Tourism in Nha Trang: Balancing economic growth with sustainable solutions

Hoang Le Bao Ngoc

April 4, 2025

“So Flower Kingfisher exchanged his beautiful outfit for several kilograms of fish caught by the Pelicans. I retail that catch and earn a profit enough for this whole year.”

—In “Flower Kingfisher”; Wild Wise Weird [1]

[SCICOMM]

Tourism plays an important role in Nha Trang’s economy, generating income and providing employment opportunities across various sectors [2]. The city’s beautiful beaches, lively atmosphere, and rich cultural heritage make it a popular destination for both domestic and international visitors. As tourists spend money on accommodations, dining, transportation, and entertainment, they help support local businesses and contribute to economic growth [3].

In recent years, tourism in Nha Trang has expanded significantly, boosting economic development. The increasing demand for accommodations and services has encouraged investment in new hotels, resorts, and entertainment venues [4]. Additionally, improvements in infrastructure—such as upgraded roads, better public transportation, and the expansion of Cam Ranh International Airport - have made it easier to welcome more visitors [5]. Tourism also supports employment for many locals, including those working in hospitality, food services, and tourism management. Small businesses, such as souvenir shops, street vendors, and local artisans, also benefit from the steady flow of visitors. Marine activities, including island tours, scuba diving, and surfing, provide jobs for tour guides, boat operators, and water sports instructors [6].


Illustration. Source. https://vneconomy.vn/nha-trang-phat-huy-uu-the-du-lich-bien-dao-va-van-hoa.htm

Despite these positive impacts, tourism in Nha Trang also presents some challenges, particularly regarding sustainability. One concern is the seasonal nature of tourism. During peak seasons (May to August), the city sees a high number of visitors, leading to increased demand and higher prices. However, during the off-season, many businesses experience lower revenue and may reduce staff, which can affect the livelihoods of those relying on tourism. This seasonal variation can make it difficult to maintain consistent economic stability throughout the year [5].

Environmental impacts are another important consideration. Popular tourist sites can become overcrowded, resulting in increased waste and pollution, particularly in sensitive areas like Nha Trang Bay’s coral reefs. Expanding tourism infrastructure sometimes encroaches on natural habitats, raising questions about how to balance development with environmental preservation [7].

Addressing these challenges requires a deeper examination of the underlying causes of sustainability issues, including socio-economic, environmental, and governance factors. Current tourism management practices in Nha Trang often focus on economic expansion rather than sustainable planning, leading to short-term gains but long-term environmental degradation. A study of the effectiveness of existing policies and regulations reveals gaps that hinder sustainable development, such as weak enforcement of environmental protection measures and inadequate integration of community voices in decision-making processes [8].

A multi-stakeholder approach involving local authorities, private sector stakeholders, and community members could help create more inclusive and balanced tourism strategies. One way to support sustainable tourism is by diversifying the types of tourism offered. Encouraging cultural and historical tourism alongside beach activities might attract visitors throughout the year, helping to reduce reliance on peak seasons. Additionally, developing ecotourism options, such as nature tours and community-based experiences, could offer visitors unique opportunities while also contributing to the protection of natural resources [5].

Raising awareness about sustainable practices among both tourists and businesses is also worth considering. Educational campaigns may encourage responsible behaviors, while investments in eco-friendly infrastructure—like efficient public transport and green accommodations—could help minimize the environmental footprint of tourism activities [9].

By taking this balanced approach, Nha Trang will be able to maintain its appeal as a top tourist destination while ensuring that its natural and cultural heritage is preserved for future generations [5].

References

[1] Vuong QH. (2024). Wild Wise Weird. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BG2NNHY6/

[2] Pham-Do KH, Pham TTT. (2020). Tourism in marine protected areas: A view from Nha Trang Bay, Vietnam. Tourism Management Perspectives, 33, 100623. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tmp.2019.100623

[3] Le CC, Dong DX. (2017). Factors affecting European tourists’ satisfaction in Nha Trang city: perceptions of destination quality. International Journal of Tourism Cities, 3(4), 350-362. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJTC-04-2017-0022

[4] van Beukering P, et al. (2015). Bermuda’s balancing act: The economic dependence of cruise and air tourism on healthy coral reefs. Ecosystem Services, 11, 76-86. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoser.2014.06.009

[5] Nguyen HV, et al. (2022). Toward sustainable tourism practice in the post-COVID-19: Perspectives from Nha Trang, Vietnam. Cogent Social Sciences, 8(1), 2064590. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311886.2022.2064590

[6] Van Dung V, Minh TN. (2023). Sea and island economy development with environmental protection in Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa province. Nexo Revista Científica, 36(2), 609-623. https://doi.org/10.5377/nexo.v36i04.16788

[7] Khuu DT, et al. (2021). Governance analysis of Nha Trang Bay and Cu Lao Cham Marine Protected Areas, Vietnam. Marine Policy, 127, 104330. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpol.2020.104330

[8] Ngoc PB, Trang T. (2021). Current path to community-based sustainable tourism development of Khanh Hoa Province in Vietnam. Journal of Archeology of Egypt/Egyptology, 18(4), 508-525. https://www.archives.palarch.nl/index.php/jae/article/view/9335

[9] Nguyen MH. (2024). How can satirical fables offer us a vision for sustainability? Visions for Sustainability. https://ojs.unito.it/index.php/visions/article/view/11267

[10] Vuong QH, Nguyen MH. (2024). Better Economics for the Earth: A Lesson from Quantum and Information Theories. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D98L5K44