On June 13, the Hanoi Tourism Department launched a program to stimulate demand for four- and five-star hotel services among Hanoi residents and tourists.  

The vibrant nightlife of Hanoi. Photo: Yeu Ha Noi Group

The new move is part of the department's efforts to boost the local tourism as it though has shown signs of recovery still faced challenges that need to be addressed, including the unsynchronized system of tourist accommodation facilities, which has not yet been able to drive growth and meet the diverse needs of travelers, according to Nguyen Hong Minh, Deputy Director of the Hanoi's Department of Tourism. 

"At present, Hanoi suffers from a deficit of hotels with more than 1,000 rooms. The system of restaurants, catering, and shopping facilities is developing but still fragmented, and not yet linked in an effective input value chain to increase the value of tourism products. Travel businesses are still small, and few of them pay attention to investing in developing unique, typical products, nor do they have enough competitive strength to lead the international tourism market," Minh said.

How do we attract travelers to use accommodation services in the city and stay overnight in Hanoi? This is an issue of interest that the delegates discussed during the program.

Melia Hanoi Hotel on Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi. Photo courtesy of the hotel

According to Dang Huong Giang, Director of the Hanoi Tourism Department, although summer is not the peak tourist season, Hanoi is receiving a number of new, high-spending visitors, namely international students returning home for summer vacation. Currently, local hotels don't have much appeal for this segment, partly due to a lack of communication and promotion or attractive programs.

In order to encourage tourists to experience hotels in the city, the Hanoi Tourism Department urges hotels to develop programs and product packages that attract domestic tourists to Hanoi during off-peak periods. In addition, links and cooperation should be established between administrative agencies, associations, airlines, travel agencies, accommodation facilities, transport operators, destinations, and catering, shopping, and entertainment facilities for the synchronized development of the city's tourism products.

In particular, representatives of four- and five-star hotels in Hanoi revealed that they have been adopting tourism-boosting policies since this summer.

The tranquility of Hanoi. Photo: Le Duc Kim

Santiago Cabre, General Manager of the Meliá Hanoi Hotel, said that the hotel is offering a Mediterranean-style vacation package in response to the tourism stimulus program launched by the Hanoi Department of Tourism.

"For only VND3.9 million (US$150), our "Family Summer Break" offers visitors a comfortable travel experience in style right in the heart of Hanoi. The whole family can get together, play comfortably after lunch, and take a nap... whenever they want," he told The Hanoi Times.

In addition, to attract more visitors, the hotel also organizes monthly culinary events such as the Father's Day Celebration Sunday Party; and a Seafood Party to celebrate Vietnamese Family Day with the promotion of "eat four, pay three" for early booking customers.

In addition, the hotel is also offering snacks and draught beer to Euro 2024 watchers on the bar's big screen.

Meanwhile, Pan Pacific Hanoi Hotel said that they are ready for summer promotions, responding to the initiative of Hanoi authorities.

Overlooking the West Lake and Truc Bach Lake, Pan Pacific Hanoi Hotel offers breathtaking views. Photo courtesy of the hotel

Customers will receive a 10% discount on room rates (average price VND2,750,000 or $108), free room upgrades, and a 15% discount on food and beverage services.

"2024 will be a year of rapid growth for the local tourism industry," said Christoph Marcel Strahm, General Manager of Pan Pacific Hanoi Hotel, "The 70th anniversary of the capital's Liberation Day, which falls on October 10 this year, is a typical cultural-economic-social event that promises to attract a large influx of domestic and international tourists as well as diplomats. Hanoi should seize the opportunity to promote tourism."

"To better serve travelers who want to experience local life and cuisine, the hotel will offer many authentic Vietnamese dishes, including banh khot or mini savory pancakes, banh trang tron or a popular Vietnamese street food made of rice paper mixed with a variety of other ingredients, among others," he added.

The terrace café of the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter. Photo courtesy of the hotel

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Hotel has a preferential policy for tourists booking on weekends, which allows check-in at noon and check-out at 2 p.m. JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi offers discounts for families on vacation at VND4.5 million ($177) per night, coupled with additional services such as breakfast, afternoon tea, and BBQ experience, while Silk Path Hotel Hanoi is offering a 15% discount for vacationers this summer.

Giang believes that with the participation of these hotels, the city's tourism department's initiative can help boost tourism and meet the demand of residents and tourists this summer. Giang believes that with the participation of these hotels, the city's tourism department's initiative can help boost tourism and meet the demand of residents and tourists this summer. It is expected to contribute to Hanoi's tourism industry's goal of welcoming 27 million visitors, including 5.5 million international visitors, by 2024.