The Mark grabs attention

LUANG PRABANG  More than 15 of Luang Prabang’s top hotels and restaurants snatched up all 72 seats for Lanith’s (Lao National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality) pair of five-day Passport to Success training sessions that were held late last month.
It was indicative of the eagerness of restaurants in this UNESCO World Heritage town to achieve “The Mark” certification for food production and workplace safety and hygiene.
Due to the success of the training sessions, Lanith will offer two additional sessions 8 June and 15 June.
Lanith’s The Mark administrator, Manichan Chanpradid, credits the rapid sell out to teamwork by the institute’s Vientiane and Luang Prabang offices, the monthly Lanith general manager rendezvous meetings, and Lanith food production advisor, Paul Burnett, who signed up most of the participants.
Inside no.5Among those striving for The Mark is Luang Prabang’s premier hotel, Amantaka. General Manager Gary Tyson stated, “As a part of this initiative, we can be a leader in the community and a positive influence in setting Luang Prabang apart from other regional destinations in a competitive market place.”
He added, “A consistent high level of food safety in the hospitality sector is an important step in reassurance when dining in Luang Prabang. Furthermore, our international travel partners expect, as standard policy, that hotels and restaurants have accredited hygiene standards in place.”
Mr Tyson sent eight staff members to Lanith’s CIEH training, one of who was Sous Chef Vilaphet Bounsawat, who commented, “After completing the two modules on food safety, I have a much better understanding of the principles. In addition, I learned about many topics to support my daily tasks.”
Gilles Vautrin, owner of the upscale L’Elephant restaurant, sent 13 staff members for CIEH training. “Laos is a tropical country and microbes and bacteria develop too quickly. With Lanith training, our staff will better understand that what we teach them every day are international guidelines .”
Luang Prabang View Hotel general manager, John Morris Williams, sent four of his kitchen crew to Lanith’s CIEH courses. “It is always important to keep the minds of our staff active and to develop them as much as we can. These training modules also provide them with a different work environment, as it is crucial for them to see a new set up and different ways of working.”
He pointed out that The Mark gives recognition to hotels and restaurants. “CIEH carries a lot of power behind it, and staff being trained under that banner gives recognition to both our hotel and staff, while assisting travel agents, who are always looking for establishments with high standards.”
Café Toui Owner and Chef Toui Somphonphakdy participated in the training as he believes it makes good business sense. “This training greatly benefits those who operate dining businesses, whether they are small or large, as Lanith’s CIEH courses provide staff with valuable food hygiene and safety knowledge.”
Lanith Technical Expert Sophie Hartman noted that two CIEH training sessions will be offered at the institute’s Vientiane campus from 17 until 28 August.
To achieve The Mark certification, restaurants and hotel dining outlets must pass a strict CIEH audit, which is awarded by the Luang Prabang Safe and Green Tourism Scheme, with the goal of raising the city’s stature as a high-end tourism destination. Four restaurants were awarded The Mark during its 2014 pilot phase.
Lanith is The Mark’s operating body, and receives support from UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organization) and funding from the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).

sourced:ttrweekly.com