Researching TO Apply Asean Green Hotel Standards TO Hotels IN Thanh HOA Province - Tiếng anh chuyên ngành | Đại học Lâm Nghiệp

Tran Thi Lan Huong, Nguyen Huu Ha
Faculty of Economics - Business Administration, Hong Duc University
Email: tranthilanhuong@hdu.edu.vn
In-depth research fields: Accounting, Business Administration
RESEARCHING TO APPLY ASEAN GREEN HOTEL STANDARDS TO HOTELS IN
THANH HOA PROVINCE TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT
Subject: Business Administration
Research field of the article: Management, Hotel - tourism
Number of words in the article: 6,162 words Abstract:
Green hotels are a standard announced by ASEAN countries with the aim of
developing sustainable green tourism, tourism associated with environmental protection. The
tourism industry is known as a smokeless industry, but the impact from hotel accommodation
and food services on the environment is inevitable. Many environmental protection measures
have been researched and applied, green hotel standards are a typical example. Successful
application of ASEAN green hotel standards not only brings prestige to the hotel but also
improves business efficiency of hotels in Thanh Hoa province.
Keywords: ASEAN green hotel standards, Thanh Hoa province.
RESEARCHING TO APPLY ASEAN GREEN HOTEL STANDARDS TO HOTELS IN
THANH HOA PROVINCE TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE TOURISM DEVELOPMENT Abstract:
Green hotels are a standard announced by ASEAN countries with the aim of
developing sustainable green tourism, tourism associated with environmental protection. The
tourism industry is known as a smokeless industry, but the impact from hotel accommodation
and food services on the environment is inevitable. Many environmental protection measures
have been researched and applied, green hotel standards are a typical example. Successful
application of ASEAN green hotel standards not only brings prestige to the hotel but also
improves business efficiency of hotels in Thanh Hoa province.
Keywords: ASEAN green hotel standards, Thanh Hoa province. 1. Introduction
According to the Politburo's Resolution on building and developing Thanh Hoa
province to 2030, with a vision to 2045, the province's socio-economic construction
perspective clearly points out the need to: Promote all potentials and advantages to develop
Thanh Hoa province quickly and sustainably with heavy industry, large-scale agriculture, and
high added value as the foundation; The energy industry, processing industry, manufacturing
and logistics services are groundbreaking; Tourism is a key economic sector... [1].
Accordingly, the tourism industry has been deployed by authorities at all levels on a
spearhead scale based on the advantages of natural resource potential of Sam Son beach
tourism, Hai Tien beach tourism, Hai Hoa beach as well as the values of tourism. spiritual
culturalization and other history. Initially, the smokeless industry has achieved certain achievements.
As of August 2023, accommodation service revenue is estimated to reach 233.5 billion
VND, an increase of 21.7% over the same period in 2022; Food service revenue is estimated
at 1,587.6 billion VND, up 12.5% over the same period; Tourism revenue is estimated at 23.7
billion VND, up 1.2% over the same period. Cumulatively in the first 8 months of 2023,
accommodation service revenue is estimated to reach 1,608 billion VND, up 41.4% over the
previous year. Catering service revenue is estimated at 12,095 billion VND, up 46.4% over
the year. and travel service revenue is estimated to reach 172.6 billion VND, an increase of
46.4% compared to 2022 [5]. In addition to outstanding achievements in 2023, the tourism
industry in general and hotel accommodation services in particular are facing significant
challenges from the problem of green and sustainable tourism development associated with
environmental protection. The "grey water" system that hotels emit from laundry, dining, and
accommodation activities along with the huge amount of waste from these activities is
becoming a huge obstacle in building commercial reputation. hotel brand, and at the same
time the general difficulties of the tourism industry. Applying ASEAN green hotel standards is
one of the effective measures to help hotels solve difficulties as well as develop a green and
sustainable tourism industry. When fully meeting this standard, it not only brings not only
gives the hotel system in Thanh Hoa province prestige and brand but also helps improve
business efficiency nationwide as well as within ASEAN countries. 2. Research methods
To achieve the research objectives, authors use a combination of the following research methods
- Method of collecting and processing documents: Collecting documents related to
ASEAN green hotel standards, environmental standards and data about hotels in Thanh Hoa
province such as star ratings and standards, revenue, tourism services...
