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Tourist checking in at Saigon Morin Hotel in Hue
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Recently, the Hue City Center for Disease Control (Hue CDC) in coordination with the Department of Tourism, conducted inspections at several major hotels and resorts in the area, including Laguna Lang Co, Indochine Palace, Saigon Morin Hue, SBH Gloria Hue Resort, etc. The results showed that most establishments met the “smoke-free” criteria in accordance with the Law on Tobacco Harm Prevention and Control - a positive sign indicating the tourism sector’s serious commitment to protecting public health and promoting a safe, civilized destination image.
Saigon Morin Hotel in Hue is one of the leading establishments in this effort, achieving a perfect score of 100/100 in the recent inspection. With its large scale, central location, and stable guest flow, the hotel has proactively integrated tobacco harm prevention and control measures into its management and operational practices.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Cuom, Deputy Head of the Planning and Organization Department stated: “We have incorporated the smoking ban into the hotel’s internal regulations, labor agreements, and employee handbooks. All staff members and guests are required to comply. The hotel space is set with dozens of “No Smoking” signs, and a designated smoking area is available if needed. Any department that allows smoking in public areas will be held accountable by the management”.
The hotel has gone beyond internal regulations by actively improving its space, enhancing greenery, and utilizing old trees to create a lush tropical garden. This approach not only beautifies the landscape and adds a unique attraction for guests, but also helps reduce the risk of fire hazards and air pollution caused by cigarette smoke. “We consider this a part of our sustainable development strategy and our commitment to improving service quality,” Ms. Cuom emphasized.
Hotel staff are also considered active advocates for the initiative. Ms. Nguyen Duong Khanh Linh, a hotel receptionist shared: “We often remind guests whenever we notice them smoking in the non-designated area. Most guests are cooperative, and many even express their appreciation for the clean and fresh environment”.
“During the inspection conducted in early July 2025, all 8 out of 8 monitored establishments met the criteria for being smoke-free. However, we also made several recommendations, such as increasing signage in crowded areas, conducting unannounced inspections, and making in official reports to serve as a basis for long-term evaluation,” said Dr. Nguyen Le Tam, Second-Level Specialist and Acting Deputy Director of Hue CDC.
Many tourism establishments strictly comply with the Law on Tobacco harm Prevention and Control as a key criterion to attract tourists. Additionally, awareness campaigns are integrated into internal meetings and regular training sessions, helping to raise staff awareness and improve their behavior in serving hotel guests.
The active participation of accommodation establishments in Hue City in supporting tobacco harm prevention and control demonstrates their role and responsibility in protecting public health. This effort is an essential part in building the image of “Hue - a safe, friendly, and smoke-free destination”, aligning with the green and sustainable tourism trend that the city’s tourism sector is striving toward.