PARTNER CRITERIA SET FOR HOMESTAYS

ABBREVIATIONS

LSaUGGp: Lạng Sơn Geopark

LSPS:         Personnel working for the official partner program of  LSaGEOPARK

ASEAN:               Hiệp hội các quốc gia Đông Nam Á

Table of contents

1- Forword........................................................................................................ 3

2- Concept ....................................................................................................... 3

3- Proposed Criteria ........................................................................................ 4

4- Geopark Commitment ................................................................................. 9

5- Evaluation Procedures ................................................................................. 9

6- Rating Evaluation....................................................................................... 21

7- Geopark Products for Partners................................................................... 25

8- Appendix....................................................................................................

1- FOREWORD

Partnership relations are a fundamental prerequisite for a Geopark and need to be established with various stakeholders within its territory: restaurants, hotels, homestays, museums, tour guides, products, etc.

Partnership for this Geopark is essential:

- To bring about sustainable and harmonized economic development for the local population.

- To participate in building a unified image of the Geopark.

- To encourage local residents and stakeholders to engage in the process of building and developing the Geopark.

- To enhance the quality of products and services within the Geopark area.

Any type of partnership for the Geopark should include:

- Clear criteria that align with the quality levels required by the Geopark.

- Defined commitments for both partners and the Geopark.

- Formal agreements.

- Rigorous evaluation tools for potential partners.

- Strict procedures.

- A long-term strategy that professional staff can continuously monitor and control, ensuring the corresponding development of partner quality.

2- CONCEPT

In various potential partnership models of Geopark, developing a partnership policy with homestay accommodations is a priority due to the specific context of Geopark and the current situation.

Developing homestay accommodations is related to a form of tourism with choice, where travelers have the opportunity to experience life in a typical village of the local community. This experiential tourism model is becoming increasingly popular with foreign tourists. In contrast to mass tourism, the development of homestay accommodations should ideally be small-scale, low-density, flexible, and spontaneous. More importantly, it should be owned and operated by local communities to ensure that economic benefits directly reach the residents.

As a form of community-based tourism, the concept of homestay is now recognized as a tool for rural development. Developing homestay accommodations can enhance the quality of life for locals by generating income, supporting local handicrafts, arts, and culture, encouraging the restoration of historical sites, and promoting understanding of UNESCO Global Geoparks and conservation efforts through community education[1].

"With many international tourists seeking rural tourism experiences, the systematic development of the homestay model will be crucial in creating a 'new brand' of experiential tourism, introducing rural lifestyles, providing an affordable accommodation option rich in cultural and educational elements. The appeal of homestay development lies not only in the physical village itself but in the entire village experience, where community activities and interactions play a significant role."[2]

          To deploy and operate the Geopark's homestay partnership, it is necessary to provide an organized strategy and tools to provide quality professional management. The success of this partnership mechanism depends greatly on the Geopark's understanding of the basic requirements for the quality of visitor experience the perspective of homestay services.

          3- PROPOSED CRITERIA[3]

          The proposed criteria that need to be submitted to the Geopark for analysis, adjustment and decision include the following areas:

          Ownership, amenities, activities, authenticity, management, decor, safety, security, marketing, sustainability principles and communications.

Reviewing the Homestays currently operating in the Geopark and considering the important differences in quality existing between different Homestays, will adjust to identify 2 current situations of the Geopark's homestay partners:

          - Basic standard homestay

          - Homestay 1 star ★

          In the list of criteria, criteria related to the ★ level for homestays are italicized with the symbol at the end.

This list of criteria is expanded and constitutes an "optimal quality".

To be realistic, and especially for the first phase of cooperation, Geoparks will have to adapt this list to their situation/context and choose which criteria are more adaptive and easier to implement.

