At the conference, delegates shared and studied key topics such as: ASEAN tourism standards, environmental protection, climate change adaptation in tourism activities, and digital transformation solutions in businesses. Businesses need to meet eight ASEAN tourism standards, including: green hotels, homestays, community tourism, sustainable tourism products, MICE venues, clean tourism cities, public restrooms, and spa services.

Ms. Bui Thi Ngoc Hieu, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, delivered a speech at the conference.

Through this conference, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism hopes that each business will proactively develop a plan regarding the timeline and roadmap for applying ASEAN tourism standards. Businesses need to assess the effectiveness and capabilities of their staff and employees working at tourism accommodation establishments to continue maintaining and promoting professional ethics and work attitudes, increasing tourist satisfaction. This will contribute to optimizing management and business operations for tourism businesses in the city.

Delegates attending the conference.

Mr. Dang Phu Hien Dat, representative of AB Travel International Co., Ltd., shared: “Achieving ASEAN tourism standards is not easy for tourism businesses today, but it is truly necessary to improve the quality of the city's destinations. This is also an opportunity for each business to quickly develop plans to upgrade services and facilities to increase competitiveness. The implementation process also helps equip the workforce with professional knowledge and regularly upgrade services and amenities to meet the increasingly high demands of tourists.”

Experts provide and exchange information with businesses at the conference.

Regarding the implementation of ASEAN tourism standards, Ms. Bui Thi Ngoc Hieu, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, believes that this will provide a basis for tourists to be protected and have the best possible travel experience. Tourism businesses will build trust with tourists participating in tourism activities in the city. Applying ASEAN tourism standards will ensure that tourism activities in the city are carried out sustainably and continuously enhance international integration. Furthermore, the city can minimize negative impacts on the environment and maintain a harmonious balance between tourism development and environmental protection, adapting to climate change.

Text and photos: THU LE