2:28:22 PM | 6/23/2025
The Khanh Hoa Provincial People's Committee recently held a ceremony to announce the Green Tourism Standards to be applied to accommodation facilities and tourist attractions across the province. This marks an important step for Khanh Hoa to enhance the quality of tourism services and visitor experiences in the context of international integration and advance towards green and sustainable tourism development.
The ceremony to launch the Green Tourism Standards
Adding value for businesses
The Green Tourism Standards developed by Khanh Hoa province aim to support local tourism businesses in self-reviewing, evaluating and adjusting their operations towards sustainable development on green tech platforms and solutions like the use of renewable energy, water conservation and waste reduction. The application of specific criteria will help businesses optimize costs, improve service quality, enhance visitor experiences, and ensure safety, hygiene, and waste management in line with international standards. These efforts not only help protect the health and safety of tourists but also enable businesses to effectively meet the growing demand for eco-friendly products and services.
The standards are applied on a voluntary basis and businesses are encouraged to participate in two distinct sets of standards for two main groups: Tourism accommodation facilities (including 18 greenhouse gas emission criteria and 84 green action criteria, with a focus on four main themes: sustainable development management, environment, society, customers and employees) and tourist attractions (including 10 greenhouse gas emission criteria and 90 green action criteria, with an emphasis on six main themes: sustainable development management, environment, society, customers and employees, green transportation, and conservation of cultural and natural resources). Each criterion is assigned a specific score, forming the basis for evaluating the achievement level of rated units by three levels: Basic, Advanced and Excellent. This ensures objectivity, transparency and feasibility in actual implementation at tourist attractions. The three-level classification not only encourages businesses to gradually innovate and improve business operations and environmental practices, but also motivates them to aim for higher standards on their green development path.
To facilitate businesses to adopt the Green Tourism Standards smoothly and consistently, Khanh Hoa province developed a handbook on application of the Standards and the standard management and evaluation software system. Through this software, provided by the Evaluation Council, businesses can self-assess their operations based on the criteria and provide specific evidence. The Council will base on self-assessments, check evidence and recommend the Provincial People’s Committee to grant official recognition to qualified facilities. The Green Tourism certification will be valid for three years.
In the initial phase, the Provincial People’s Committee has assigned the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism to coordinate with other departments, relevant units, and the Nha Trang - Khanh Hoa Tourism Association to guide local tourism establishments in applying and implementing the Green Tourism Standards in their operations and activities. The department will regularly monitor, inspect and consolidate the implementation progress; conduct annual evaluations on emerging issues; and propose necessary adjustments and supplements to the Provincial People’s Committee.
Commitment to supporting the green tourism journey
Mr. Dinh Van Thieu, Vice Chairman of the Khanh Hoa Provincial People’s Committee, said that the introduction of the Green Tourism Standards marks a significant milestone in the province's journey towards sustainable, environmentally friendly tourism development that is harmonious with the community. This contributes to resource conservation, heritage protection and long-term benefits for the community and society at large.
With its detailed criteria, the Green Tourism Standards enable local tourism businesses to actively review and transition their operations toward green and sustainable practices, thereby improving their image and brand value. In addition, the standards will help authorities monitor, supervise and encourage tourism development in alignment with green growth objectives. This will contribute to enhancing the quality of tourism and laying a strong foundation for building the image of Khanh Hoa as a responsible and eco-friendly destination.
“The Green Tourism Standards is not only the result of close collaboration between local authorities, the business community and experts, but also a clear testament to our determination to transition tourism growth models in line with global trends. I do hope that local businesses will actively participate in this process, innovate their operating models, and strive to achieve Green Tourism certification as a practical added value. The province will establish favorable mechanisms and actively support the business community in applying and expanding the Green Tourism Standards to achieve the most tangible results,” he affirmed.
By My Chau, Vietnam Business Forum
Vietnamese