+ Secondary data was collected from 2021 to August 2023, then synthesized and
classified according to each content and indicator to serve the research process.
+ Primary document collection method: Primary document collection method used by
the author to collect documents on the current status of elements according to ASEAN green
hotel standards of 4-5* hotels in Thanh Hoa province. Through building a survey based on the
requirements set out by the ASEAN green hotel standards, from there, comments and
assessments are made on the hotel's current status of meeting these standards, pointing out the
advantages and limitations . On that basis, providing solutions for hotels aiming to apply
ASEAN green hotel standards for 4-5* hotels in Thanh Hoa province.
- Field research method: The author conduct field research at 4-5* hotels in Thanh
Hoa province to serve the purpose of collecting field documents on the activities of these
hotels, evaluating criteria according to ASEAN green hotel standards. 3. Research Results
3.1. Overview of ASEAN green hotel standards
After the Covid 19 pandemic, the recovery of the tourism industry has been becoming
strongly, with the return of millions of visitors to tourist destinations in general and 10
ASEAN countries in particular. To mitigate the negative impacts of this large influx of
tourists, the ASEAN Green Hotel Standard is an ASEAN initiative dedicated to promoting
sustainable tourism measures across ASEAN. The momentum around this trend is growing,
with the ASEAN Green Hotel standard now active in all ASEAN countries. This standard
aims to promote sustainable tourism through the adoption of environmentally friendly and
energy-efficient [approaches], and compile, apply and create tools and training to encourage
such practices. implementing ASEAN green hotel measures. The focus of the ASEAN Green
Hotel Standard is to promote sustainable tourism through minimum requirements that any
hotel business aspires to achieve to protect and maintain its natural and cultural resources.
ASEAN countries while ensuring tourism meets its potential as a tool for conservation and poverty reduction.
The content of this standard is built to include 11 standards with specific basic
requirements applicable to 10 ASEAN countries.
Table 1: The content of The ASEAN green hotel NO Standard Basic requirements
Environmental 1, Encouraging environmental activities to encourage the
policies and participation of hotel staff, customers and suppliers in
measures in environmental management activities . hotel
2, Having a plan to raise employees' environmental awareness, for 1 operations example through training.
3, Having an environmental management plan in hotel operations.
4, Having a program to monitor the hotel's environmental management
Using green 1, Encouraging the use of local products for hotels, for example 2 products food and handicrafts.
2, Encouraging the use of environmentally friendly products Collaborating
1, Having plans/activities to help improve the quality of life of the with local community community
2, Having a program to raise awareness for the local community 3 organizations
about environmental protection.
3, Creating activities to promote cultural performances and
traditional activities and local lifestyles.
4, Creating job opportunities for the local community Developing
Providing training programs for executives and managers on 4 human environmental management. resources
Solid waste 1, Introducing waste management techniques, such as waste management
reduction, reuse, recycling, waste separation and composting.
2, Encouraging hotel staff participation in waste reduction, reuse, 5
recycling, waste classification and composting activities.
3, Encouraging hotel guests' participation in reusing, recycling, and classifying waste.
Using energy 1, Introducing energy saving techniques and/or energy saving efficiently
technology and equipment to hotels to reduce energy consumption. 6
2, Installing energy consumption meter/monitoring device.
Encourage hotel guest participation in energy conservation Efficiently
1, Introducing water saving techniques and/or use water saving
water using technology and equipment to reduce water consumption. 7
and water 2, Regularly maintain water-saving devices. quality
3, Encouraging hotel guests' participation in water saving.
4, Ensuring the quality of water used in the hotel.
