Four Luang Prabang hotels and restaurants achieve ‘The Mark’
Introduction: A growing list of Luang Prabang’s top hotels and restaurants are striving for ‘The Mark’ certification, which ensures eateries meet strict Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) global guidelines for food production and workplace safety and hygiene, while also raising the city’s stature as a high-end tourism destination.
Story: Most of The Mark candidates want to tackle the tough CIEH audit and achieve the exclusive certification, awarded by the Luang Prabang Safe and Green Tourism Scheme, for similar reasons, though each has a slightly different perspective.
At present, four Luang Prabang hotels and restaurants achieved The Mark during the pilot phase, including Victoria Xiengthong Palace Hotel, Belmond la Residence Phouvao Hotel, Balcony Bar & Restaurant, and Thepboupha Restaurant.
It is agreed that, A consistent health and safety standard across the hospitality sector is an important step in creating a reassurance that Luang Prabang and Laos can compete on the world stage as well as in giving peace of mind to discerning clients when dining in Luang Prabang. Tourists visiting Asia are becoming more and more concerned with hygiene standards, as a single unsafe meal during a two-to-three-night stay in Luang Prabang can lead to an illness and ruin their experience.
It is also said that, The Mark will help Luang Prabang standout as a leader in food safety standards, and will entice travel agents to promote Laos as a destination with environmentally friendly hotels.
Lanith is operating The Mark with support from UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organisation) and funding from the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).
Source: Lao National Television News in English
Broadcast on October 28, 2014
