In response to a social media discussion questioning whether domestic accommodations are no longer supplying bath towels, the Tourism Administration issued a clarifying statement on Friday that the new green policy applies only to small bottles of disposable toiletries and personal hygiene products. As such, the hotel sustainability policy, effective since January 1 this year, implements plastic reduction measures and does not affect non-disposable basic hotel amenities, which will remain available.
The Tourism Administration noted that sustainability and environmental protection are common trends in global tourism. EU countries and international hotel groups such as Marriott, InterContinental (IHG), and Hilton have all eliminated small, single-use bottles of toiletries in favor of larger, refillable containers to reduce plastic waste. The agency encouraged accommodation operators to incorporate eco-friendly policies, so travelers can choose to bring their own toiletries or request them, balancing convenience with sustainable practices.
The Tourism Administration emphasized that the quality of hotel services will not decline and will be held to international standards. It underscored that operators should clearly communicate by listing their amenities on their respective websites and on-site, as well as remind travelers to bring their own toiletries by phone, in booking emails, or through other messaging apps to protect travelers' rights and enhance their accommodation experience.