Travel… smoke-free

(QBĐT) - Quang Binh is not only a dream destination for tourists with its majestic natural wonders but is also gradually building itself into a green, friendly and clean tourist destination. In the context of increasingly urgent environmental protection issues, the tourism industry is constantly striving to limit the harmful effects of tobacco on the tourism environment, conveying a strong message about sustainable development and all for the health of the community.

For a clean tourism environment

In 2019, Oxalis Company Limited launched a smoking cessation campaign among all employees, especially those who directly serve in cave exploration tours. Those who quit smoking for 1 year or more were awarded 5 million VND/person by the company. To date, a number of Oxalis employees have successfully quit smoking. For them, in addition to their own determination on the journey to quit smoking, this policy of Oxalis has become a great encouragement and motivation, helping them have more motivation to achieve their goals.

Mr. Le Van Thanh (Phong Nha town, Bo Trach) has been smoking for many years. When he became addicted to cigarettes, he smoked more than a pack of cigarettes a day. As a chef on Oxalis's En Cave exploration tour, he realized that, with his job position, regular smoking not only affects his health but also the environment and tourists.

Mr. Thanh shared: “Realizing that smoking would create a bad impression on tourists when participating in the tour, I decided to quit smoking. At that time, the company also encouraged tour staff to quit smoking, so I used that as motivation. Of course, the process of quitting smoking was not simple because I had smoked for a long time, but with my own determination and the encouragement of my family and colleagues, I have quit smoking for 5 years now.”

Exploring majestic caves such as Son Doong or En Cave, visitors are not only attracted by the mysterious beauty of stalactites and underground rivers, but also by the fresh air and the peace of nature. However, maintaining the purity of the air in these areas is not easy. As an eco-tour, activities that affect the environment are limited. If visitors have a habit of smoking, they will be allowed to smoke in areas designated by tour experts and guides.

Oxalis has designed designated smoking areas to avoid disturbing other group members. Designating specific smoking areas on tours not only helps preserve the pristine beauty of the caves, but also helps raise awareness among visitors about the importance of environmental protection.

Launching ceremony of the model "Smoke-free tourist destination" in Dong Hai ward (Dong Hoi city).

Dong Hai is one of the central wards of Dong Hoi City, with many tourist attractions, restaurants, hotels and annually attracts a large number of domestic and foreign tourists to visit and relax. At the end of 2023, the Provincial Center for Disease Control held a launching ceremony for the model "Smoke-free tourist destination" in Dong Hai Ward with the goal of building the ward into a completely smoke-free tourist destination.

The model is implemented with activities such as: Incorporating tobacco harm prevention into the ward's annual action plan, into the village's covenants and conventions of residential groups; incorporating the regulation prohibiting smoking in the workplace into the internal regulations of agencies and units located in the area; hanging no-smoking signs at locations with no-smoking regulations, especially at tourist business locations. Currently, agencies, units and tourist business establishments in the ward are making efforts to move towards a smoke-free tourism environment, creating a good impression for tourists when they come to visit and experience.

Responsible Journey

To date, many regulations have been issued regarding the prohibition of smoking in public areas including accommodation establishments, restaurants, hotels and tourist attractions. This is to protect public health, create a clean environment and improve service quality. Many accommodation establishments also create separate smoking areas, far from common living areas and guest rooms to ensure that there is no smoke in the air. These regulations have received the agreement and support of tourists, especially those who care about health and the environment.

According to the CEO of REX Hotel (Dong Hoi City) Nguyen Van Ngon, the hotel has specific regulations for each area reserved for smoking guests. In front of the bedrooms and public places, the hotel places no-smoking signs, equips smoke extraction equipment and strictly enforces the no-smoking regulations in areas where smoking is not allowed. Hotel staff also regularly remind and guide guests to designated areas for smoking to avoid affecting the surrounding environment.

There have been many positive changes, however, building a smoke-free tourism environment is still a difficult journey when compliance with the ban on smoking in public areas is not always strictly implemented. Many tourists, when visiting tourist destinations, may not be familiar with the ban on smoking or are not aware of the presence of designated smoking areas. This leads to smoking in the wrong places, affecting not only the health of those around them but also polluting the tourism environment. Tourism establishments, including hotels, restaurants and attractions, also face difficulties in enforcing the ban on smoking.

To improve tourists’ awareness, the first thing is to promote propaganda andeducation about the harmful effects of tobacco and the regulations prohibiting smoking. Staff at tourist establishments also need to be equipped with knowledge about the Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harm, thereby having ways to handle situations related to smoking and how to communicate, monitor and check with customers appropriately.

The natural environment is preserved. Community health is improved. Tourists can fully enjoy the majestic beauty of nature without worrying about the effects of cigarette smoke. That is what the Quang Binh tourism industry is striving towards, and is also a testament to Quang Binh's deep commitment to green tourism and sustainable development. Smoke-free tourism is a responsible journey, where every step contributes to building a healthier future for both the community in general and tourists in particular.

The Law on Prevention and Control of Tobacco Harms, effective from May 1, 2013, clearly stipulates the prohibition of smoking in public places, including accommodation establishments, restaurants, hotels and tourist sites. Service establishments, such as restaurants and hotels, must have designated areas for smoking and non-smoking areas. These regulations require establishments to take appropriate measures to ensure the enforcement of the prohibition of smoking in non-smoking areas.

Dieu Huong

Source: https://www.baoquangbinh.vn/xa-hoi/202409/du-lich-khong-khoi-thuoc-2220713/