Tourists are offered paper bags as part of a project to reduce plastic waste. — Photo kinhtemoitruong.vn

QUẢNG NINH — Tourists visiting Cô Tô Island have been urged not to bring plastic bags as it aims to build a sustainable, green tourism environment.

​In order to protect the Island, from September 1, 2022, the People's Committee of Cô Tô island district, Quảng Ninh Province piloted regulations that tourists should not bring plastic bottles, plastic bags, and materials with risks of environmental pollution.

However, plastic bags have been still found on the island, said Nguyễn Hải Linh, head of the Culture, Information and Tourism Department of Cô Tô District.

To ensure an environment connected to green and sustainable tourism development, the local People's Committee asked travel companies, shipping companies, owners of accommodation establishments and tourism service providers to advise all tourists not to bring plastic bags to the island.

Statistics show that on average, more than 2,000 tourists visit the island a day.

During peak days, the island welcomes over 5,000 visitors, equivalent to its entire population.

Since 2022, the Cô Tô island district launched a Zero Plastic Waste programme, aiming to raise awareness among local islanders and tourists on reducing plastic bags and single-use plastic.

Dozens of trash bins have been installed at public places, beaches, and markets.

Tourists have been offered paper bags as part of a project reducing plastic waste.

Households on the island have been also provided with environmentally friendly bags to reduce the use of plastic.

On Monday, the island People's Committee held an event to launch environment protection in the tourism industry, in response to the World Environment Day on June 5th, with the theme 'Solutions for Plastic Pollution'. — VNS