The campaign, led by the Viet Nam Tobacco Control Fund, was rolled out in Khanh Hoa Province on September 13 and will extend to major tourist destinations including Hue, Da Nang and Ho Chi Minh City.
The initiative supports Viet Nam’s commitments under the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control and the country’s Law on Tobacco Harm Prevention. It also seeks to foster a new social norm of saying “no” to tobacco smoke in public spaces.
Activities at the launch ceremony included a pledge ceremony with hotels and restaurants, a cycling parade through local streets, and the installation of “No Smoking” signs at 200 establishments in Khanh Hoa.
Dr Ha Anh Duc, Director of the Tobacco Control Fund, said smoke-free hotels, restaurants and public areas represent not only a step to protect health but also a mark of a civilised lifestyle. He pledged continued cooperation with local authorities and businesses to promote awareness and develop smoke-free models nationwide.
He called on businesses to treat smoke-free environments as a service quality standard, benefiting both customers and employees. He also urged citizens to act as “smoke-free ambassadors” by reminding others and protecting shared spaces.
