Co To Island District People's Committee announced the new regulation on Tuesday, saying it was intended to protect the environment from plastic pollution.

Offices, schools, markets, hotels, tourist ships, as well as fishing boats will now also be banned from using single-use plastic items and instead made to use environmentally-friendly products.

The committee piloted the regulation from September 1, 2022 by advising visitors and local people not to bring plastic bottles, plastic bags, and materials that could pollute the island.

Head of Co To District Department of Culture and Information, Nguyen Hai Linh, said that they launched the Zero Plastic Waste programme last year, aiming to raise awareness among islanders and tourists on reducing plastic bags and single-use plastic and they have seen positive results.

"The marine environment here has much improved," Linh said. "Some animals including turtles and dolphins have returned to live in the area. Local people and visitors have better awareness on environment protection.

Statistics showed that more than 2,000 tourists visit Co To a day. The island received over 298,000 visitors in the first nine months of this year, up 152 percent on year.