Air quality 1, Designate smoking areas and non-smoking areas. management
2, Regular monitoring and maintenance for hotel equipment and 8
(inside and facilities to ensure quality, for example air conditioning outside) Controling
There is a program to control noise from hotel activities. 9 noise pollution Waste
1, Use mechanisms that can prevent water pollution and reduce
treatment and wastewater generation. 10 management
2, Encourage the use of recycled/grey water in operations, e.g. watering plants.
3, Encourage appropriate use of treated wastewater Hazardous
1, Provide clear instructions for hazardous substances.
waste and 2, Proper management of hazardous waste. 11 chemical
3, Regularly check, clean and maintain the storage to avoid leakage management of toxic gases or chemicals
(Source: Hotel Department, 2014)
For each different criterion, ASEAN provides specific assessment scores for each
criterion, with a maximum score and a minimum score that must be achieved for each hotel to
determine its level and current situation. Accordingly, a scale of scores for passing and failing
to achieve ASEAN green hotel certification is established. The score for certification is 48
points or higher on a scale of 80 for 11 evaluation criteria, specifically summarized in Table 2.
Table 2: Evaluation scale for ASEAN green hotel standards Criterion Maximum Minimum No score score
Environmental policies and measures in hotel 1 11 6 operations 2 Using green products 5 3 3
Collaborating with local community organizations 9 5 4 Developing human resources 3 2 5 Solid waste management 8 4 6 Using energy efficiently 6 3 7
Efficiently water using and water quality 12 6 8
Air quality management (inside and outside) 4 2 9 Controling noise pollution 2 1 10 Waste treatment and management 10 5 11
Hazardous waste and chemical management 10 5 Total 80 40
(Source: Hotel Department, 2014)
3.2. Overview of hotels and star ratings in Thanh Hoa province
According to statistics on the number as of August 30, 2022 of the Department of
Culture, Sports and Tourism of Thanh Hoa province shows: Hotels in Thanh Hoa province are
mainly concentrated in Thanh Hoa city. Sam Son city, of which the highest is in Sam Son city
with 100 hotels, accounting for 46.95% of the total number of hotels in the province. Next is
Thanh Hoa city area with 45 hotels, accounting for 21.13% and Hoang Hoa area with 33
hotels, accounting for 15.49%. The reason the number of hotels is so distributed is because
the Sam Son area has Sam Son beach resort, the Hoang Hoa area has Hai Tien beach resort.
Table 3: List of hotels in Thanh Hoa province as of August 30, 2022 Thanh Sam Nghi Hoang Total Content Hoa Son Son Hoa Other city city town area Total Ratio % 5 star 2 1 - - - 3 1.41 4 star 2 3 - - - 5 2.35 3 star 7 21 4 7 - 32 15.02 3 star 16 40 10 22 6 92 43.19 1 star 18 35 7 4 15 79 37.09 Total 45 100 21 33 21 213 100.00 Total Ratio % 21.13 46.95 9.86 15.49 9.86 100.00
(Source: Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Thanh Hoa province, 2022)
In terms of star class, the majority of hotels in Thanh Hoa province are 2-star and 1-
star, of which 2-star class accounts for the highest proportion of 43.19%, corresponding to 92
hotels; 1-star category with 79 hotels, rate of 37.09%; 3-star category with 32 hotels, rate of
15.02%; 4-star class with 5 hotels, rate of 2.35%; 5-star rating with 3 hotels, rate of 1.41%.
This shows that the hotels in the province are mainly small and medium-sized hotels, there are
not many 4- or 5-star hotels, concentrated in Thanh Hoa city and Sam Son city. . Although the
number is small, the capacity of these hotels is relatively large, the size of accommodation
rooms is significant, they are invested in key areas, and are mainly owned by companies and
commercial groups. performance in the tourism sector. Therefore, this is a priority source for
building ASEAN green hotel standards for hotels in Thanh Hoa province with a view to
developing green tourism for the province.
