Hanoi Hosts Seminar on Cutting Plastic Waste in Tourism, Paving Way for Sustainable Practices
At a pivotal seminar in Hanoi, titled “Action Plan for Reducing Plastic Waste in the Tourism Sector,” the Vietnam Tourism Association (VTA) laid out an ambitious strategy to combat plastic pollution within the industry by 2030. This initiative reflects a growing awareness of environmental issues in the tourism sector, which, while a significant economic contributor, has also been a source of increased plastic waste.
Key Targets and Sustainable Commitments
The VTA has set forth clear targets to ensure that by 2025, all its member entities are fully aware of the negative impacts of plastic waste. Additionally, by this time, at least 50% of member tourist sites and hotels aim to completely eliminate non-biodegradable plastic bags and single-use plastic products. By 2030, the goal expands to include all member units ceasing the use of these plastics entirely.
This strategic approach is designed not only to mitigate pollution but also to promote sustainable tourism practices that can contribute to broader sustainable development goals.
Education and International Collaboration
To achieve these goals, the VTA plans to enhance plastic waste education through various media channels and foster the development and promotion of green tourism products. The association will also intensify its tourism promotion activities linked to plastic waste reduction and collaborate with both domestic and international agencies and organizations. Crucially, the plan includes providing training and education on plastic waste reduction to staff across its member units and seeking international resources to bolster these efforts.
Vu The Binh, Chairman of the VTA, emphasized the significant role of the global tourism industry in reducing plastic waste pollution. He highlighted that “the active participation of the global tourism industry in reducing plastic waste pollution is expected to be a crucial solution with multifaceted benefits for achieving sustainable development goals.”
Deputy General Director of Vietnam National Tourism Administration, Ha Van Sieu, reiterated the administration’s commitment to supporting the VTA’s initiative, noting that ongoing collaboration would be vital for the successful implementation of effective and sustainable plastic waste reduction measures across Vietnam’s tourism landscape.
This action signifies a major step forward for Vietnam in its commitment to environmental sustainability within the tourism sector, aiming to make the country’s rich cultural and natural heritage accessible to future generations in a more responsible and sustainable manner.
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