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VNAT collaborates with Lao Cai Department of Tourism for the application of ASEAN tourism standards to enhance regional competitiveness. Understand the impact on tourism quality and stakeholder responsibility.
Tourism Information Technology Center (TITC) and Hospitality Industry Management Division (Vietnam National Authority of Tourism – VNAT) coordinated with the Lao Cai Department of Tourism to organize the training program and guidance on implementing ASEAN tourism standards in 2023.
Ms. Nguyen Thanh Binh – Hospitality Industry Management Division (VNAT)
Nearly 100 delegates were officials of the Culture and Information Divisions of districts, towns and cities; tourism officials; accommodation establishments, tourist areas and sites in Lao Cai province attended the training class.
TITC’s Director Mr. Hoang Quoc Hoa said: “ASEAN member countries have determined that building ASEAN tourism standards to standardize the region’s tourism services. It is a necessary solution in the roadmap to make ASEAN – a common quality destination.”
The ASEAN Tourism Standards are published by the ASEAN Secretariat on the basis of consensus among member countries, in order to standardize and contribute to improving the quality of tourism products and services, as well as strengthening the responsibility of stakeholders in regional tourism development.
TITC’s Director Mr. Hoang Quoc Hoa
To date, there are 08 ASEAN Tourism Standards on: (1) Sustainable tourism, (2) Clean tourist city, (3) Community-based tourism, (4) Homestay, (5) Green hotel, (6) MICE venue, (7) Spa services, (8) Public toilet. These documents provide specific instructions on criteria, methods, and assessment processes and certification organizations to apply and implement.
Implementing and expanding ASEAN tourism standards is one of seven action programs to implement the strategic direction “Strengthening ASEAN’s competitiveness as a single tourism destination” identified in the ASEAN Tourism Strategy 2016 – 2025.
In particular, establishments that meet the conditions and standards will have the opportunity to register to participate in the ASEAN Tourism Awards – the leading prestigious award in the region to honor excellent units in the tourism industry, awarded at the annual ASEAN Tourism Forum.
Last year, training classes were held and attracted many trainers from state management agencies in charge of tourism, accommodation establishments, travel businesses, and management boards of national parks and tourist areas, tourist attractions, training facilities… in provinces and cities across Vietnam.
This year, the training program will introduce 04 ASEAN Tourism standards on Clean Tourist City, MICE Venues, Green Hotel, and Sustainable Tourism.
Mr. Tran Son Binh, Deputy Director of Lao Cai Department of Tourism
Mr. Tran Son Binh, Deputy Director of Lao Cai Department of Tourism, said: “In recent years, Lao Cai Department of Tourism has mobilized and guided many units and destinations in the province to prepare and submit registration documents of ASEAN tourism award.”
Within the framework of the ATF 2023 held in Indonesia last January, the homestay cluster in Nghia Do commune (Bao Yen district) and Chi Spa (belong to the Silk Path Grand Resort & Spa) are the nominees of ASEAN Homestay Award and ASEAN Spa Service Award.
Previously, the ASEAN Tourism Association recognized ASEAN homestay standards for the group of accommodation establishments of the Giay people (Ta Van commune, Sa Pa town) and the group of accommodation establishments of the Tay people (Ta Chai commune, Bac Ha district).
ASEAN awards have contributed to honoring and developing the brands of businesses, high-quality tourism products and services in the region. This is also an opportunity for units to propagate, promote and improve the effectiveness of Vietnam tourism promotion and national destination branding.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
