Experts advocate for balancing tourism development and public space on Nha Trang beaches
Following media reports of some hotels in Nha Trang City unlawfully subletting beach areas, experts emphasized the need for a balanced approach to beach tourism development that fosters economic growth while safeguarding public access and benefits for local communities.
Nha Trang is a popular beach destination located in Khanh Hoa Province, south-central Vietnam.
Assoc. Prof. Le Chi Cong, dean of the tourism faculty at Nha Trang University, asserted that beaches are public assets and all government policies related to beach tourism must serve the broader community, not just private businesses.
He emphasized that tourism development must go hand in hand with conservation to preserve Nha Trang’s natural charm.
Cong highlighted global examples of successful beach economies like Bali in Indonesia and Phuket in Thailand, which offer well-planned beach bars, night markets, dining, and even midnight swimming.
"These experiences extend tourist stays, diversify services, and create jobs. I believe that Nha Trang can learn a lot from this," he said.
Dr. Do Thi Mai Doan Thuc, dean of the tourism faculty at Thai Binh Duong University, emphasized that sustainable beach management must include economic development, environmental protection, social order, and job creation.
The interests of local communities must be respected and protected alongside fair competition among tourism service providers, she added.
“A well-managed beach means tourists have a better experience, and locals aren’t pushed aside,” she said.
She urged clear zoning for beach services, prioritizing businesses that comply with sustainability policies and ensuring public access for residents.
Thuc also suggested organizing cultural events and traditional activities on the beach to boost visitor engagement while preserving local heritage.
Echoing this sentiment, Cong said that local communities must be the first to benefit from tourism development if they are expected to support and protect beach resources.
“Beach tourism should first and foremost serve the community -- only then can it be truly sustainable,” Cong continued.
To balance tourism growth with public access, Cong recommended this coastal province create transparent zoning plans, taking into account the opinions of stakeholders such as locals and businesses to ensure consensus and avoid future conflicts.
Cung Quynh Anh, deputy director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, expressed support for allowing four- to five-star hotels to rent beachfront spaces for umbrellas and lounge chairs to serve tourists.
He said authorities already aim to maintain public beach access while allowing such activities under strict monitoring.
“Hotels can only operate within assigned zones. If they comply, we can achieve a balance between tourism services and public space,” Anh said.
Given the limited beachfront space in Nha Trang, he proposed open bidding to ensure fairness among businesses seeking access to beach zones, noting that transparency would help manage demand and expectations.
Minh Duy - Nguyen Hoang / Tuoi Tre News
(2025/04/09-18:12)
Tuoi Tre
- 05/09 18:33 Efforts to strengthen seafood supply chain, coastal livelihoods in Vietnam
- 05/09 18:27 Vietnamese airlines advised to reroute flights amid India-Pakistan conflict
- 05/09 18:17 Direct Hanoi-Moscow flights resume after three-year suspension
- 05/08 18:21 Vietnam seeks US's market economy recognition
- 05/08 18:11 Thailand afraid of losing SE Asia's leading position in tourist attraction to Vietnam
- 05/08 17:37 Aircraft forced to circle over Ho Chi Minh City due to thunderstorm
- 05/07 17:41 Vietnam's Vietjet unveils new airline brand
- 05/07 17:27 Vietnam should enhance foreign investor participation to boost local bank brands: Harvard expert
- 05/07 17:13 Floating lantern festival for peace lights up Vesak 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City
- 05/07 11:44 Australia-backed project aimed to improve cassava genetics in Vietnam
- 05/07 11:31 Hanoi's largest park reopens after major renovation
- 05/07 11:22 Vietnamese firms seek new export markets
- 05/07 10:54 Vietnam's Quy Nhon suspends unlicensed jet ski, speedboat operations after fatal accident
- 05/07 10:48 Vietnamese exporters accelerate shipments to US ahead of new tariffs