New Zealand, Costa Rica, Japan, Bhutan and Slovenia, in accelerating a new era of circular tourism that aims to transform travel from a resource-consuming industry into a regenerative force for nature, culture and communities. The shift is being driven by the need to reduce environmental pressure, protect destinations and create long-term benefits for travellers and local residents.

Unlike traditional tourism models that mainly focus on reducing negative impacts, circular tourism is designed around restoration, reuse and regeneration. Under this approach, tourism activities are expected to contribute positively by protecting ecosystems, strengthening local economies, preserving cultural identity and supporting climate goals.

Vietnam’s move towards circular tourism is closely connected with its ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Through green destination planning, sustainable infrastructure, responsible business practices and community participation, the country is working to establish a tourism model where environmental protection and visitor experiences develop together.

Vietnam Leads A New Tourism Transformation Through Circular And Regenerative Travel

Vietnam’s circular tourism strategy is being developed around the idea that destinations should not only welcome visitors but also recover and improve through tourism activity. The approach focuses on creating stronger connections between travellers, communities, businesses and natural environments.

The country is promoting tourism models that encourage:

• Lower carbon operations.
• Reduced waste generation.
• Better resource management.
• Stronger community involvement.
• Protection of cultural and natural heritage.

Green infrastructure, renewable energy solutions and improved destination management are becoming key elements of Vietnam’s future tourism planning.

The strategy also highlights that local communities must play an active role in tourism development. Instead of being only recipients of tourism benefits, residents are being positioned as important partners who help protect traditions, manage destinations and create authentic travel experiences.

Vietnam is also encouraging tourism businesses to adopt circular practices through improved resource efficiency, sustainable operations and responsible development models.

New Zealand Strengthens Regenerative Tourism With Nature Protection At The Core

New Zealand has emerged as one of the closest examples of a country following a regenerative tourism pathway similar to Vietnam’s vision. The country has been moving beyond traditional sustainability by focusing on tourism that creates positive environmental and social outcomes.

The New Zealand tourism approach places strong importance on:

• Protecting natural landscapes.
• Supporting Indigenous cultural heritage.
• Reducing tourism emissions.
• Creating benefits for local communities.
• Encouraging visitors to contribute positively to destinations.

Destinations across New Zealand are working towards tourism systems where visitors are encouraged to respect and restore the places they explore. This reflects Vietnam’s goal of making travellers active participants in conservation and destination protection.

Costa Rica Connects Tourism Growth With Ecosystem Restoration

Costa Rica has become internationally recognised for linking tourism development with environmental conservation. The country has built its tourism reputation around protected landscapes, biodiversity and nature-based experiences.

Its circular and regenerative tourism approach has focused on:

• Forest conservation.
• Wildlife protection.
• Sustainable accommodation.
• Community-based tourism.
• Climate-friendly travel experiences.

Costa Rica demonstrates how tourism can support ecosystem recovery while generating economic opportunities. The country’s model shows that protecting natural resources can strengthen destination competitiveness and attract travellers seeking meaningful experiences.

Japan Combines Circular Practices With Cultural Preservation

Japan is advancing circular tourism by combining modern sustainability solutions with long-standing cultural traditions. The country’s approach focuses on reducing waste, improving resource efficiency and protecting historic communities.

Key areas of development include:

• Sustainable rural tourism.
• Heritage preservation.
• Resource recycling.
• Responsible destination management.
• Community-led experiences.

Japan’s tourism model shows how cultural identity can become a central part of sustainable travel. Traditional communities and historic locations are being protected while visitors are offered deeper connections with local lifestyles.

This approach closely matches Vietnam’s objective of preserving cultural heritage while creating sustainable tourism opportunities.

Bhutan Protects Heritage Through Low-Impact Tourism

Bhutan follows a tourism philosophy based on quality experiences, environmental protection and cultural preservation. The country has focused on maintaining a balance between tourism growth and protecting its unique landscapes and traditions.

