Nestled on the pristine shores of My Khe Beach in Danang, Furama Resort Danang is more than just the first five-star resort in central Vietnam. Over nearly three decades, it has become a symbol of hospitality excellence and a pioneering model of sustainable tourism, weaving together environmental stewardship, community engagement, and cultural preservation.
Green actions from the smallest details
For Furama Resort Danang, sustainability is not a slogan but a deeply ingrained culture, integrated into every aspect of its daily operations. From energy and water use to food sourcing and waste management, the resort’s green initiatives begin with attention to the smallest details.
Last year, Furama launched the FREDAQUA water plant at the Ariyana Convention Center, phasing out single-use plastic bottles in favor of reusable glass bottles. While the project reduces only 16,000 plastic bottles annually, its true significance lies in consistency and perseverance: demonstrating how small actions can spark bigger change.
Furama has also developed a closed-loop system to minimize environmental impact. Treated wastewater is reused for landscaping, and fallen leaves are composted into organic fertilizer. Meanwhile, a “local-first” sourcing policy ensures that over 80% of raw ingredients come from local suppliers, cutting down transport emissions while supporting the regional economy.
“These pioneering efforts have been recognized by UNESCO as part of its program to develop sustainable tourism in Danang,” said Nguyen Duc Quynh, general director of Bac My An Tourism Joint Stock Company, the investor of Furama Resort Danang. “They were also presented at the UNESCO Conference on Safeguarding Cultural Heritage in the 21st Century in Italy, where Furama’s practices were highlighted as examples of resilience and innovation.”
Sustainability is not confined to infrastructure. At Furama, even dining experiences are imbued with this philosophy. Restaurants like Tàya House, V-Senses Café, and The Fan Steakhouse serve as cultural bridges as well as culinary highlights.
Tàya House brings the spirit of Vietnam’s northwest mountains to life, sourcing directly from ethnic minority communities, creating sustainable livelihoods while telling stories of highland culture. V-Senses Café, built with recycled wood and furnished with local materials, embodies the “farm-to-table” concept—each cup of coffee carries not just flavor but also the message of reducing carbon footprints and supporting farmers. The Fan Steakhouse blends modern sophistication with the spirit of a traditional Kinh Bac home, emphasizing local ingredients and cultural authenticity. Together, these venues transform dining into a journey that connects visitors with both community and nature.
Responsibility beyond hospitality
Sustainability at Furama extends well beyond environmental initiatives. Guided by a long-term vision, the resort invests heavily in social responsibility, employee welfare, and community development.
CSR activities are embedded throughout the organization, with staff and management participating in beach clean-ups, tree planting, and blood donation drives. “Our commitment is not only about running a successful resort but about giving back to society,” said Quynh.
Human capital development plays a central role in this strategy. Furama’s IBH Academy has partnered with the Swiss Tourism for Sustainable Development in Vietnam (ST4SD) project to bring the prestigious Swiss EHT Tourism and Hospitality Management Program to Vietnam. This initiative is shaping future industry leaders while raising educational standards in the country.
The resort also collaborates with KOTO, a social enterprise dedicated to training disadvantaged youth. Together, they provide vulnerable young people with opportunities to learn, acquire practical skills, and pursue stable careers in hospitality. In partnership with Employment Hero Group, Furama donated 70 bicycles to underprivileged students in Danang, further demonstrating its investment in education and mobility.
Empowering local communities
Furama’s green journey also embraces Vietnam’s agricultural heritage. The resort has signed agreements with ethnic Co Tu farmers in Tr’Hy commune to develop and secure sustainable outlets for local produce. Another project involves a partnership with Thanh Ha’s lychee farmers, aimed at elevating the value of Vietnamese fruit and introducing its distinctive taste to both domestic and international markets.
“We are proud to bring the unique flavor and meaningful story of Thanh Ha lychees to discerning customers worldwide, positioning Vietnamese produce as premium and world-class,” said Quynh. Notably, together with the Danang Hotel Association, Quynh is currently nurturing the plan to establish the Danang Farm Market – an initiative aimed at directly connecting high-quality local agricultural products with consumers and tourists.
Furthering this mission, Furama has partnered with VietHarvest, a social enterprise rescuing surplus food to redistribute to underprivileged communities. Alongside humanitarian support for orphans, disaster-affected families, and blood donation campaigns, such initiatives enhance Furama’s reputation as a socially responsible brand with strong international credibility.
Leading by example in green tourism
Furama’s achievements are not accidental. They are built upon rigorous standards, including ISO 14001 for environmental management, alignment with UNWTO sustainability guidelines, and certification frameworks such as EarthCheck and VITAGreen. The resort is also an active member of the VITAGreen Alliance for Sustainable Tourism in Vietnam, contributing expertise and resources to industry-wide green initiatives.
As global travelers increasingly prioritize sustainable destinations, Furama stands out as a shining example of how a luxury resort can balance business success with environmental and social responsibility. It is consistently recognized by the media, partners, and international visitors as a pioneer of green tourism in Vietnam.
Looking ahead to 2030, Furama remains steadfast in its philosophy: “Green – Safe – Friendly.” With its continued efforts, the resort is not only shaping Danang as a globally recognized green tourism destination but also proving that sustainable hospitality is the future of the industry.
