Hanoi’s Department of Tourism, Hanoi Railway Transport JSC (Haraco) and the UNESCO Hanoi Travel Club have launched a joint program to stimulate domestic travel by railway.

An signing ceremony between Hanoi's tourism authorities and Hanoi Railway. Photo: Bao Du lich.

The program would focus on building tour packages by train to places of interest in Quang Binh, Hue, Danang, Vinh, and Lao Cai. 

Due to the outbreak of Covid-19, in the first five months of 2020, the number of passengers transported by Hanoi Railway dropped 68% compared to the same period of 2019. In joining the city’s efforts to revive tourism, Haraco has launched a promotional program of up to 25% off ticket prices for groups from five people and more; tour operators purchasing more than 300 tickets per month will enjoy a 3% discount on tickets. 

In addition, Haraco has put into use high-quality passenger cars and dining car to serve on-board meals on request with diverse menu ensuring food safety and hygiene; offering customized train services at the request of travelers.

Hanoi’s tourism industry has shown positive signs when it reported welcoming 258,000 domestic visitors in May. The number of international visitors reached about 12,000, most of whom are diplomatic and stranded foreign tourists due to Covid-19.

Earlier, many tour operators, hotels and travel businesses in Hanoi have launched a host of stimulus packages to attract domestic travelers. Hanoi Redtour Travel Company is offering discounts of 30 to 35% on sea tours. Vietravel Hanoi Company and AZA Travel Company are also offering many new packages for travel with off-price up to 50%. 

Hotels in the city including Muong Thanh Grand Hanoi and Movenpick Hanoi are also offering attractive promotional activities.

The city continues encourage tour operators to take advantage of Hanoi’s potential of culture and outlying villages to build new tourism products and upgrade the current offers.

A wide range of cultural festivals will be held from now until the end of the year such as: Contemporary folklore festivals at the walking space around Hoan Kiem Lake; Hanoi culinary culture festival featuring food from North – Central – South and international; Hanoi craft village festival 2020 to diversify offers for tourists.