Hundreds of hotels, restaurants in Da Nang join smoke-free campaign

The campaign, launched on Sunday by the Vietnam Tobacco Control Fund under the Ministry of Health, in coordination with the Da Nang Department of Health, aims to reinforce the implementation of smoke-free public spaces in hotels, restaurants, and other community venues.

These hotels and restaurants in the city are displaying ‘No Smoking’ signs.

This initiative is part of a broader national effort being rolled out in key tourism localities, including Hue City, Ho Chi Minh City, and Khanh Hoa Province.

It supports Vietnam’s commitment to the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and the country’s law on prevention and control of tobacco harms.

The campaign encourages the public to adopt more considerate and respectful behaviors in public spaces by saying ‘no’ to smoking.

The organizers hope the effort will raise awareness of everyone’s right to breathe clean air, while enhancing Da Nang’s reputation as a safe, friendly, and smoke-free tourist destination.

Key activities in the campaign include the appointment of ambassadors to share the message ‘Smoke-Free for a Healthy Community,’ a public launching ceremony, a bicycle parade through central streets, and the installation of ‘No Smoking’ signs at up to 200 hotels and restaurants throughout the city.

Speaking at the event, Phan Thi Hai, deputy director of the fund, emphasized that smoke-free environments not only protect public health and reduce disease risks, but also improve service quality and strengthen the image of Vietnam’s tourism sector.

“When guests enter a hotel or restaurant, what they value most is not only luxury but also a fresh, safe, and pleasant atmosphere,” she said.

“That is a hallmark of quality and professionalism.”

Truong Quang Binh, deputy director of the municipal Department of Health, reaffirmed Da Nang’s commitment to creating a smoke-free environment as part of its broader vision of becoming a green, civilized, and livable city.

He noted that the department will continue advising the city administration on policies to strengthen inter-sectoral coordination and expand smoke-free models such as ‘Smoke-Free Units’ and ‘Green, Clean, Friendly Hotels and Restaurants’ across Da Nang.