Ms. Sengsoda Vanthanouvong, Deputy Director of the Tourism Promotion Department, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism (MICT) recently spoke about the impact of tourism on the environment at an event aimed at raising awareness for sustainable tourism.
She emphasized that while tourism is one of the fastest-developing industries in the world, it can have both positive and negative effects on the environment.
Sengsoda suggested that sustainable tourism is key to conserving the environment and that stakeholders in the tourism industry should be involved in the restoration and conservation of natural resources necessary to maintain them in their natural state.
According to Sengsoda, sustainable tourism is essential for conserving the environment, particularly in addressing pollution issues related to air, water, and soil. Effective planning, management, and implementation can make tourism eco-friendly by reducing the use of cars, fuel, and combustion. The combination of ecological conservation and sustainable tourism can benefit both sectors holistically.
She also highlighted the different types of tourism, including cultural tourism, environmental tourism, and rural tourism, and how they can benefit the local community economically and socially.
Sengsoda pointed out that the tourism industry can play a vital role in promoting environmental conservation by raising awareness and providing knowledge about environmental issues. Various forms of tourism, such as nature, culture, history, and agriculture, contribute significantly to the income of governments and local businesses.
Additionally, traveling offers an excellent opportunity to learn and appreciate different cultures and countries, making it essential to the tourism industry and environmental preservation.
