The Thoughtful Travel Podcast · Tuesday, July 28, 2026
Joshua Zukus highlights Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park in Vietnam as a model of sustainable tourism. Initially looted for resources, the park saw a shift when international tourism boomed, leading to strict regulations against logging and hunting. Crucially, former poachers and loggers were employed as tour guides and support staff, leveraging their jungle skills for stable tourism jobs.
“What happened simultaneously as international tourism came into the area. At the same time, regulations were very strictly enforced. No more logging, no more hunting.”
“And I think the beauty of the program or the beauty of this development is that the former loggers and hunters got jobs in tourism.”
“So now they're no longer hunters and loggers, but they're tour guides, chefs and porters, and they have stable incomes.”