The event was part of the International Travel Expo Ho ChiMinh City 2018, which has attracted both domestic and foreign tour agencies, lodgingfacilities, and representatives from major tourist attractions.
Speaking at the event, VNAT General Director Nguyen Van Tuansaid Vietnam and ASEAN member states have scored positive gains in tourismcooperation. The bloc has issued a tourism development strategy for the2016-2025 period, with priority given to green, sustainable, harmonious, andeffective tourism.
A set of eight ASEAN tourism standards were introduced toparticipants at the event, including those involving lodging facilities towardsthe goal of sustainable and socially responsible tourism.
Delegates learnt about Vietnam’s tourism development trendin the bloc including initiatives to apply new technologies towards mitigatingnegative impacts on the environment.
Major tourist attractions and quality, eco-friendly tourismproducts were also introduced on the occasion.
As part of the event, the ASEAN Sustainable Tourism awardwas presented to the Thai Hai Reserve of Ecological Stilt House Village basedin the northern province of Thai Nguyen, while the ASEAN Green Tourist City awardbelonged to the central cities of Hue, Hoi An, and Da Lat city.
The organising board granted five ASEAN green hotel awardsand five ASEAN MICE venue awards to Vietnamese hotels which were honoured atthe ASEAN Tourism Forum in Thailand in January 2018.
Vietnam will host the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2019 themed“ASEAN: The Power of One” in the city of Ha Long, in the northern province ofQuang Ninh. –VNA