On August 19, Thuan Hoa Ward People's Committee said it had worked with the owner of the HUE-1239 tourist boat after reflections on social networks.
The vehicle owner confirmed that the employee on the boat threw beer cans and plastic bottles into the Perfume River was true, and committed to rectification.
Hue has chosen a development path based on heritage, culture, landscape and tourism. With such a destination, cleanliness is part of a tourism product.
Tourists come to Hue not only to visit the capital, tombs, pagodas or enjoy cuisine, but also to seek a feeling of a peaceful, green, clean, and civilized heritage city.
The clear Perfume River, clean streets, and garbage-free attractions are invisible "comforts" but have no less value than a beautiful hotel or a good service.
Conversely, if tourists sit on boats enjoying the Perfume River and witness garbage being thrown into the water, a bad impression of the destination is inevitable.
Hue was once awarded the title "ASEAN Clean Tourism City" in the 2024-2026 period. That title is not a medal to hang up and then feel secure.
To maintain the title, it is necessary to maintain the actual quality of a clean city.
Hue has a good foundation from the "Green Sunday" movement, but it is necessary to avoid a paradox, thousands of people picking up trash in the morning, and people freely littering in the afternoon.
It is impossible to build a clean city by continuously cleaning up the consequences of unconscious behavior. It is necessary to shift from the mindset of "cleaning up trash" to the mindset of "not littering".
To do so, propaganda must go hand in hand with sanctions.
Each tourist boat carrying guests on the Perfume River must be considered an ambassador of Hue. The vehicle owner must be responsible for the staff, passengers and waste generated during operation.
It is impossible to say "employees do it" and blame individuals.
Management agencies need to regularly inspect and strictly handle violations, especially recurring violations.
Tourism businesses must also understand that environmental protection is protecting the very products they are selling.
Clean and beautiful Hue will help tourists have a better experience, stay longer, return and introduce to others.
Conversely, a messy destination will reduce its attractiveness on its own. Don't let small plastic bottles and beer cans hurt a major travel brand.
Hue needs to continue to clean up garbage, but more importantly, it is necessary to make everyone understand that keeping the Perfume River clean is also preserving the reputation and livelihoods of the people, developing tourism and building the future of Hue.
