HCM City is known as one of the most dynamic trade, service, and tourism hubs in Vietnam. (Source: dangcongsan.vn)
HCM City – The Ho Chi
Minh City Department of Tourism held a conference on May 31 to discuss the
application of the ASEAN Tourism Standards and launch the ASEAN Tourism Awards
among businesses in the sector.
Deputy Director of the department Bui
Thi Ngoc Hieu said the application of the ASEAN Tourism Standards will help
guarantee higher product and service quality as well as safety so that
travellers can have better experience. It will create a quality tourism environment
and promote HCM City as a trustworthy tourist destination.
The ASEAN Tourism Standards include criteria
for energy use management and reduction, sustainable use of natural resources,
and efficient waste treatment. By complying with these standards, HCM City can
maintain the harmonious balance between tourism development and environmental
protection, climate change response, she went on.
Experts said the city, one of the
most dynamic trade, service, and tourism hubs in Vietnam, has attracted
millions of visitors from around the world and established itself as a diverse
and charming destination.
However, to adapt to common trends in
the region and the world, the local tourism sector should standardise tourism
services, which is critical to its development. Given this, learning and
applying the ASEAN Tourism Standards is an urgent need, they added.
Nguyen Thanh Binh, Deputy Director of the Hotel Department under the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, speaks at the conference on May 31. (Photo: VNA)
Nguyen Thanh Binh, Deputy Director of
the Hotel Department under the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, said
that aiming to turn tourism into a key economic sector by 2030, Vietnam is
working to develop sustainable, inclusive, and responsible tourism based on
green growth, and maximise the sector’s contribution to the realisation of the
Sustainable Development Goals.
To do that, she said, the sector will
step up applying the ASEAN Tourism Standards, which also include standards on
hotels, community-based tourism, venues for MICE tourism, public restrooms, and
spa services. The standards also target sustainable and environmentally
friendly development, along with energy efficiency at accommodation facilities.
Besides, the tourism sector will also
enhance its participation in the annual ASEAN Tourism Awards, which honour the
localities and units with high-quality tourism products and services to help
with the sustainable development of tourist destinations in ASEAN, according to
Binh./.