Commitment to building a smoke-free ASEAN tourism environment

No tourist wants to be exposed to harmful second-hand smoke when visiting a tourist destination. By creating smoke-free public spaces, we can help clean the air for a healthier community and create a solid foundation for tourism development.

On September 28, in Hue City, the Tobacco Harm Prevention Fund (Ministry of Health) in collaboration with the Southeast Asia Tobacco Harm Prevention Alliance (Seata) organized the 9th "Smoke-Free Asia Pacific " conference.

Delegates pledged to build a smoke-free ASEAN tourism environment.

The conference was attended by more than 160 delegates from government agencies, organizations and international partners.

With the theme “Smoke-Free Destinations: Transforming Tourism in the Asia Pacific Region”, the conference shared achievements as well as challenges on the journey to build cleaner and more sustainable tourism destinations.

Speaking at the conference, Ms. Phan Thi Hai, Deputy Director of the Tobacco Harm Prevention Fund, said that tourism is not only about economic development but also protecting people and preserving cultural heritage. By turning tourist destinations into smoke-free places, we not only protect the relics but also save many lives.

Delegates presented successful cases from cities and provinces that have implemented smoke-free laws, including innovative enforcement measures, public awareness campaigns, and local people's participation in inspection and monitoring.

The delegates' field trip to the Hue Imperial City - a UNESCO-recognized world cultural heritage - introduced Vietnam's unique cultural values, while emphasizing the importance of keeping this space free from secondhand smoke and cigarette waste.

“No tourist wants to inhale toxic smoke when visiting a tourist destination. By creating smoke-free public spaces, we clean the air for a healthier community and create a solid foundation for tourism development. This is not only a health policy but also a smart tourism strategy,” emphasized Ms. Domilyn Villarreiz, Manager of Seata’s “Smoke-Free” program.

In addition to focusing on strengthening the implementation of smoke-free policies, delegates also warned about the tobacco industry's exploitation of the term "smoke-free".

Delegates attending the conference.

Recently, tobacco companies have exploited these terms in promoting e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products with the aim of misleading consumers, while minimizing or concealing the addictive risks of the products.

Health experts warn that this tactic is likely to confuse the public, undermine the effectiveness of tobacco control efforts and threaten progress toward a completely smoke-free environment.

“Smoke-free must have a clear meaning: clean air, healthy people, safe community, not an advertising gimmick for toxic products,” said Mr. Alan Zaldivar, Iloilo City Council delegate, Philippines.

“As leaders, we need to speak out against these myths and ensure that the smoke-free concept truly benefits public health, not the tobacco industry,” said Alan Zaldivar.

The conference concluded with a shared commitment to make the Asia-Pacific region, especially ASEAN, a global model for smoke-free tourism and inspire other regions to follow suit.

“This is not just a campaign, but a movement to ensure that every breath, whether of residents or visitors, is a hope for life. We need to join hands to speak up for a smoke-free environment today,” Ms. Villarreiz stated.

Source: https://cand.com.vn/y-te/cam-ket-xay-dung-moi-truong-du-lich-khu-vuc-asean-khong-khoi-thuoc-la-i779699/