          1. Landlord

          1.1 Village and community Homestays must be located near cultural and natural tourist attractions/around heritage sites of the Geopark

          1.2 Homestay provider

          1.2.1 Homestay providers must have no criminal record.

          1.2.2 The homestay provider is in good health and has no infectious diseases

          1.2.3 Homestay providers need to have official business registration

          1.2.4 The homeowner can live next to or inside the homestay

        1.2.5 Each homestay provider must attend and complete a basic training course (for each individual household) organized by the Geopark.

          2. Amenities

          2.1 House

          2.1.1 The structure of the house must be in good, stable and safe condition such as roof, walls, doors, floors, etc.

          2.1.2 Construction design and materials must reflect vernacular architecture and local identity (at least in part).

          Design and construction materials must reflect vernacular architecture and local identity (completely).

          2.1.3 The homestay provider must provide guest bedroom(s) separate other bedrooms in the house.

          2.1.4 There will be a minimum of one (1) guest bathroom/toilet in the guest room or in the house.

          Bedroom has private bathroom and toilet

          2.1.5 The house has an adequate and continuous clean water supply in the house

          2.1.6 Decoration and furnishings must reflect local characteristics (landscape, etc.)

          2.2 Bedrooms

          2.2.1 Provide basic amenities and interior decoration in guest bedrooms such as fans, tables, cabinets, cupboards, mirrors, electrical sockets, mosquito nets or mosquito scents, etc.

Provide good amenities and furnishings in guest bedrooms such as bedside lamps, tables, chairs, adaptive plugs, etc..

          2.2.2 Accommodates a maximum of 15 guests and four bedrooms in the house (not used by any member of the provider/homestay owner) are reserved for homestay guests

          2.2.3 Provide traditional "beds" with appropriate "mattresses" and pillows.

Provides good standard beds such as single and double beds

          2.2.4 If necessary, windows should be fitted with screens to keep out mosquitoes and other insects or good mosquito nets should be provided for each bed.

          2.2.5 Bed sheets will be changed when necessary; and replace before providing to the next customer.

          2.3 Toilet/bathroom

          2.3.1 Provide squat/flat toilets inside or outside the house

Provide a sit-down toilet in a private bathroom

          2.3.2 Provide basic toilets and bathrooms including locking doors in all toilets and bathrooms

          Provide good toilet and bathroom (mirror, mirror light, wash basin, shower, plug, etc..)

          2.3.3 Always provide adequate clean water

          3. Activities

          3.1 Village and community activities

          Village and community activities will optimally exploit and introduce local resources as follows:

          3.1.1 Indigenous heritage and culture

          3.1.2 Local enterprises (Micro-enterprises, farms, local handicrafts, handicrafts).

          3.1.3 Natural resources (forests; rivers; caves; lakes, etc.) and potentials of the Geopark

          3.2. Surrounding activities

          3.2.1 Visiting heritage sites of the Geopark around the area must be introduced in the homestay with a full program/itinerary, with the homestay being the basic point.

          3.2.2 Coordinate with other villages in the surrounding/surrounding area to diversify activities as well as increase effects

          3.3. Originality

          3.3.1 The homestay community must preserve its identity, and culture, to provide a lively and authentic experience

          3.3.2 Preserve and attract visitors to participate in community activities to demonstrate community spirit and social cohesion.

          3.3.3 Preserve and introduce local crafts and artistic performances through inviting indigenous cultural and artistic groups and associations

          4. Management

          4.1. Organization

          4.1.1 The homestay management unit must have a systematic structure with clear roles and responsibilities

          4.1.2 Management units must create conditions for empowering local women and youth.

          4.1.3 The village government will approve the establishment of a homestay management unit that is operated commercially but must be the responsible unit.

