Hanoi pioneers green transformation in tourism industry

Going green is no longer a trend, but has become an inevitable requirement in the tourism industry. In Hanoi, many large hotels have not waited for policies but have proactively “grow green” early – starting with the smallest changes in service processes.

From the wooden room card, to the toothbrush, razor, comb made from sugarcane pulp… every little detail in the room shows the effort to 'go green'. Even the tea bag or the water bottle offered no longer has a trace of nylon or plastic.

Since the end of 2022, the hotel has been implementing a green transformation, integrating sustainable elements into its operations. However, this journey has also encountered many challenges.

Ms. Dang Thi Hai Linh - General Manager of Novotel Hanoi Thai Ha Hotel and Novotel Suites Hanoi said: “The biggest thing is the cost of change, it increases the transportation cost. This operating budget changes a lot. A plastic water bottle or a disposable bottle and a glass water bottle, the cost can increase several times. In addition to the cost, another difficulty is the source of goods, with the supply of suppliers in Vietnam. Also according to the commitment to reduce emissions, we cannot import goods from abroad. Importing from abroad will of course involve transportation issues. So how can we have the products we buy domestically and meet the safety requirements for users? We have suppliers and find suppliers and they transfer technology, so after a while we can also meet the requirements.”

There are currently more than 3,700 accommodation establishments in Hanoi . Of these, the 4-star and above hotels have achieved a green conversion rate of 70 to 90%. However, for the group of accommodation establishments under 3 stars, the conversion is still limited.

Mr. Nguyen Tran Quang - Deputy Director of Hanoi Department of Tourism said: "In order to support these units to achieve the highest efficiency in transformation, our Department of Tourism will also focus on a number of solutions. Firstly, we will focus on increasing support for units in training to improve green transformation capacity, digital transformation, as well as experience sharing programs between units that have successfully implemented green transformation in tourism. Secondly, we will also coordinate with the Department of Industry and Trade with relevant units to connect production units and supply units as well as encourage units to have appropriate policies on unit prices and other services when supplying and providing to hotels and accommodation establishments in Hanoi."

In the coming time, the Hanoi Department of Tourism will coordinate with relevant units to develop specific plans and solutions to advise the City People's Committee, in order to promote green transformation at all accommodation establishments and tourist areas in the area. Hanoi sets a target that by January 1, 2026, 100% of establishments will no longer use plastic bags and disposable plastic items in business activities.

Source: Hanoi Radio and Television Station

Source: http://sodulich.hanoi.gov.vn/ha-noi-tien-phong-chuyen-doi-xanh-trong-nganh-du-lich.html