Table 4: List of 4-5* hotel in Thanh Hoa province as of August 30, 2022 Star Number No Hotel name Area rating of room 1 Melia Vinpearl Thanh Hóa Thanh Hoa city 5 star 195 2 Central Thanh Hoa city 5 star 202 3 FLC SS resort Thanh Hoa city 5 star 1.000 4 Thiên Ý Thanh Hoa city 4 star 178 5 Mường Thanh Thanh Hoa city 4 star 219 6 Dragon Sea Sầm Sơn city 4 star 120 7 Vạn Chài SS Resort Sầm Sơn city 4 star 80 8 Dragon Style Sầm Sơn Sầm Sơn city 4 star 160
(Source: Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Thanh Hoa province, 2022)
3.3. Current status and proposed solutions to meet ASEAN green hotel standards of 4-5*
hotels in Thanh Hoa province
3.3.1. Current status of ASEAN green hotel standards for 4-5* hotels in Thanh Hoa province
Through the process of researching, researching, and collecting information sources
from 4-5* hotels in Thanh Hoa province as well as other sources of information about hotels,
it shows the application of green hotel standards. ASEAN for 4-5* hotels in Thanh Hoa
province is feasible, based on the current situation of the hotel's criteria compared to ASEAN
green hotel standards, specifically:
4-5* hotels in Thanh Hoa province are large hotels with star standards granted by the
Vietnam National Administration of Tourism. With a team of professional leaders and skilled
staff, the implementation of policies and measures to protect the environment in the hotel is
always appreciated by managers as well as staff. primary concern. Hotel managers always pay
attention, encourage employees to participate in environmental protection activities, always
try their best (8/8 hotels), the same goes for building environmental protection plans.
Environmental protection as well as monitoring of environmental protection activities are
always concerned, built and implemented promptly by hotel managers. Summary of survey
results compiled by the author shows that all 4-5* hotels in Thanh Hoa province basically
meet the standards of implementing environmental protection policies and measures.
according to the regulations of green hotel standards.
Table 5: Summary of survey results on environmental policies and measures in the
operations of 4-5* hotels in Thanh Hoa province Answer Survey content Yes No Will perform
1, Does the hotel encourage the participation of hotel
staff, customers and suppliers in environmental 8 0 0 management activities?
2, Does the hotel have a plan to raise employees' 8 0 0 environmental awareness?
3, Does the hotel have an environmental management 8 0 0 plan in its operations?
4, Does the hotel have an environmental management 8 0 0 monitoring program? (Author's survey results)
With the criteria of using green products, hotels have initially implemented the use of local
products for hotels while encouraging the use of environmentally friendly products. For
example, Melia Vinpearl Thanh Hoa Hotel, Central Hotel replaced the use of plastic bags
with paper bags, FLC Resort Hotel, Muong Thanh... used cloth bags for tourists to store
personal belongings... However, According to guests' needs, hotels still use large plastic bags
to provide when needed for guests to stay.
Regarding the criterion of Cooperation with local community organizations, currently
cooperation has been carried out in a number of areas such as providing jobs for the local
community, 4-5* hotels all use Using local human resources, contributing to improving the
quality of life of the community. However, awareness raising programs for local communities
about environmental protection have not been carried out regularly. Activities to promote
cultural performances and traditional activities and local lifestyles have not been widely
implemented, because the organization requires the coordination of many stakeholders.
For human resource development, 4-6* hotels in Thanh Hoa province have organized training
programs for executives and managers, combined with environmental management content. ,
however, it has not been implemented regularly due to the large workload, especially during
the peak tourist season, leading to interruption of human resource development training.
Regarding solid waste management, survey results show that 8/8 hotels encourage the
participation of employees as well as guests in reducing waste, reusing, recycling, and
classifying trash. waste. However, the introduction of waste management techniques, such as
waste reduction, reuse, recycling, waste classification and composting, has not been done
much, mainly focusing on classification. garbage, other measures have not been introduced or mentioned much.
