Hanoi, HCMC among cities with largest number of sustainable accommodations

By VNA June 20, 2023 | 06:14 pm PT

The Turtle Tower in Hoan kiem Lake, Hanoi. Photo by Nghiem Dinh Chinh

Hanoi and HCMC are among the Vietnamese cities with the largest number of establishments receiving sustainable travel badges granted by Booking.com, one of the world's leading digital travel companies.

Vietnam has had more than 5,000 sustainable accommodation establishments recognized by the website.

According to Booking.com, it has offered the badge to 550,000 accommodations worldwide in recognition of their sustainable tourism practices.

To be eligible for the badge, accommodations must ensure 29 practices that focus on energy and water resources savings, environmental protection, green tourism, and the participation of local people.

Specifically, it is necessary for establishments to provide reusable towels; allow the option of not cleaning the room every day and having water-efficient bathrooms; use environmentally friendly LED lights; have green space and use local ingredients; have tours and activities organized by local guides and businesses.

Other leading sustainable factors that are adopted globally include the elimination of plastic straws and cups as well as the installation of double-glazed windows.

Ten destinations with the highest number of sustainable accommodations in Vietnam are Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Vung Tau, Da Lat, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Quy Nhon, Phu Quoc and Ha Long.

Booking.com's Sustainable Tourism Report 2023 shows that more than 79% of Vietnamese travelers said that they feel more satisfied when staying in accommodations with a sustainability certification or badge.

Varun Grover, country director of Booking.com in Vietnam, said that Vietnamese tourists are more interested in sustainable travel. In fact, 97% of them expressed their desire to travel more sustainably over the next 12 months, he added.

Through the travel sustainable badge on Booking.com, they can help these travelers find sustainable accommodations and gain insight into their sustainable activities, Grover said.

It’s not only making it easier for tourists to experience the world but also encouraging them to make smarter and more sustainable choices, he noted, elaborating that the website also provides visitors with a list of inspirational destinations in Vietnam with sustainable stay to boost their passion for travel this year.