Hue Ecolodge awarded Travelife Gold Certification

As responsible travel becomes a global imperative, modern travelers are seeking destinations that not only enchant the senses but also honor nature and empower local communities. At Hue Ecolodge, green hospitality is not a short-term marketing trend - it has been our core operating philosophy since day one.

We are immensely proud to announce that Hue Ecolodge has officially been awarded the Travelife Gold Certification for Sustainable Tourism - a prestigious international benchmark reaffirming our enduring commitment to preserving the rustic beauty, cultural heritage, and pristine ecosystem of Thuy Bieu Village and the historic city of Hue.

1. What is Travelife Gold Certification & why does it matter?

Travelife is a leading international sustainability certification scheme for the travel and accommodation industry, supported by the European Commission and recognized by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC).

Achieving Travelife Gold status requires full compliance with over 160 rigorous criteria, including:

• Environmental stewardship: Energy conservation, water resource management, strict waste sorting, and the complete elimination of single-use plastics.

• Social responsibility & human rights: Ensuring safe, fair, transparent, and equitable working conditions for all team members.

• Cultural preservation & community development: Safeguarding local heritage and fostering sustainable economic opportunities for local residents.

Retaining this international recognition proves that Hue Ecolodge not only delivers high-quality guest experiences but also maintains the highest environmental and social standards consistently across every aspect of our operations.

2. The Journey Toward Gold: A Hands-On Effort Powered by One Unified Family

Earning the Travelife Gold Certification is never a matter of mere paperwork. It is the result of months of persistent, detailed, and collective dedication from the entire Hue Ecolodge team.

Intensive Internal Training & Specialized Workshops

Prior to the audit, comprehensive training sessions and internal workshops were conducted continuously. From executive management to our Front Office, Housekeeping, F&B, Kitchen, Engineering, and Gardening teams - everyone actively participated. Each training module was tailored specifically to the daily operational reality of every department.

Daily Practices in Every Small Detail

• Housekeeping & Engineering Teams: Re-trained on precise waste sorting at source (recyclables, organic waste, and hazardous materials); performing routine checks to prevent water leakage and tracking energy consumption in every wooden Nhà Rường house.

• Kitchen & F&B Teams: Enforcing strict food safety standards, prioritizing fresh ingredients sourced directly from Thuy Bieu farmers (such as seasonal vegetables and iconic local pomelos), while drastically minimizing food wrap and single-use plastic packaging.

• Front Office & Guest Experience Teams: Enhancing their ability to authentically share Hue’s rich heritage with guests, while gently guiding visitors on how to practice eco-friendly travel (such as reusing towels and conserving water/energy).

Strict On-Site Inspection by Travelife Auditors

When Travelife’s official auditor visited Hue Ecolodge, the entire resort underwent a thorough, real-time evaluation:

• Infrastructure & Facility Checks: On-site verification of our compliant wastewater treatment system before discharge, central waste sorting stations, fire safety protocols, and workplace safety equipment.

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• Policy & Documentation Audits: Rigorous review of employment contracts, transparent payroll records, social insurance coverage, child protection guidelines, and equal opportunity policies.

• Direct Employee Interviews: Auditors randomly interviewed local staff across gardening, housekeeping, and kitchen teams to assess their genuine understanding of green practices and overall workplace satisfaction.

Our attention to every detail and our authentic commitment to daily sustainability allowed Hue Ecolodge to pass this rigorous audit with flying colors.

3. The 3 Core Pillars of Sustainability at Hue Ecolodge

Travelife Gold standards are naturally woven into our daily rhythm across three fundamental pillars:

Green Environment - Preserving the Natural Beauty of Thuy Bieu Village

• Resource Management: Utilizing energy-efficient systems, maximizing natural light, and operating compliant eco-friendly wastewater treatment facilities.

• Plastic Reduction: Eliminating single-use plastic bottles and straws in guest rooms and dining areas, replacing them with ceramic, glass, and handcrafted bamboo alternatives.

• Ecosystem Conservation: Maintaining low construction density to safeguard the surrounding lush pomelo orchards and serene natural greenery.

Green Culture - Preserving Authentic Hue Heritage

• Nhà Rường Architecture: Restoring and preserving traditional wooden Nhà Rường houses with moss-covered tile roofs, offering an authentic, nostalgic stay deeply rooted in Vietnamese tradition.

• Local Culinary Arts: Serving authentic Hue dishes and signature recipes infused with fresh Thuy Bieu pomelo (thanh trà).

• Heritage Experiences: Hosting intimate cultural encounters, such as traditional Ca Huế (Hue Folk Song) performances on the porch of our wooden houses, or hands-on workshops on pomelo jam and conical hat making.

Green People - Empowering the Local Community

• Local Employment: Prioritizing employment for residents of Thuy Bieu Village and the city of Hue, who make up the majority of our workforce.

• Fair & Supportive Workplace: Providing competitive wages, comprehensive insurance coverage, continuous skill development (including English language and green hospitality training), and fostering a warm, family-like working environment.

• Community Partnership: Collaborating with local artisans, home-gardeners, and cyclo drivers to support a thriving, community-based tourism ecosystem.

4. A Note of Gratitude

Sustainability is a continuous journey that demands daily dedication and shared values. Retaining and achieving Travelife Gold is more than just a title - it is a heartfelt promise of our love for nature and reverence for heritage.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Our Valued Guests, Partners, and the People of Thuy Bieu Village. By choosing and walking alongside Hue Ecolodge, every stay directly contributes to protecting the environment and nurturing sustainable growth for this beloved land of Hue.

We warmly invite you to visit Hue Ecolodge - to experience a peaceful, green getaway filled with authentic hospitality and mindful choices! ❤️