Quang Ninh: reducing wildlife crime by transforming the tourism industry into conservation advocates.

Quang Ninh, a top tourist destination in Vietnam with border crossing point and international marine port, attracting millions of tourists annually, is a critical intervention point for reducing illegal wildlife trade. The increasing number of tourists to Quang Ninh from year to year potentially include international and domestic tourists unknowingly purchase wildlife products, such as elephant ivory, contributing to the continued demand that drives the poaching of endangered species globally.

Since January 2024, the Saving Threatened Wildlife project has been cooperating with the Quang Ninh Department of Tourism to implement the “Quang Ninh Says No To Illegal Wildlife Products” Model. In October 2024, the first, in a series of training with the tourism sector, was held. These trainings and other communication activities engage tour guides, tour operators, hotels, restaurants and tourism agencies, to develop responsible and environmentally aware tourism practices in Quang Ninh.

Hotels and tourism companies including Golden Ha Long Hotel, KTV, and Vung Duc Cam Pha Cave Tourism have shared public commitments against illegal wildlife trade and consumption.

Whilst tour operators are raising awareness through their websites and sharing in-depth articles featuring reasons to protect wildlife species: “After participating in the training, we realised our platform could do more. Our new in-depth article about wildlife conservation reaches thousands of visitors planning their Ha Long Bay experience. It's a small step that creates a big impact—showing how tourism businesses can lead by example in protecting Vietnam's natural heritage”, explained a Luna Ha Long Cruise representative. 

The response from our tourism businesses has been overwhelmingly positive.  As they continue to integrate wildlife protection measures into their operations, we will achieve our goal of combating illegal wildlife while creating a positive brand identity for Quang Ninh tourism that attracts tourists who value sustainable and ethical tourism experiences”, Ms Vu Thi Hanh, Vice president of Quang Ninh Tourism Association, President of Quang Ninh Hotel Association.

The tools and information learnt from the training will be used as the industry prepares to welcome high numbers of domestic and international visitors during the 2025 Lunar New Year celebrations.

 Most tourists are responsible and environmentally conscious travelers, but some may unknowingly purchase illegal wildlife products without understanding the legal and ecological consequences," said Mr Bui Dang Phong, Deputy Chief of Party for the Saving Threatened Wildlife project. "By training business and tour guides to be proactive educators and responsible operators, we can help visitors to Viet Nam make informed choices that protect endangered species."