The sparkling ocean stretching Phu Yen province’s coastline is home to Mr. Nguyen Quang Hung. Born and raised immersed in Phu Yen’s sparkling beaches, Mr. Hung has a deep love for the sea and carries this in everything he does. He owns Xom Bien Homestay in Tuy Hoa city and has made it a hub for sustainable tourism.

Photo: Mr. Nguyễn Quang Hưng – Owner of Xóm Biển Homestay.

From the very start of operating Xom Bien in 2019, Mr. Hung pursued a sustainable approach with the goal of building a tourism model that helped preserve the natural beauty of his homeland and tackle the plastic pollution damaging the local environment. But without the right tools or guidance, turning that vision into reality remained a challenge.

In 2023, when GreenHub launched the “Reducing Plastic Waste through Zero Waste” project with Pacific Environment’s support , Xom Bien Homestay voluntarily registered to pilot the “Zero Waste Accommodation” model. 

Photo: Mr Hung with Xom BIen Homestay’s rooftop compost and garden.

With technical support from GreenHub, the homestay received step-by-step guidance to set up a suitable waste separation system, train staff on proper sorting methods, and implement on-site composting for organic waste. Sorting bins were installed  throughout the property, complete with clear instructions in both Vietnamese and English, making it easy for both staff and guests to participate.

Photo: Mr. Hung offering bamboo toothbrushes and ceramic bottles as alternatives to single-use plastic items.

Guest rooms were also reimagined: plastic items were replaced with bamboo toothbrushes, shampoo and body wash were placed in refillable bottles, drinking water was provided through a filtration system instead of plastic bottles, and even toothpaste was offered in tablet form — practical, hygienic, and plastic-free.

“These changes may seem small, but they have had a clear impact. In a short time, Xom Bien significantly reduced its plastic waste and inspired hundreds of visitors each year to practice greener living.” Mr. Hung shared. 

The impact has stretched beyond the homestay. Many guests showed genuine interest, asked questions about the model, and some even brought home the habit of sorting waste and using eco-friendly products.

“After implementing the “Zero Waste Accommodation” model, Xom Bien Homestay has been able to spread the message of eco-friendly tourism to our guests and has created very positive responses within the community,” Mr. Hung added.

These early successes have inspired Mr. Hung to dream bigger: to build a network of Zero Waste accommodation in Tuy Hoa and Phu Yen — forming a distinctive "Zero Waste Tourism" brand for the province.

“I hope it’s not just Xom Bien. I hope many other accommodations will take action too. When we all make changes together, Phu Yen will become more beautiful — not just in its scenery, but in the way people care and act.”

From a modest homestay by the sea in Tuy Hoa, Mr. Nguyen Quang Hung’s journey is helping shape a future where tourism protects nature and reduces waste in Phu Yen. 

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The project “Reducing Plastic Waste through Zero Waste in Phu Yen province” was implemented by GreenHub and supported by Pacific Environment Vietnam.