Proposing a “green labeling” program of VNAT

The Hotel Department under the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism is proposing a “green labeling” program for eco-friendly hotels across Vietnam. The program, being considered by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, will award a number of local hotels with the “green label” based o­n their use of natural resources, pollution and waste control and environmental protection efforts.
During its preparation phase from this year until 2010, some hotels rated from three to five stars will be used as trail candidates of the program, according to department head Do Hong Xoan.
The hotel department estimated the budget for the program would be more than VND2.7 billion (US$151,243).
Green labeling, which has already been used in developed countries, such as the U.S., Europe, Japan and Singapore, has helped reduce the negative effects of the tourism industry o­n the environment and natural resources.
Travelers are also increasingly interested in a clean environment and leaving the smallest possible carbon footprint, according to Xoan.
The hotel department will also promote the facilities to become members of green hoteliers across the globe.
Vietnam currently has 10,800 accommodation facilities for tourists with 208,000 rooms, 298 of which are hotels of three to five stars