The implementation of smoke-free zones at tourist destinations is a significant public health intervention that also benefits the sustainability of the tourism sector. This editorial summarises recent evidence on the impact of smoke-free policies on environmental, health, tourism economics, and the challenges of implementation in developing countries. The robust evidence shows that a comprehensive smoke-free policy in line with Article 8 of the WHO Framework Convention for Tobacco Control has no negative impact on tourist arrivals, tourism expenditures, and length of stay. In contrast, such policies provide significant public health benefits and can increase customer satisfaction. The main challenges are interference by the tobacco industry, limited enforcement capacity in low- and middle-income countries, and lack of public awareness. This article argues for an integrated policy framework, robust enforcement mechanisms, and multi-sectoral partnerships to achieve smoke-free tourist destinations.
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