Vietnam's Tourism Industry Commits to Ban Single-Use Plastics by 2030
Vietnam's tourism sector is taking decisive measures to tackle plastic waste pollution, aiming for a complete ban on single-use plastics by 2030.
Vietnam’s tourism sector is actively addressing the challenge of plastic waste pollution with a bold commitment from all members of the Vietnam Tourism Association (VITA) to eliminate single-use plastics by 2030. This initiative aims to integrate plastic waste reduction into operational practices.
According to VITA’s Chairman Vũ Thế Bình, tourism significantly contributes to the problem of plastic waste, yet it is also heavily impacted by it. He stated, ‘Tourism businesses’ active participation in reducing plastic waste is the key to achieving sustainable development goals.’
Since 2018, VITA has been launching campaigns such as ‘Vietnam Tourism Joins Hands to Reduce Plastic Waste’ and implementing a certification system for ‘plastic-free tourism businesses.’
These initiatives already show promising results, with Hội An reporting a 64% reduction in plastic waste at hotels shortly after the campaigns began.
By 2025, VITA plans to achieve significant awareness among its members about plastic waste, aiming for all tourist locations to cease the use of non-biodegradable bags. Other targets include that half of the businesses will have adopted waste reduction guidelines by the year’s end and all members will fully eliminate single-use plastics by 2030.
Moreover, the organization is focused on enhancing international cooperation, promoting technology transfer, and exchanging best practices for sustainable tourism.
Dương Thị Thanh, Chairperson of Ninh Bình’s Tourism Association, emphasized their local success in reducing plastic waste by 23% in hotels and 14% in restaurants. She asserted that the community is starting to embrace eco-friendly measures, despite challenges such as high upfront costs and ongoing visitor contributions to plastic waste.
To tackle these hurdles, a strategy has been developed to raise public awareness and cultivate green tourism options. The launch of a plastic waste management application also supports effective tracking of waste collection and disposal, encouraging the adoption of sustainable practices within the industry.
