Many travel companies cling on to sustainable target
(VIR) Many travel companies and operators are implementing their responsibility to the environment, domestic heritage and community to drive forward sustainable development.
After receiving the “Travelife Partner Sustainability Award” in December 2023, Lux Travel DMC, which specialises in providing 100 per cent tailor-made private tours in Asia, is implementing its responsibility in preserving the environment, safeguarding cultural heritage, and supporting local communities so that it can conquer to get higher award. Notably, upon meeting the Travelife standard through an independent onsite audit, companies can earn the “Travelife Certified” status in 2024.
Previously, to become a Travelife Partner, Lux Travel DMC made an effort to meet over 100 criteria encompassing office management, product range, international partnerships, and customer information.
The Travelife standard covers the ISO 26000 Corporate Social Responsibility themes, including environment, biodiversity, human rights, and labour relations. The recognition validates Lux Travel DMC’s compliance with the UN-endorsed Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria.
Naut Kusters, Travelife’s tour operators manager, expressed his pleasure, stating, “The momentum sustainability is gaining in the tour operator sector is remarkable. The recognition bestowed upon Lux Travel DMC sets a commendable precedent for other companies, encouraging them to embark on a similar path.”
Travelife, the prominent international sustainability certification within the travel sector, boasts endorsement by over 40 national travel associations, including 20 European travel associations and The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA). Since its inception in 2012, Travelife has trained more than 1,500 tour operators in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), accrediting over 500 tour operators with a Travelife award.
“Getting the award is a recognition of the long-term efforts and front-runner position of Lux Travel DMC regarding sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility. It is also a momentum to keep its strong commitment to sustainable tourism, which is an underscore of LuxGroup – Lux Travel DMC’s parent company,” said Pham Ha, founder of LuxGroup (www.luxgroup.vn).
Lux Travel DMC (www.luxtraveldmc.com) is just one of many local travel companies, which are clinging on to sustainable targets. Sustainable travel has become more vital than ever because of the effects of climate change and environmental deterioration.
Vietnam’s tourism development strategy for 2020, with a vision to 2030, also provides the direction of “Developing green tourism, linking tourism activities with preserving and promoting natural resource values and protecting the environment”.
Vietnam’s tourism development strategy through to 2030 emphasizes the development of tourism in a sustainable manner to become a spearhead economic sector, creating a driving force to promote the development of other industries and fields, contributing to the formation of a modern economic structure. Sustainable tourism development is also one of the focuses in the socio-economic development strategies of many localities, helping to effectively exploit the potential for economic development, realising the goals of poverty reduction, environmental protection, preservation of cultural values and identities, the assurance of equity and social progress.
The country also focuses on sustainable tourism, encouraging tourists to engage in unique cultural experiences and support local communities. Thus, safeguarding and enhancing cultural heritages is the collective responsibility of tourism companies, which have a pivotal role in the protection, preservation, transmission, and promotion of cultural heritage. Communities who live in proximity to these heritages have a heightened awareness of their significance, which fosters pride and instils a sense of responsibility for their protection.
“Sustainable tourism necessitates cooperation between the main stakeholders in tourism. These stakeholders include government agencies, the tourism industry, and travellers. In front of the above situation, more and more travel companies and operators are seeking ways to minimize their environmental effects while also supporting local communities and economies,” said Pham Ha.
Many localities, such as Halong Bay in Quang Ninh, Haiphong and Nha Trang, have become exemplary models of combining tourism development with cultural heritage preservation, considering destination capacity, and efforts to reduce the burden on local resources. Thus, travel companies and operators are also proactive in reducing pressure on natural and social environments aligning with sustainable development goals.
That’s fantastic news! Congratulations to Dr. Pham Ha and Lux Travel DMC on receiving the sustainability award at ITB Berlin 2024. It’s a significant achievement for both the company and for Vietnam’s private sector.
