According to Booking.com’s 11th annual Travel & Sustainability Report, 85% of Vietnamese travelers say traveling more sustainably is important or very important to them. The same proportion also want to leave destinations in better condition than they found them, reflecting a growing focus on environmental protection and community well-being.

The report, based on a survey of 32,500 respondents across 35 countries, also examined how residents perceive tourism in the places where they live. In Vietnam, 76% of respondents said tourism has an overall positive impact on their local communities.

The most frequently cited benefits include economic growth (60%), job creation (55%), and greater entertainment and leisure opportunities (50%). However, respondents also identified several challenges associated with tourism, including traffic congestion and increased littering and waste (both 41%), rising living costs (32%), and overcrowding (25%).

Based on these findings, Booking.com recommends six practical ways travelers can contribute to more sustainable tourism while supporting local communities.

One recommendation is to explore destinations beyond the most popular tourist hotspots. While iconic attractions remain important, visiting lesser-known locations can help ease pressure on crowded areas while bringing economic benefits to smaller communities. Examples include destinations such as Phu Yen, Ninh Thuan, Cao Bang and Mu Cang Chai, which offer distinctive natural landscapes and local cultural experiences.

The report also encourages travelers to plan trips outside peak travel periods where possible. Traveling during shoulder seasons can help distribute visitor numbers more evenly throughout the year, reduce overcrowding, and provide a more relaxed travel experience.

Another recommendation focuses on transportation. Walking, cycling and using public transport can reduce emissions while allowing visitors to experience destinations from a more local perspective. In major Vietnamese cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, travelers can make use of public transportation or explore neighborhoods on foot or by bicycle.

Supporting local businesses is also highlighted as a key way to maximize tourism's positive impact. Choosing family-owned restaurants, purchasing products from local markets and artisans, and booking locally operated experiences can help ensure tourism spending remains within local economies.

Protecting natural environments is another priority. The report encourages travelers to reduce waste by carrying reusable items, avoiding single-use products and following designated paths in natural areas to minimize damage to fragile ecosystems. Travelers are also encouraged to participate in conservation-focused activities, such as nature-based experiences that support environmental protection.

Booking.com recommends that visitors take time to understand local customs, traditions and regulations before traveling. Learning basic cultural etiquette, respecting local practices and protected sites, and showing consideration for local communities can help foster more positive interactions between residents and visitors.

According to the report, these simple actions can help reduce tourism's environmental footprint while ensuring destinations continue to benefit both local communities and future generations of travelers.