Applying ASEAN tourism standards, "awakening" Vietnam's local potential

Applying the ASEAN Tourism Standards will help Vietnam tourism ensure quality, safety and bring better experiences to tourists.

Áp dụng tiêu chuẩn du lịch ASEAN, 'đánh thức' tiềm năng du lịch địa phương Việt Nam

ASEAN tourism standards set out requirements on management, reducing energy consumption, using natural resources sustainably and effectively treating waste... (Source: Dan Toc Newspaper)

ASEAN member countries have developed the ASEAN Tourism Standards to standardize tourism services and define a common criteria framework, from which countries in the region have agreed to implement to improve quality and build ASEAN into a quality destination.

Accordingly, tourism service businesses need to meet 8 standards including: green hotels, homestays, community tourism, sustainable tourism products, MICE venues (a type of tourism combining conferences, seminars, exhibitions, event organization, corporate incentive travel for employees and partners), clean tourist cities, public toilets and spa services.

Quality and safety assurance

Deputy Executive Director of the Tourism Information Center (Vietnam National Administration of Tourism) Hoang Quoc Hoa said that ASEAN tourism standards define a framework of criteria, standards, requirements, and assessment guidelines to help facilities review and standardize service quality and management efficiency on par with the region.

In particular, establishments that meet the conditions and standards will have the opportunity to register to participate in the ASEAN Tourism Awards - a prestigious regional award to honor outstanding units in the tourism industry, presented at the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) held annually.

Mr. Hoa added that digital transformation is identified as a national goal and is focused on promoting in all industries and socio -economic fields.

The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism has issued an Official Dispatch requesting local tourism management agencies to coordinate in deploying and connecting existing systems with the digital platforms of the General Department of Tourism such as the multi-service digital platform "Vietnam Travel".

"Digital platform "Tourism management and business"; electronic card - ticket system; smart travel card; communication channels on digital platforms... This is a system of core products built by the General Department of Tourism to implement the Digital Tourism Development Plan for the period 2021-2025; at the same time, creating a synchronous, unified and effective connection of tourism digital transformation activities nationwide", Mr. Hoa emphasized.

Ms. Bui Thi Ngoc Hieu, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, said that applying ASEAN tourism standards will ensure quality and safety so that tourists can have a better travel experience.

"For businesses, applying the ASEAN Tourism Standards in designing and building products and services will create a quality tourism environment and contribute to building the reputation of Ho Chi Minh City as a reliable tourist destination.

ASEAN tourism standards set out requirements on management, reducing energy consumption, using natural resources sustainably and effectively treating waste... By complying with these standards, Vietnam in general and Ho Chi Minh City in particular can maintain a harmonious balance between tourism development and environmental protection, adapting to climate change," Ms. Bui Thi Ngoc Hieu emphasized.

Vietnam tourism aims to become a key economic sector by 2030. (Source: Indochina Tours Asia)

Towards sustainable development

On the local side, Ms. Bui Thi Niem, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Hoa Binh province, shared that Hoa Binh tourism is being "awakened", focusing on efficiency and sustainability by promoting the potential of nature and culture. Community tourism has created sustainable livelihoods for the people, becoming a strength to attract domestic and international tourists to Hoa Binh.

Ms. Niem said that the tourism industry of Hoa Binh province determined that improving the quality of products and services plays a decisive role and is a fundamental solution contributing to promoting tourism growth.

"Every year, the units receiving the ASEAN Tourism Awards will have the opportunity to promote their business and local brands; at the same time, affirm their professional quality and bring benefits to the community. In that spirit, in recent years, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Hoa Binh has mobilized and guided units and destinations in the area to prepare and submit registration documents for a number of award categories.

Accordingly, the Hoa Binh tourism industry has achieved prestigious categories in the ASEAN Tourism Awards such as: ASEAN Homestay Award (2017: Ban Lac Homestay); ASEAN Community Tourism Award (2019: Da Bia Hamlet Community Tourism Area, Da Bac), said the Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Hoa Binh province.

According to Ms. Nguyen Thanh Binh, Deputy Director of the Hotel Department, Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, Vietnam tourism aims to become a spearhead economic sector by 2030, creating a strong driving force for the development of other industries and fields, contributing significantly to the formation of a modern economic structure.

From there, Vietnamese tourism will develop in a sustainable, inclusive and responsible direction on the basis of green growth, maximizing tourism's contribution to the United Nations' sustainable development goals, proactively adapting to climate change...

Ms. Nguyen Thanh Binh affirmed: "In the coming time, the Vietnamese tourism industry will promote the implementation of ASEAN tourism standards, including green hotels, houses with rooms for tourists to rent, community tourism, sustainable tourism products, MICE venues, clean tourist cities, public toilets, and spa services.

All ASEAN tourism standards aim for sustainable development, environmental friendliness, and energy saving in the accommodation sector.

In addition, the Vietnamese tourism industry is promoting participation in the ASEAN Tourism Awards, an annual event to honor localities and units with high-quality tourism products and services, contributing to the sustainable development of tourist destinations in the ASEAN region.

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