          4.2. Client database

          4.2.1 Create a registration and reservation system to keep records of arrivals, country and length of stay, etc.

          4.2.2 The guest database will also record comments, complaints and suggestions guests.

          5. Location

          5.1. Accessibility

          5.1.1 The location of the homestay is accessible by any mode of transport (to a distance of at least 1 km)

          5.1.2 Provide clear signage to guide guests to the Homestay

          6. Cleaning

          6.1. House (kitchen, bedroom and bathroom)

          6.1.1 All rooms, kitchens and bathrooms must be kept clean and free stench, dust, cobwebs, trash, etc.

          6.1.2 The kitchen floor must be cleaned regularly and free stains and spills.

          6.1.3 Toilets, bathtubs, wells and sinks must be cleaned regularly and kept free of dirt, stains and unpleasant odors

          6.1.4 Use disinfectant to keep the restroom clean and germ-free.

          6.1.5 Provide soap, shampoo, toilet tissue and clean towels

          6.2. Surrounding Environment

          6.2.1. The surroundings must be free of waste.

          6.2.2. Eliminate mosquito breeding sites such as clogged drains, garbage bins, stagnant water pools, etc.

          6.2.3. Encourage homestays and other residents to beautify the village landscape and maintain the use of local vegetation carpets.

          6.3. Food Preparation

          6.3.1. The kitchen must be in good condition, clean, and well-ventilated.

          6.3.2. Kitchen utensils must be in good condition, clean, and stored in a dry place.

          6.3.3. Cracked dishes, cups, and glasses, etc., should not be used to serve meals to guests.

          6.3.4. Family members involved in food preparation must have good personal hygiene and undergo proper health checks.

          6.3.5. Meat, poultry, fish, and other ingredients used in food preparation must be fresh and preferably sourced local markets/suppliers.

          6.3.6. Food must be wrapped/stored properly.

          6.3.7. Guests must be served safe drinking water.

          7. Security and Safety

          7.1. Participants voluntarily participating in adventurous eco-activities must register their names and contact numbers for recording/monitoring purposes.

          7.2. Homestays must have a first aid/emergency kit + fire extinguisher.

          7.3. Homestays must have a phone connected to emergency numbers.

          8. Website Promotion

          8.1. It is advisable to develop a website and/or use social media networks to promote the homestay and handle online booking.

          Homestay has one well-functioning and effective website.

          8.2. It is recommended to attract young people in the village to maintain and online advertising materials.

          9. Sustainability Principles

          9.1. Economic Sustainability

          9.1.1. Employment

          Homestays must hire and employ staff the local community.

          9.2. Consumption

          9.2.1. Homestays should purchase raw materials and products local microenterprises.

          9.2.2. Encourage guests to purchase locally produced goods and set up a handicraft sales area in the homestay center/common area to showcase local products.

          9.3. Environmental Sustainability

          9.3.1. Limit and minimize the physical impact of tourists, especially on sensitive natural and cultural environments.

          9.3.2. Do not encourage guests to participate in activities that exploit local flora and fauna.

          9.4. Cultural and Social Sustainability

          9.4.1. Inform guests about the necessity of respecting local customs with appropriate behavior.

          9.4.2. Ensure that the local community is educated about the importance of preserving their culture.

          9.4.3. Prohibit participation in or allowing commercial sex activities or the use of illegal drugs.

          10. Media

          10.1. Homestay provides free Wi-Fi access in common areas and/or bedrooms.

          10.2. Members of the Homestay family can speak basic English.

          Members of the Homestay family can speak fluent English.

          4- GEOPARK COMMITMENT

          Since the Geopark partner will have to commit in the official partnership agreement (see Appendix), the Geopark, on its part, must also make important commitments:

          4.1. Administrative:

- Establish formal agreements with each homestay partner of Geopark.

- Organize consultations, provide support in construction, and monitor Geopark partners (refer to the personnel chapter) or potential partners of Geopark.

- Arrange support on a case-by-case basis by traditional architecture and construction experts to advise homestay partners needing to construct or restore a traditional house.

- Provide guest registration books, record feedback, and keep logs of adventurous activities.

          4.2. Health care:

          - Provide (if necessary) a first aid/emergency kit to Geopark homestays.

