Building smoke-free tourism environments
Lam Dong’s tourism sector is rolling out a smoke-free tourism model across selected destinations, hotels, and restaurants. The initiative aims to protect public health, reduce tobacco-related harm, and align with the growing trend toward responsible tourism while improving the visitor experience.
Toward a Cleaner Tourism Environment
According to the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the smoke-free tourism model is being implemented to strengthen enforcement of tobacco control regulations while raising awareness among residents, businesses, and visitors about the benefits of smoke-free environments.
Initially, the model is being piloted at 10 tourist sites, accommodation facilities, and restaurants across the province. Participating units are required to adopt coordinated measures, including installing no-smoking signs, designating smoke-free areas, and raising awareness of the harmful effects of tobacco among visitors and staff.
Public awareness campaigns are also being intensified through various channels such as media outlets, social networks, posters, and leaflets—especially during events like World No Tobacco Day (May 31) and the annual National No Tobacco Week.
The initiative is expected to raise awareness among communities and businesses, gradually promoting more civilized behavior in tourism spaces.
According to Mr. Vo Thanh Huy, Deputy Director of the Department, the smoke-free tourism model is a key solution toward building a green, clean, and visitor-friendly environment. It also helps enhance awareness among businesses, residents, and tourists in protecting public health, contributing to a safe, civilized, and sustainable tourism image for Lam Dong.
Beyond the pilot phase, the province plans to encourage broader participation from businesses and gradually expand the model. The goal is not only to enforce rules but also to change community awareness and habits, promoting a modern and responsible tourism culture.
Strong Support from Tourism Businesses
Active participation from tourism enterprises has played a crucial role in implementing the model. Many hotels and resorts across the province have proactively adopted smoke-free policies, creating a healthier environment for guests.
At MerPerle Dalat Hotel, the smoke-free hotel model has been implemented and has received positive feedback from guests. In 2025, it became the only five-star hotel in Lam Dong to be named among Vietnam’s outstanding smoke-free hotels by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in collaboration with the Tobacco Harm Prevention Fund under the Ministry of Health.
According to Mr. Doan Quoc Son, Director of the hotel’s branch, maintaining a smoke-free environment helps improve service quality, particularly for international visitors and families with children. While some guests initially found it difficult to adjust, most have shown understanding and cooperation once informed of the benefits.
The hotel has implemented multiple measures, including placing no-smoking signs in public areas, educating staff and guests, and designating appropriate smoking zones in compliance with regulations.
As tourism increasingly shifts toward green and sustainable criteria, models such as smoke-free hotels and destinations are becoming key factors in enhancing competitiveness. In Lam Dong, the smoke-free tourism initiative is opening up a new pathway toward building a more civilized and sustainable tourism environment.