 |
| A cycling campaign to promote “No-smoking” along the streets |
Positive impact
Among over 200 restaurants and hotels in the area of Hue City that simultaneously hung “No-smoking” sign in support of the campaign, Bep Khoi restaurant is an exemplary model of hanging the sign.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Thuy, representative of Bep Khoi restaurant shared: “For us, service quality is always our top priority. Building up a smoke-free space not only protects the health of our customers and staff but also upgrades tourism experience here, creating a professional image for Hue service sector”.
According to Ms. Thuy, the commitment to a “green, clean, smoke-free restaurant” will be strictly implemented through signs, internal communication, customer reminders, and treating it as an essential service standard in competition.
In Hue, Pilgrimage Village is highly rated with 99/100 points for the criteria of a smoke-free tourism environment. According to the management board, the key to achieving this result is the determination from the beginning. All staff are informed about the harmful effects of tobacco and are clearly assigned responsibilities in reminding and supervising customers.
Here, as soon as guests check in, staff emphasize the no-smoking policy in the rooms. Clear signs are placed in public areas where smoking is prohibited and allowed. “Smoke-free tourism not only protects health but also builds professionalism for the smoke-free industry,” the resort manager affirmed.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco is the leading cause of illness and early death, claiming more than 8 million lives each year, including 1.3 million people dying from passive smoking. Vietnam currently has around 15 million smokers, with over 104,000 related deaths annually.
“There is no level of exposure to tobacco smoke that is safe. Tobacco smoke contains more than 7,000 toxic chemicals, of which at least 69 are carcinogenic”, Dr. Ha Anh Duc (Ph.D.), Director of the Tobacco Harm Prevention Fund, emphasized at the launch event in Hue.
A recent inspection by the Department of Tourism and the Hue Center for Disease Control showed that all 8 out of 8 hotels and resorts inspected met the “Smoke-Free Facility” criteria. Many places not only displayed no-smoking signs but also developed specific action plans, held regular awareness campaigns, and even signed internal commitments to raise employee awareness.
However, challenges remain. According to the 2024 survey results, the rate of passive smoking in restaurants was 67.3%, and in coffee shops, it was 59.2%, much higher than in other public places. “Restaurants and hotels remain hotspots for smoking. This is why we need to continue pushing actions even harder,” Mr. Ha Anh Duc stated.
Towards a smoke-free heritage destination
The campaign in Hue this time has a “three-in-one” goal, including raising public awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco, promoting the strict enforcement of the Tobacco Harm Prevention Law and new resolutions, and building the image of civilized, safe, smoke-free restaurants and hotels.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Ai Van, Member of the Standing Committee of the City Party Committee and Chairwoman of Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Hue City stated: “Hue is a heritage city, a green city. In recent years, the local area has implemented many tobacco harm prevention programs, establishing smoke-free models at hospitals, schools, restaurants, and hotels. Thanks to the coordination of various sectors, localities, and the compliance of the people, many public areas in Hue are now almost free of tobacco”.
According to Ms. Ai Van, creating a smoke-free environment in restaurants and hotels is both a responsibility for public health and a way to preserve the image of a civilized city.
In recent years, tobacco harm prevention efforts in Vietnam have made significant progress: the smoking rate among men has decreased from 45.3% in 2015 to 38.9% in 2023; the habit of smoking in many government agencies, schools, and conferences has nearly disappeared.
With its status as a tourism and heritage city, Hue is expected to be the lead in this effort. A “smoke-free” environment not only has public health significance but also enhances the tourism experience, helping to build a unique brand for a friendly and modern destination.
Ms. Maria Rossie, a tourist from Italy, shared: “We chose Hue because we love its peacefulness and cleanliness. If smoking is restricted in public places, it will be a big plus for international visitors”.
“We hope that Hue will be a shining example nationwide in building a smoke-free tourist city. This is not only a responsibility for public health but also a commitment to ensure that Hue remains a preferred destination,” Dr. Ha Anh Duc emphasized.
Therefore, this campaign is not merely a promotional activity. It is a decisive step to ensure that every resident and visitor to Hue can breathe clean, safe air. With the cooperation of the government, businesses, and the community, Hue can absolutely become a green, clean, and beautiful city, as well as a friendly and smoke-free heritage destination in the eyes of tourists and international friends.