Tourists advised not to take plastic bags to Co To Island

In order to protect the island, from September 1, 2022, the People’s Committee of Co To island district 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 Nguyen Hai Linh, Head of the Division of Culture, Information and Tourism of Co To District.

To ensure an environment connected to green and sustainable tourism development, the District 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 showed 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.

In 2022, Co To island district launched a zero-plastic-waste program, 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 June 5, the island People’s Committee held an event to launch environment protection in the tourism industry, in response to the World Environment Day, with the theme ‘Solutions for Plastic Pollution.’