The Thua Thien-Hue Tourism Association held a conference in Hue city on August 6 to review the sector’s plastic waste reduction efforts as part of the 'Hue - A City to Reduce Plastics in Central Vietnam' project. Sponsored by WWF-Norway through WWF Vietnam, the project aims to turn Hue into a beacon of reduced plastic waste in the central region.

Dinh Manh Thang, vice president, Vietnam Tourism Association

Speaking at the conference, Dinh Manh Thang, vice president of the Vietnam Tourism Association (VTA) and president of the Hue Travel Association (HTA), said, "Thua Thien-Hue stands as a major destination on Vietnam's tourism map. However, tourism is a major contributor to huge amounts of plastic waste. Without prompt action to reduce this waste, tourism, the environment, and industry sustainability will all be at risk."

Since August last year, the HTA has conducted training sessions to raise awareness about plastic reduction for 120 members, including hotels, travel companies, and community tourism sites. All participants have acknowledged the urgency of adopting plastic reduction measures and have committed to integrating these practices into their operations as part of Thua Thien-Hue tourism industry's comprehensive plan.

Along with that, 22 hotel units have committed to implementing at least one plastic reduction practice, piloting a plastic waste reduction tour, and creating a plastic waste-free destination.

In the year since that commitment, numerous hotels, travel companies, and community households have crafted strategies to cut down on single-use plastics in their operations. Seven pioneering hotels have adopted plastic reduction models based on the 5R principles (Refuse-Reduce-Reuse-Repurpose-Recycle). These trailblazing hotels include Villa Hue Hotel, Azerai La Residence Hue, Melia Vinpearl Hue, ÊMM Hotel Hue, Muong Thanh Holiday Hue Hotel, Alba Spa Hotel Hue, and Thanh Lich Hue Hotel.

In its leading role, the VTA has connected member businesses and individuals with provincial efforts to promote and market tourism, enhancing Hue's brand as a "green, clean, and bright" heritage destination.

"The VTA is encouraging all hotels to promote the movement to reduce plastic waste among tourists. Currently, the seven pioneering hotels are doing very well at reducing plastic waste, and the next plan is to work with travel agencies, tour guides, the community, and other associations to make Hue a plastic-free city," said Thang.

At the conference, 20 hotels and travel companies signed a commitment to continue participating in the plastic waste reduction drive.

In recognition of the efforts made by tourism service providers, the VTA also awarded certificates of merit to the HTA as well as local hotels and travel companies.