          4.3 Training:

- Organize training sessions for Geopark homestay partners and Geopark heritage sites near the homestay partners. Recommend at least 1 day/year.

- Conduct training on tourist safety and emergency measures  

  4.4 Promotion:

- Provide each homestay selected as a partner of Geopark with a partnership certificate, an identification sign displaying the partner status will be displayed at the homestay facilities.

- Provide each Geopark homestay partner with brochures, Geopark general information boards (advertising signs, publications, etc.).

- Promote Geopark homestay partners on the Geopark website and through brochures, publications, trade shows (domestic and international?), etc.

 5- EVALUATION PROCEDURES

5.1.    Personnel working for LSaUGGp's official partner program (LSPS)

To develop an official Geopark partner policy, the Geopark Management Board will have to identify personnel to work for the official Geopark partner program (or recruit new members) dedicated to monitoring and developing develop partnerships.

This personnel needs to have complete equipment to work (computer, transportation, camera - or quality smartphone for taking photos-, etc.), good skills in Geopark knowledge, tourism skills, understanding the local situation and good English (check criterion 10.2). An expert in architecture and traditional construction techniques needs to be recruited or have a long-term contract with Geopark 's partner working group (check basic criteria 2.1.2 and support the homestay project).

5.2.    Identify potential Geopark Homestay partners

In this first phase of Lang Son Geopark's official partnership strategy, LSPS will have to identify potential homestays to fulfill the cooperation criteria. Therefore, officials of the Provincial Tourism Authority, District leaders and the community need to help and guide the selection first and be followed by on-site inspections of the potentials, desires and interests of tourists. Homestay owner to become a partner of Lang Son Geopark.

Lang Son Geopark completes inspection before considering potential homestay candidacy as an official partner:

- In accordance with Vietnamese law, registered for official homestay service

- Homestay has completed the criteria of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) using the National Standards prescribed by the Ministry of Science and Technology in Decision 736/2009/QD-BKHCN dated May 4, 2009 and TCVN 7799:2009 motels for tourists; – TCVN 7800:2009 The house has rooms for rent to tourists[4].

5.3.    Expertise

After checking the points related to 5.2, the homestay candidate needs to be assessed by a member of the CBPS. Evaluations are conducted directly on-site for Geopark homestay candidates and must follow the checklist and procedures as described in 5.4

After the appraisal is completed, CBPS must develop a detailed report on the homestay candidate.

This report must follow the provisions of marksheet 5.4 and provide answers/comments for each item including photographs and relevant documents.

At the end of the CBPS report, you should indicate in your opinion whether the Homestay meets the criteria to become an official partner of Homestay Geopark (standard or ★)

This checklist will need to be revised according to Geopark's decision and choice to apply the Geopark criteria (Chapter 3)

5.4.    Due diligence checklist

6- RATING EVALUATION

For the early stages of Geopark's homestay partnership, and making an objective evaluation decision, it is recommended to conduct a very simple evaluation without any ratio (weighting).

6.1 Homestay partner of Geopark Standard class

On the basis of the rating page below for Geopark standard class homestay partners, 62 questions need to be taken. With each question equaling 1 point, that means a total of 62 points.

In column S (standard), gray cells need to be evaluated positively (1 point).

The total number of these (mandatory) gray cells is 37.

Can recommend a total of 37 points / 62 points (plus points in all gray boxes) must be the minimum to be recognized as a Geopark Homestay partner

6.2  Homestay partner of Geopark class ★

12 questions specific to this category (yellow). For each question, 1 point means 12 maximum points

Gray cells, in this column, need a positive rating (1 point)

Geopark Homestay partner needs ★:

1) Same as standard class Homestay, minimum total score is 37/62 (plus points in all gray boxes)

2) Minimum 10 points / 12 points in column ★ (add points in all yellow boxes)

6.3 Evaluation form

This rating form will need to be revised according to GEOPARK's decision and choice to apply the GEOPARK criteria (Chapter 3)