(TITC) – From 1st to 3rd October 2023, Tourism Information Technology Center (TITC) and Hospitality Industry Management Division (Vietnam National Authority of Tourism – VNAT) coordinated with the Kien Giang Department of Tourism to organize the training program and guidance on implementing ASEAN tourism standards in Phu Quoc City (South of Vietnam).
Trainees are officials of the Culture and Information Divisions of districts, towns and cities; tourism officials; accommodation establishments, tourist areas and sites in Kien Giang province.
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.
08 ASEAN Tourism Standards were published including (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.
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.
“Phu Quoc was chosen as the training location because it is one of the most attractive destinations in Vietnam. At World Travel Awards 2023, Phu Quoc was honored as “Asia’s Leading Luxury Island Destination 2023″, showing the love and trust of international tourists and partners in quality and class of Phu Quoc tourism. At the same time, it is also a testament to the attention of authorities at all levels in attracting investment, developing products, and improving the quality of tourism services,” Director Hoang Quoc Hoa emphasized.
Ms. Huynh Trang Kim Hoang – Deputy Head of Tourism Management Division (Kien Giang Department of Tourism) highly appreciated the training program, raising awareness and actions of units on standardizing service quality – an important goal of Phu Quoc tourism industry. This is also an opportunity to review, evaluate and prepare the necessary conditions to register to participate in the ASEAN Tourism Awards, creating opportunities for participating parties to develop sustainable tourism and contribute to promoting service quality and stimulate tourism in Phu Quoc in particular and Kien Giang in general.
Within the framework of the ATF 2023 held in Indonesia last January, Thala Spa of Best Western Premier Sonasea Phu Quoc Resort received the ASEAN Spa Service award for the second time.
Previously, from 24-26th October, the first training program to guide the implementation of ASEAN tourism standards in 2023 was held in Sa Pa town, Lao Cai province (North of Vietnam).
Tourism Information Technology Center
