Vietnam tourism bosses rush to meet AEC standards for 2016

Tran Phu Cuong, deputy director of the International Cooperation Department under the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, said there were urgent preparations for the agreement, which would facilitate the free movement and employment of qualified and certified tourism personnel between member states.

Ahead of the planned launch of the Asean Economic Community in 2016, tourism was a sector leading the way to make the most of new opportunities, Cuong said, adding that although Asean nations had signed similar agreements in other fields such as construction and trade, Vietnam has prioritised tourism because it would take less time and effort to build capacity in this sector than others.

In order for a foreign tourism professional to be recognised by other Asean states and eligible to work in a host country, they will need to possess a valid competency certificate and a specific tourism job title, as specified in the Common Asean Tourism Curriculum.

There are 32 job titles covered under this document, ranging from housekeeper, receptionist and food and beverage provider to travel agent and tour operator.

Cuong said there would be great opportunity for Vietnamese tourism professionals to find good jobs in other regional countries as the country’s workforce was large, young, ready to learn and affordable. Many Asean countries had a high demand for foreign workers.