Luang Prabang on the Mark

LUANG PRABANG A growing list of Luang Prabang’s top hotels and restaurants are striving for “The Mark” certification, which ensures restaurants meet strict Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) global guidelines for food production and workplace safety and hygiene, while also raising the destination’s stature as a high-end tourism destination.
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.
Amantaka general manager, Gary Tyson, summed up the overall sentiment, stating: “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.”
Mr Tyson added that 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.
“Anything we can do together will only benefit the wider community and influence more hotels and restaurants to become accredited (with The Mark),” he said.
John Morris Williams, general manager of Luang Prabang View, which hosted The Mark’s July 2014 launch, agreed: “I believe it is vital for any hotel or establishment to have standards other than their own, which must be followed, while also training the staff.”
He added 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. “Tourists are now seeking this, and tour agents love The Mark, as it gives them confidence in promoting Luang Prabang.”
Kiridara Manager Francis Fernandes also wants The Mark, “to have a safe and healthy environment in my organisation and to help and develop my staff to maintain high hygiene standards…The Mark in Luang Prabang will help and increase the tourism and hospitality industry by far.”
Upscale L’Elephant restaurant is also signing up. Ounkham Douangsivanh, L’Elephant’s Farm and Organic Garden Manager stated the restaurant wants to comply with good hygiene and food safety standards. “The Mark will give tourists more confidence in visiting Luang Prabang.” He added many tourists think there is a risk of food poisoning due to what they read in guidebooks.”
Blue Lagoon Restaurant’s Chef Somsack Sengta believes The Mark can reverse that mindset. “The Mark is the new symbol for safe and clean dining in Luang Prabang…We believe The Mark will create trust in tourists and clients when selecting restaurants, so it is a good idea.”
Luang Say Residence General Manager Rodolphe Gay stated: “We look forward to closely working with The Mark.” He added The Mark can have a far-reaching impact on Luang Prabang tourism and hospitality. It will educate hotels and businesses about the importance of reaching international standards for hygiene and safety, and enlighten tourists about why Luang Prabang is a high-end destination.
“The Mark certification will also sensitise hospitality suppliers on the importance of hygiene in the (food storage and delivery process)…The Mark will be established as a quality trademark in Luang Prabang.”
Lanith International Chef and Advisor Paul Burnett noted that he will conduct The Mark Information Meeting on 30 September at The Balcony restaurant to introduce The Mark to Luang Prabang Chamber of Commerce members involved in the hospitality business.
Lanith is also planning an October 2014 event in Vientiane to explain The Mark and importance of CIEH standards for safe and clean dining to the capital’s travel trade.
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). Four Luang Prabang hotels and restaurants achieved The Mark during the pilot phase.

sourced:ttrweekly.com