HCMC People's Committee and the Department of Tourism Launch the Program 'Each Tourism Business Unit as a Friendly Destination

The program not only demonstrates the city’s commitment to sustainable tourism development but also serves as a pledge from authorities, businesses, and the community to provide civilized, safe, and inspiring experiences for domestic and international tourists.

Speaking about the significance and objectives of the program, Ms. Bui Thi Ngoc Hieu, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, stated: “In recent years, Ho Chi Minh City’s tourism sector has gradually established its position on the tourism map of Vietnam and the world through determination, enthusiasm, and the collective effort of management agencies and businesses in the tourism and service industries.”

However, amidst globalization and the current trend of sustainable development, today’s tourists seek not only high-quality and unique travel services but also demand greater quality, friendliness, and professionalism at every destination. Therefore, building the image of “Each Tourism Business Unit as a Friendly Destination ” is not just an immediate goal but a long-term responsibility and strategic development for the city’s tourism sector, Ms. Hieu added.

The program is a meaningful initiative that also serves as a guiding principle for Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam in enhancing service quality, protecting the environment, and promoting the city’s unique cultural values.

To achieve this, the city has proposed evaluation criteria for qualifying as a friendly destination for business units, based on four key criteria: Products/Services, Service Attitude, Environmental Protection, and Community & Society. These evaluation criteria will serve as standards for businesses to refer to and rigorously implement, turning their units into friendly destinations of Ho Chi Minh City.

The program aims not only to improve the quality of tourism services but also to address essential needs, offering convenience and better experiences for residents and tourists. To this end, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Natural Resources and Environment has introduced a plan to improve the quality and quantity of public restrooms in the city from 2024–2025, contributing to the creation of a civilized, modern, and friendly city image.

Sharing further details about the plan, Mr. Tong Viet Thanh, Deputy Head of the Solid Waste Management Department, emphasized that international tourists currently rate the quality and quantity of public restrooms in Vietnamese cities relatively low. This underscores the need for proactive construction, upgrading, and renovation of public restrooms to serve both domestic residents and international visitors to Ho Chi Minh City.

As part of the launch event, Ho Chi Minh City officially introduced a new design for public restroom signage, inspired by the graceful and elegant beauty of Vietnam’s traditional ao dai. The design features two distinctive and recognizable figures: a man in a blue male ao dai and a woman in a pink female ao dai, symbolizing sophistication and courtesy. With standard dimensions and simple yet refined lines, the design not only ensures easy identification but also conveys a sense of civility and friendliness to users.

Speaking with Anchay TV at the event, Ms. Nguyễn Thị Ánh Hoa, Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, shared that the program “Every Tourism Service Business is a Friendly Destination” is a vital component of the city’s sustainable tourism development plan for the 2025–2030 period. It also serves as a driving force for the city to become an attractive tourism destination for international friends.

To mark the moment when the entire city’s tourism industry responded to the program, representatives and sponsors performed the ceremonial act of attaching leaves to the “Friendly Tree .” Each leaf symbolized hope, solidarity, and the commitment of authorities and businesses to the community in building a sustainable, civilized, and friendly tourism industry.

More images from the event