Six tourism businesses in Phu An have officially committed to implementing solutions to reduce plastic waste in their operations

Chuon Lagoon, part of the Tam Giang - Cau Hai lagoon system, is renowned not only for its local specialties but also for offering community-based tourism experiences. With support from the TVA Project and local authorities, six businesses in Phu An have pledged to practice plastic reduction in their operations. These include Huong Dam Chuon Homestay and the restaurants Dam Chuon Huong Quan, Dam Chuon An Phu, Chuon Lagoon, Dam Chuon Hoi Quan, and Thuy Trieu Quan.

These restaurants and homestay establishments have begun implementing plastic-reduction measures, such as replacing single-use plastic bottles with reusable and environmentally friendly glass bottles in restaurants and homestays. They have also started using durable stainless-steel food containers to help reduce the use of plastic bags and other plastic waste.

At the homestays, ceramic containers for shampoo and body wash have been installed, replacing single-use plastic toiletries typically used in guest accommodations. A free water refill station has also been set up to serve tourists, minimizing the use of plastic water bottles during their visit. In addition, informational signs, waste-sorting bins, and stories have been shared by the six business owners about their efforts to reduce plastic and separate waste at the source, spreading the message of sustainable living.

Vice Chairman of Phu An Commune People’s Committee Nguyen The Gioi stated that with support from the TVA Project, the plastic-reducing eco-tourism model at Chuon Lagoon is being implemented in 2025, with the goal of reducing at least 50% the amount of single-use plastic that leaks into the environment through tourism activities. All local tourism businesses and related stakeholders will receive training to raise awareness and change behaviors regarding plastic waste reduction. By 2028, the aim is to turn Chuon Lagoon into a plastic-free ecological tourism destination, helping protect and preserve the unique landscape of the Tam Giang - Cau Hai lagoon system.

On this occasion, Hue Tourism College, in coordination with travel agencies, organized an experiential tour program at Chuon Lagoon, incorporating eco-tourism activities with the message of reducing plastic waste. Participants in the tour not only get to enjoy the peaceful scenery of the lagoon area and explore local life, but also learn firsthand about the plastic-reduction efforts made by the six committed local businesses, including homestays and signature lagoon-side restaurants.

The “Hue - A plastic-reduced smart city in Central Vietnam” project is funded by WWF-Norway (through WWF-Vietnam) and managed by the People’s Committee of Hue City. The “Plastic Smart Cities” initiative is a global campaign by WWF aimed at connecting cities and tourist destinations to take joint action against plastic pollution. Through the program, WWF builds capacity for localities to achieve the goal of zero plastic waste in nature by 2030.

By Ha Nguyen