Thursday, May 23, 2024 Vietnam’s Hoi An, a 15th-century trading town known for its charming wooden houses and Unesco heritage status, is grappling with the challenges of mass tourism. While millions of tourists flock to its narrow lanes and waterways each year, concerns about overtourism are growing. This issue is contrasted by the nearby Cu Lao Cham Island, which has adopted a sustainable tourism model that prioritizes ecological conservation.
Hoi An’s popularity has led to an influx of over 4 million tourists annually, overwhelming the town’s population of 120,000. This surge in visitors has had several negative impacts: In contrast to Hoi An, Cu Lao Cham Island, a short boat ride away, is implementing a tourism-in-moderation approach. The island received Unesco endorsement as a biosphere site in 2009 and has focused on conservation efforts to support its ecosystem.
The sustainable tourism model on Cu Lao Cham has shown tangible benefits: Hoi An, recognized by Unesco in 1999, has faced difficulties in managing the impact of mass tourism: Efforts are being made to curb the negative impacts of tourism in Hoi An: Hoi An’s struggle with overtourism highlights the delicate balance needed between preserving cultural heritage and promoting tourism. Learning from Cu Lao Cham Island’s sustainable practices can offer valuable insights. Emphasizing conservation, managing tourist activities, and fostering local involvement are essential steps to ensure that tourism continues .
