Quang Nam targets zero plastic waste tourism

A conference on sustainable tourism development of Quang Nam Province, themed “Zero plastic waste tourism”, took place in Hoi An City on September 9.

The conference was a forum to discuss the importance of sustainalbe tourism, solutions to develop green tourism products and create an innovative start-up environment in tourism.

Risk of plastic waste

According to the statistics of the Quang Nam Tourism Association, there are 629 accommodation establishments, 77 tour operators in the province. In 2018, about 240,000 tonnes of garbage is generated in Quang Nam, equivalent to nearly 99 tonnes a day.

Mr. Le Tri Thanh, Vice Chairman of Quang Nam Province, stated that the province is expected to welcome 8 million visitors arrivals in 2020. However, the fast-growing tourism sector also poses a challenge due to increasing usage of products which take a long time to decompose such as plastic bottles and containers.

Ms. Tran Viet Thuy, Director of Pacific World Company said that the province is a favorable tourism destination and should limite the use of plastic waste. “We have nearly 200 sustainable development criteria. However, requiring customers to follow these principles, only 60-70% of customers temporarily accept. "Zero plastic" is not much attention. Most domestic travel companies find it difficult to accept change. Meanwhile, 4 and 5-star hotels are often interested in these criteria.”- Ms. Tran Viet Thuy said.

Consensus needed

Mr. Phan Xuan Thanh - Chairman of Quang Nam Tourism Association said that Quang Nam has issued a plan to implement the program "Beat plastic pollution". It is done by raising awareness of local people, encourge manufacturers to research alternative products, integrate into primary shool education.

Speaking at the conference, chief representative of the UNESCO Office in Vietnam Michael Croft stated that Hoi An-based travel firms and the provincial authorities play a key role in calling on residents and tourists to join zero plastic waste tourism activities, adding that it is important to work together to find suitable ways to ensure sustainable development.

“Hoi An Ancient Town has been recognised as a World Cultural Heritage. Currently the world context is different. The development process also needs to be different. The reduction of plastic waste is very important, and needs to be placed in a priority position” said Michael Croft.

Beside the conference, there were also exhibition of eco-friendly products, green-sustainable tourism models and art exhibitions on the topic of environment, as well as famtrips for delegates to survey sustainable tourism products and services in Quang Nam.