Clean air is vital for the health and well-being of all. However, when smoke-free laws are not properly enforced, it takes away from the enjoyment of public spaces and exposes everyone, especially the most vulnerable, to health risks.

This year, the 9th Asia-Pacific Smoke Free Conference took place in Hue, Vietnam. HealthBridge actively participated in the conference and provided technical support to the co-organizers Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (SEATCA), the Viet Nam Tobacco Control Fund (VNTCF), and the Ministry of Health of Viet Nam. The theme of this year's conference was "Smoke-Free Destinations: Transforming the Tourism Sector in the Asia–Pacific Region".

The conference focused on promoting smoke-free tourism policies to protect public health, preserve cultural values, and foster sustainable economic development. During the conference several successful smoke-free models were showcased, including the enforcement of smoke-free laws in cities and tourist sites, the application of innovative enforcement measures, public awareness campaigns, and direct community participation in monitoring efforts. Delegates affirmed that smoke-free tourism not only contributes to economic growth but also safeguards human health and preserves cultural heritage.

HealthBridge Vietnam contributed to the conference by sharing our experience in scaling up smoke-free tourism models in Vietnam. HealthBridge has supported the implementation of smoke-free tourism models in Hanoi, Bac Ninh and Hue City since 2019 and is continuing to expand the model nationwide. Key interventions within the smoke-free tourism model include advocating for stronger commitment of government authorities, capacity building for tourism business, sharing best practices to inspire wider adoption of smoke-free spaces, mass communication to raise public support and compliance, and strengthening enforcement through monitoring visits. The smoke-free tourism model has achieved significant results, including the designation of 40 tourist attractions as smoke-free sites in Hanoi's Hoan Kiem District, the Museum of Ethnography, Do Temple in Bac Ninh, and the Imperial City of Hue. Dr. Nguyen Thi An, the Country Director of HealthBridge Vietnam also shared our experiences of raising awareness about the tobacco industry's interference in smoke-free policies, drawing on experiences from Vietnam and other ASEAN countries.

The conference concluded with a joint commitment by all delegates to position the Asia–Pacific region, especially ASEAN, as a global model for smoke-free tourism. This commitment ensures that all citizens and visitors can breathe clean, smoke-free air, and contributes to the sustainable development goals of the entire region.