Bhutan’s tourism approach includes:

• Limiting excessive pressure on destinations.
• Protecting biodiversity.
• Supporting local communities.
• Preserving cultural heritage.

The country demonstrates how tourism can be managed as a long-term investment rather than short-term visitor growth.

Its low-impact tourism strategy shares similarities with Vietnam’s ambition to create responsible travel experiences that benefit destinations.

Slovenia Builds Green Destinations Through Circular Tourism Principles

Slovenia has developed one of Europe’s strongest green tourism frameworks. The country has focused on creating sustainable destinations through environmental responsibility and community participation.

The Slovenian model promotes:

• Sustainable mobility.
• Waste reduction.
• Energy efficiency.
• Nature conservation.
• Responsible tourism businesses.

By encouraging destinations and tourism companies to adopt greener practices, Slovenia has created a system where sustainability becomes part of everyday tourism operations.

Vietnam’s circular tourism direction follows a similar path by integrating sustainability into destination planning and business development.

Spain Accelerates Circular Hospitality Across Tourism Industry

Spain is introducing circular tourism practices across its hospitality and destination sectors. As one of the world’s most visited countries, Spain has been focusing on reducing the environmental footprint of tourism.

Major priorities include:

• Improving energy efficiency.
• Reducing waste.
• Managing water resources.
• Supporting sustainable accommodation.
• Developing greener tourism infrastructure.

The country’s transition shows how large tourism markets can adopt circular solutions while continuing to welcome international visitors.

Denmark Advances Circular Tourism Through Innovation And Business Transformation

Denmark has been exploring circular tourism models through projects designed to help tourism businesses reduce resource consumption and improve sustainability.

The focus has included:

• Circular business practices.
• Sustainable tourism services.
• Efficient resource use.
• Cooperation between tourism stakeholders.

Denmark’s experience highlights the importance of involving businesses in the transition towards a circular tourism economy.

India Expands Community-Based And Eco-Friendly Tourism Models

India is also moving towards tourism models that connect sustainability with local development. Various destinations across the country are promoting responsible tourism through conservation, community involvement and environmental protection.

Important areas include:

• Eco-tourism development.
• Community-led experiences.
• Rural tourism.
• Heritage conservation.
• Sustainable destination management.

India’s approach reflects Vietnam’s belief that local communities should become central participants in tourism growth.

Australia Promotes Indigenous And Nature-Based Tourism Experiences

Australia is strengthening regenerative tourism through conservation initiatives, Indigenous tourism experiences and environmental protection programmes.

The country is focusing on:

• Protecting natural areas.
• Supporting Indigenous communities.
• Creating responsible visitor experiences.
• Improving climate resilience.

Australia’s approach demonstrates how tourism can support cultural preservation while protecting natural resources.

Global Circular Tourism Movement Signals A New Future For Travel

The rise of circular tourism across Vietnam, New Zealand, Costa Rica, Japan, Bhutan, Slovenia and other destinations shows a major transformation in the global travel industry.

Future tourism growth is increasingly expected to focus not only on attracting visitors but also on creating positive impacts. Destinations are being redesigned around restoration, sustainability and community value.

Vietnam’s circular tourism vision represents part of this global movement. By combining environmental protection, cultural preservation and community empowerment, the country aims to build a tourism industry where every journey contributes to a stronger and more resilient future.

Vietnam is working with New Zealand and other countries that are leaders in tourism to make tourism better for the earth. These countries want to move from having a lot of tourists at one time and instead focus on helping the environment. They want to use ideas that are good for the earth and help local people. Vietnam and these other countries want to make sure that tourism helps the earth and the people who live there. They want to see tourism help the community and make the earth a better place. Vietnam is joining this movement to make tourism a positive thing, for the earth and the people of Vietnam.

As travellers increasingly seek meaningful experiences, circular tourism is expected to become one of the defining trends shaping the next generation of global travel.