As for efficient energy use, this is one of the criteria that 4-5* hotels in Thanh Hoa province
pay attention to. With the State's policy on energy saving, hotels have paid great attention to
the application of energy-saving techniques and/or energy-saving technology and hotel
equipment to reduce energy consumption. energy consumption, regularly monitor energy
consumption. However, because of their large scale, the energy use of hotels is still relatively
high. Some hotels have been built for a long time and do not have access to advanced energy
saving technology, so energy savings are still lacking. Difficulty due to the high cost of
structural changes and new construction that meets technical requirements.
Similar to the criteria of effective water use and water quality, 8/8 hotels are committed to
providing good quality water for hotel service activities, encouraging guest participation. Stay
in a hotel to save water, regularly maintain water saving equipment.
Hotels have paid attention to air quality management. Survey results showed that 8/8 hotels
have designated smoking and non-smoking areas. However, monitoring and maintenance of
hotel equipment and facilities to ensure quality is not regular, especially for hotels in Sam Son
city area. Equipment such as air conditioning and machinery are usually only made before peak tourist periods.
The control of noise pollution at hotels has not received much attention. Only 03/08 hotels
have built a program to control noise from hotel activities, therefore activities from
restaurants, Accommodation, as well as other hotel activities, are also affected, especially city center hotels.
Waste treatment and management criteria are criteria that hotels still face many difficulties in
implementing mechanisms to prevent water pollution and reduce wastewater generation.
Wastewater treatment has not been applied, so the appropriate use of treated wastewater at hotels has not been done much.
Finally, regarding the management of hazardous waste and chemicals, 08/08 hotels have
managed hazardous waste by providing clear instructions for hazardous substances. However,
the inspection is still not carried out regularly, and more attention needs to be paid to cleaning
and maintenance for storage, avoiding leaks that affect the environment.
3.3.2. Solutions to apply ASEAN green hotel standards for 4-5* hotels in Thanh Hoa province
Solutions for environmental policies and activities: Hotel environmental policies and
activities when implementing the ASEAN green hotel standards. In order for the ASEAN
green hotel standards to be implemented systematically and systematically, short-term and
long-term measures need to be put in place to implement the standards and to easily control
the application of the standards. in the implementation process. Provided, short-term policies
help solve the first basic problems when the hotel enters the standards start-up phase.
Solution for using green products: 4-5* hotels in Thanh Hoac province need to
diversify green products in the process of providing hotel services. For restaurant services, it
is necessary to include green foods, clean foods, recyclable utensils, increase the use of local
products such as OCOP products, and introduce them to tourists. customers with typical
products of Thanh Hoa province, improving the effectiveness of trade promotion, while
leaving a special mark in the hearts of tourists. In addition, it is necessary to advise guests
about the harmful effects of using difficult-to-recycle products such as plastic bags by posting
notices in hotel rooms to raise awareness of environmental protection. visited customer.
Solutions for Cooperation with local community organizations: 4-5* hotels in Thanh
Hoa province have measures to cooperate with the community and local organizations in
environmental protection. Develop awareness raising programs for local communities about
environmental protection more regularly. Propose to coordinate with local authorities on
organizing activities to promote cultural performances and traditional activities and local
lifestyles such as fishermen's festivals in Sam Son or festivals in Sam Son. Thanh Hoa city.
Solution for human resource development: 4-5* hotels in Thanh Hoa province build
systematic, logical, concise, and easy-to-understand training programs on environmental
management for operating staff. and management, based on the principles of the Asean green
standards. Collaborating with universities such as Van Hoa Thoi and Tourism University,
Hong Duc University in the area to train tourism human resources as well as Environmental
management knowledge skills for hotel staff.
Solutions for waste management in hotels. Introducing new, progressive waste
management techniques at 4-5* hotels in Thanh Hoa province that both reduce waste well and
effectively treat hotel waste. Encourage the participation of hotel staff in reducing waste,
reusing, recycling, and classifying waste. Specially send staff to training to learn advanced
techniques in recycling all types of waste and waste management to improve waste
management efficiency in hotels.
