In order to build “Ha Long, a smoke-free city”, the municipal authority has proactively implemented measures to prevent smoking harms. After 10 years of implementation, the movement receives good response from offices, organizations, and individual and achieves significant results.
Over the past years, Ha Long Plaza Hotel has been recognized as one of the leaders in building smoke-free tourist environment. Accordingly, the hotel early made specific regulations. It also installs “no-smoking” boards at the hall, rooms, lobby, stairs and elevators, the dining room, and offices. The room keys are even printed with “no-smoking” slogan. Besides, there is an area for smokers; and smoking in public areas are fined.
Not only Ha Long Plaza Hotel but also other restaurants and hotels in Ha Long City, have conducted anti-smoke measures. Ha Long City promotes the construction of smoke-free working environment. This is even a criteria of emulation movement. Since then, local people and tourists’ awareness of smoke harmful effects has been improved, thus limiting smoking at home, public areas, hospitals, schools, restaurants, hotels…
In the period of 2017-2018, Ha Long’s authority held hundreds of propaganda program on smoking harms for over 20,000 people, more than 10 training courses for 3,000 staff of restaurants and hotels, tourist guides, and public servants.
To date, the rate of people understanding smoking harmful effects has reached 98% while people hearing about regulations of Laws on Tobacco Harm Prevention 68%. 100% of schools and hospitals in Ha Long City perform regulations on smoking ban and most of restaurants and hotels obey the ban.
In the period of 2019-2020, Ha Long City continues the enhancement in performing regulations on preventing tobacco harms; raising local people and tourists’ awareness on smoking negative effects; installing “no-smoking” boards at public areas; expanding the model of “smoke-free” schools, hospitals, restaurants, and hotels…These will help building a civilized and friendly Ha Long, a trustful destination for tourists.
Translated by Quynh Trang
