Mr. Pham Ha, CEO of LUX CRUISES GROUP, emphasized, “Sustainability is not just a slogan; it’s a practical action. Ha Long Bay needs to be preserved and maintained in its beauty to welcome international tourists.”
Two weeks after the impact of Storm No. 3, popular tourist destinations in Quang Ninh, including Ha Long Bay, were left littered with debris, significantly affecting the landscape and visitor experience. In response, many volunteers came together to clean up and collect trash, aiming to restore the area’s beauty for the beaches and ocean.
Over the weekend, LUX CRUISES GROUP called upon a group of volunteers, including students, company staff, and international tourists, to successfully launch the campaign “GREENER TOGETHER – CLEAN HALONG BAY 2024” As the organizer and operator of the campaign, Mr. Pham Ha, founding chairman of Lux Cruises Group, which provides luxury cruise services in Hai Phong and Quang Ninh, expressed his deep concern that despite the passage of more than two weeks, the area was still cluttered.
“In Ha Long, the issue of waste, especially after major storms, becomes serious with debris floating in the bay and on the beaches. Areas near the shore and many key tourist spots are affected, causing environmental pollution and diminishing the natural beauty of this World Heritage site. This situation requires a collective effort to maintain a clean environment and protect our national natural assets,” Mr. Pham Ha shared.
Thus, Lux Cruises Group initiated the “GREENER TOGETHER – CLEAN HALONG BAY 2024” campaign with the goal of quickly cleaning the waters and restoring the scenery of the beaches. Lux Cruises Group views the protection of Ha Long Bay as a significant responsibility, not only due to the group’s commitment to sustainability but also because it represents a national tourism icon. Mr. Pham Ha stated, “Sustainability is not just a slogan; it’s a practical action. Ha Long Bay needs to be preserved and maintained in its beauty to welcome international tourists.” This cleanup activity is part of a series of events organized by Lux Cruises Group aimed at protecting the environment and supporting the local community.
The group of volunteers included 100 employees from Lux Cruises Group and local residents working together to carry out the cleanup. The program was divided into two shifts, morning and afternoon, focusing on key areas like Tuan Chau beach and popular tourist spots in the bay. In the afternoon, the team concentrated their efforts on the Tuan Chau marina, including collecting trash both on land and in the water.
Lux Cruises Group estimates that they will collect around five truckloads of various types of waste, including two tons of plastic and floating debris. This waste will be sorted and processed according to Quang Ninh’s environmental standards, with a priority on recycling usable materials.
Regarding the situation of receiving guests on Lux Cruises Group’s vessels after Storm No. 3, Mr. Pham Ha shared that the company has promptly addressed the damages, including salvaging and repairing damaged boats. Vessels like Heritage Cruises Binh Chuan and Emperor Cruises Legacy Halong are ready to welcome guests back since mid-September. Despite incurring losses of about 5 billion VND, the group has quickly recovered and plans to complete all repairs by October 15.
Lux Cruises Group is committed not only to providing luxurious travel experiences but also to implementing environmental protection programs and connecting with the local community for sustainable development.
