(VOVWORLD) - The pilot program to welcome back international visitors to Vietnam has managed to ensure epidemic prevention and control while providing interesting experiences for tourists. The success of the program and the decision to fully reopen tourism on March 15 are breathing new life into the sector. Preparations for the industry’s full reopening are well underway.
 Da Nang is ready for the return of international tourists after 2 years of the pandemic. |
As soon as the Government approved the sector’s proposal to fully reopen tourism on March 15, travel agents and tourism companies began designing new tourism products and arranging schedules, transportation, and accommodation to receive the expected influx of travelers after 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nguyen Van Hung, Deputy Director of Vietfoot Travel, said, “The pandemic has seriously affected the tourism and service industries. With the decision to reopen tourism, we hope, the tourism sector will revive.”
Establishments that provide accommodation have prepared to welcome back foreign tourists.
Muong Thanh Luxury Danang was among the hotels that receive international visitors during the pilot phase. The hotel’s staff have all received their third dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
Ngo Thi Huong, the hotel’s Deputy Director, said, “We’re ready to serve visitors and create a new atmosphere for Da Nang’s tourism industry. The tourism sector has been reinvigorated by new investment and new Government policies.”
Vietnam is poised to show its competitive advantage over neighboring tourism markets.
All tourism service providers will strictly enforce health safety measures for both visitors and staff – vaccinated visitors, green destinations, green tourism products, and staff members all vaccinated three times.
Localities have piloted new tourism models and products they hope will be attractive to the international tourists who will start coming this month.
 Foreign visitors to the Hue Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO-recognized World Cultural Heritage |
Tran Huu Thuy Giang, Director of Thua Thien-Hue’s Tourism Department, said the province's tourism sector has introduced an evening pedestrian zone around the Hue Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO-recognized World Cultural Heritage, as well as a Dong Ba night market and a variety of tourist attractions along the banks of the Perfume River.
Giang said this year Hue will focus on the theme “Hue – safe and friendly destination” in a series of communication programs designed to boost local brands – Hue, the Culinary Capital and Hue, the Capital of Ao Dai (Vietnam’s traditional long dress).
“To prepare for full reopening, we’ve focused on new products and services. One of this year’s highlights is an Imperial Citadel “night street zone” to complement the ‘Hue Royal Palace at night’,” said Giang.
He added, “The Hue Heritage Conservation Center is working closely with the city administration to create even more new products. The Department of Tourism is redesigning tourism models around waterfalls at community tourism destinations.”
The tourism industry is eagerly anticipating its reopening next Tuesday. This year Vietnam hopes to serve 65 million tourists, 5 million of them from abroad, and earn 17.5 billion USD in revenues.