Since the resume of tourism activities post Covid-19, Quang Ninh’s tourism sector has undertaken a number of tourism demand stimulus measures to remove difficulties for the smoke-free industry. Thanks to prompt solutions, Quang Ninh quickly receives thousands of tourist arrivals.
Mr. Le Duc Cuu, who works at Ha Long Bay Management Board, said “Since domestic tourism promotion measures are implemented, on the peak days Tuan Chau International Marina alone receives up to 25,000 tourist arrivals a day, a rocketed figure in comparison to the period before Covid-19 outbreak. Notably, tourists’ awareness of limiting single-use plastic have been significantly improved”.
Earlier, in order to implement Ha Long Municipal People’s Committee’s Notice No. 475 dated Sep.1, 2019 on no single-use plastic on Ha Long Bay – the world heritage site, Ha Long Bay Management Board enhanced propaganda activities and urged tourists to limit the use of plastic bottles and nilon bags during their trips to the bay. Enterprises operating on the bay also replaced single-use plastic with paper cups, straws, and bags. After 3 months off due to Covid-19, anti plastic waste activities are also resumed by not only the Ha Long Bay Management Board and travel agencies but also hotels and tourists.
To date, there have been 500 tourist boats with 18,600 seats in total operating on Ha Long Bay. 154 of them are eligible to provide over-night stay service on the bay. They transport 10,000 and even up to 25,000 tourist arrivals a day to the bay. Thanks to positive changes made by tourism operators on Ha Long Bay, tourists are not only impressed by the unique values of the world heritage site but also interested in the way in which tourism service providers behave with the environment.
It can be said that Ha Long City is determined to say “NO” to plastic waste. However, in order to make it successful, it needs joining hands from the community.
Translated by Quynh Trang
