As Vietnam’s coastal tourism hub aims to become a “City of Health and Livability,” Da Nang hotels and restaurants are saying no to cigarettes — and setting a new benchmark for sustainable tourism.
Da Nang, Vietnam — October 26, 2025 (Vietnam Insider) — The central city of Da Nang, known for its pristine beaches and fast-growing tourism sector, is taking bold steps to clear the air — literally. A new campaign is encouraging hotels, restaurants, and public venues to go completely smoke-free, aligning with global health goals and positioning the city as a model for responsible, health-conscious tourism in Asia.
The initiative, launched by Vietnam’s Fund for Tobacco Harm Prevention (under the Ministry of Health) in partnership with the Da Nang Department of Health, underscores the city’s commitment to protecting both residents and the millions of visitors who flock here every year.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco kills more than 8 million people annually, including 1.3 million non-smokers exposed to secondhand smoke. In Vietnam alone, tobacco-related illnesses claim an estimated 103,000 lives every year — nearly 290 deaths every single day.
“Every ‘No Smoking’ sign isn’t just a regulation; it’s a message of respect and civility,” said Phan Thi Hai, Deputy Director of the Tobacco Harm Prevention Fund. “It protects the health of travelers, workers, and families — and enhances the image of Da Nang as a clean, modern, and welcoming city.”
Beyond health, the economic toll is staggering. A 2022 study by the Vietnamese Health Economics Association estimated that tobacco-related diseases and productivity losses cost the country 108 trillion VND annually (around US$4.3 billion).
For the tourism and service industry, cigarette smoke doesn’t just hurt people — it hurts business. Hoteliers and restaurateurs are realizing that smoky environments can tarnish brand reputation, lower service quality, and deter international visitors who increasingly value wellness-oriented travel experiences.
“Da Nang welcomes 8 to 9 million visitors each year, including over 2 million international tourists,” Ms. Hai added. “Creating a smoke-free environment isn’t just a health policy — it’s good hospitality.”
City officials echoed this sentiment. Truong Quang Binh, Deputy Director of the Da Nang Department of Health, emphasized that tobacco control is central to the city’s strategy of becoming a “Healthy City – Livable City.”
“Protecting and improving public health is our top priority,” he said. “We’re working to ensure smoke-free spaces in hospitals, schools, and public venues — and to promote ‘Green, Clean, Friendly’ hotels and restaurants.”
The campaign also encourages hospitality businesses to take proactive steps:
- Establish clear “No Smoking” policies and signage.
- Train staff to communicate the policy diplomatically to guests.
- Join citywide recognition programs for smoke-free establishments.
As Da Nang continues its evolution from a coastal getaway to a global tourism brand, this smoke-free push reinforces its reputation as one of Asia’s most progressive and livable cities — where the air is as fresh as the seafood.
Related
Discover more from Vietnam Insider
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Source: Vietnam Insider