Promoting commitment to maintaining smoke-free tourist destinations

160 leaders, campaigners and experts attended the 9th Asia-Pacific Smoke-Free Conference held on August 28 and 29 in Hue City to promote smoke-free tourism policies, protect public health, preserve cultural values ​​and develop sustainable economies.

Conference delegates pledged to build a smoke-free tourism environment.

The conference was organized by the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (SEATCA) in collaboration with the Vietnam Tobacco Control Fund (VNTCF) and the Ministry of Health of Vietnam. 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 healthier and more sustainable tourism destinations.

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

Delegates also had a field trip to Hue Imperial City - a UNESCO-recognized world cultural heritage, introducing the unique cultural values ​​of Vietnam, while emphasizing the importance of keeping this space free from secondhand smoke and cigarette waste.

Deputy Director of the Tobacco Harm Prevention Fund Phan Thi Hai shared at the Conference.

Phan Thi Hai, Deputy Director of the Tobacco Harm Prevention Fund, said: Tourism is not only about economic development but also about 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.

By creating smoke-free public spaces, we are creating cleaner air for healthier communities and creating a strong foundation for tourism growth. This is not only a health policy but also a smart tourism strategy, said Domilyn Villarreiz, SEATCA’s Smoke-Free Program Manager.

In addition to focusing on strengthening the implementation of smoke-free policies, delegates also warned about the tobacco industry’s use of the term “smoke-free.” Tobacco companies have recently used these terms to promote e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products to mislead consumers, while minimizing or concealing the addictive risks of their products.

Health experts warn that this tactic is misleading to the public, undermines the effectiveness of tobacco control efforts, and threatens progress toward a smoke-free environment. “Smoke-free should mean what it says: clean air, healthy people, safe communities, not a gimmick to promote a harmful product,” said Alan Zaldivar, a member of the Iloilo City Council in the Philippines.

Delegates attending the conference pledged to make the Asia-Pacific region, especially ASEAN, a global model for smoke-free tourism and inspire other regions to follow suit.

QUANG MINH

Source: https://nhandan.vn/thuc-day-cam-ket-duy-tri-nhung-diem-den-du-lich-khong-khoi-thuoc-post904304.html