Solutions for effective energy use: Efficient energy use in 4-5* hotels in Thanh Hoa
province. Introducing energy saving techniques or energy saving technology and equipment to
hotels to reduce power consumption. Install measuring and monitoring equipment for energy
consumption. Install and use new energy sources such as solar energy to save costs in hotels.
Further encourage hotel guest participation in energy conservation.
Solutions for effective water use and water quality: To effectively use water in 4-5*
hotels in Thanh Hoa province and ensure the quality of water provided in hotels, managers It
is necessary to research, learn and introduce water-saving technical equipment and water-
saving technologies and equipment to reduce water consumption. Regularly maintain water-
saving devices in the hotel. Ensure the quality of water used in the hotel and encourage guest
participation in water conservation and conservation practices.
Solutions for internal and external air quality management: Internal and external air
quality management 4-5* hotels in Thanh Hoa province should regularly monitor and
maintain their facilities. hotel equipment such as air conditioning... instead of only doing it
during the pre-peak season like now. Hotels can clearly delineate accommodation areas where
smoking or other air pollution is not allowed, including inside and outside accommodation
rooms and spaces outside the hotel. Promote this area to enhance the reputation of a smoke-
free hotel with green air so that guests can feel more secure in choosing a hotel.
Solutions for noise pollution control: Noise control in 4-5* hotels in Thanh Hoa
province need to have a noise management program in hotel operations, especially hotels in
the area. center, limit noise, or change operating hours to reduce noise as well as impact on
residential areas around the hotel.
Solutions for waste treatment and management:Treatment and management of
wastewater from 4-5* hotels in Thanh Hoa province need to develop mechanisms to prevent
water pollution and minimize the amount of wastewater discharged into the hotel
environment. Promote the use of recycled water, wastewater, and treated gray water for
irrigation activities in hotels.
Solutions for toxic and chemical waste management: Management of chemical and
toxic waste from 4-5* hotels in Thanh Hoa province needs to provide clear instructions and
classification methods. Common chemicals and toxic chemicals used in hotels for employees.
There is a strict and serious method of managing toxic chemicals in the hotel during
operations. Labels can be clearly stated in many languages. There should be a plan to take
precautions for guests who are children or instruct employees when working with a lot of
contact to take appropriate protective measures. 4. Conclusion
The article summarizes the theoretical basis of the ASEAN green hotel standards - a
set of useful and practical standards for hotel business activities aimed at developing green
and sustainable tourism. Based on the study of the current situation of the 4-5* hotel system in
Thanh Hoa province, evaluate the extent to which the hotels meet the conditions of the
ASEAN green hotel standards, and from there, propose Propose solutions to apply and
implement this set of standards with the goal of developing tourism as a key industry of
Thanh Hoa province, bringing the province's tourism industry to develop in a green and sustainable direction. REFERENCES
[1] Politburo, (2020) Resolution No. 58 NQ/TW on building and developing Thanh Hoa
province to 2030, vision to 2045
[2] Thanh Hoa Provincial Statistics Department (2023), Report on socio-economic situation
August 2023 Socio-economic situation in August and the first 8 months of 2023 - Electronic
information page of Provincial Statistics Department Thanh Hoa (thanhhoa.gov.vn).
[3] Nguyen Dinh Hoe & Vu Van Hieu (2001), Sustainable Tourism, Education Publishing House, Hanoi.
[4] Nguyen Dinh Thanh (2022), Research on factors affecting the development of green
tourism in Vietnam in the context of international economic integration, Doctoral thesis,
Foreign Trade University, Hanoi.
[5] Thanh Hoa Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism (2022), Hotel statistics and star class in Thanh Hoa province.
[6] General Department of Tourism - Hotel Department (2014). Asean Green Hotel Standard, Hanoi.