Since September, a series of destinations across the country have welcomed visitors back as the second wave of Covid-19 infections has been brought under control.

Tran Quoc Temple. Photo: baodangcongsan

Tourism reactivated

In Hanoi, tour companies focus on exploiting the city’s autumn specialties as well as taking advantage of the discount programs of many accommodation establishments.

Specifically, Hanoitourist Travel Company has launched “Hanoi autumn” tour with a discount of up to 50% for accommodation, including 3-day-2-night stay in 5-star hotel Metropole Hanoi with prices starting from VND3.3 million (US$142).

Director of the company Phung Quang Thang said that as Covid-19 is under control, it is the right time for the tourism industry to resume activities based on stimulating demand with the aim of restoring the market.

In the North, tourism activities in the provinces and cities of Hanoi, Cao Bang, Lao Cai, Son La, Ninh Binh, Quang Ninh, Thanh Hoa, Quang Binh have started to bustle again, with many preferential policies in place.

VietSense Tourism Co. has launched autumn and winter tours at prices from VND1.9 million (US$81.8) to VND2.3 million (US$99) per person, which focus on discovery excursions. September – November is the ripening rice season, terraced fields in Mu Cang Chai, Tu Le (Yen Bai province), Hoang Su Phi, Xin Man (Ha Giang province), Simacai (Lao Cai province) are the favorite destinations.

Meanwhile, Flamingo Redtours Tourism Company offers packages focusing on exploring the beauty of the northern mountainous provinces with prices ranging from VND1.3 million (US$56) to VND2.6 million (US$112) per person.

Quang Ngai province, once among the hot spots of the Covid-19 pandemic after its resurgence since the end of July, has resume high-speed boat service for taking tourists to Ly Son island from Sa Ky port.

Starting from September 6, the tourist city of Hoi An (Quang Nam province), which lifted social distancing measures a week ago, has allowed the resumption of sightseeing activities and art shows in the old town. 

Since September 8, Binh Dinh and Phu Yen provinces have welcomed tourists back and allowed non-essential service establishments to reopen.

Ho Chi Minh City also allows the reopening of bars, pubs, discos, festivals, fairs and tourist attractions from September 7. Previously, the provinces of Tay Ninh, Dong Thap, An Giang, Ca Mau, Kien Giang also reopened their tourist attractions.

Solutions in the new situation

The beauty of Hanoi in the autumn. Photo: hanoimoi

To develop tourism effectively in the new situation, Director General of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Trung Khanh said that tourism industry is trying to realize the dual goal of containing Covid-19 and boosting socio-economic activities. Currently, the VNAT is mapping out the scenarios for tourism development in the new situation. 

The second stimulus scenario is not only to focus on “Vietnamese People Travel in Vietnam”, but also expands to include “Living in Vietnam”, in anticipation of more than 5,000 incoming arrivals to Vietnam per week when international flights to Vietnam are resumed. In addition, many new products and methods are being studied to include in this stimulus scenario, Mr. Khanh added.

Deputy Director in charge of the Hanoi Department of Tourism Tran Trung Hieu said that in order for the tourism industry to flourish in the new situation, each locality needs to have its own way to exploit its potential and characteristics, then offer tailored tours to attract customers. 

Hanoi will promote the development of heritage tourism, and promote the night-time industry with a focus on improving quality and attractiveness of products, Hieu said.

In addition, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism also required that all destinations, transportation activities, and tour operators to fully comply with regulations on Covid-19 prevention such as medical declaration, asking tourists to wear face masks, keeping safe distance, providing hand sanitizers for tourists.

Deputy Minister of Culture and Sports and Nguyen Van Hung Tourism said that in order for tourism to develop sustainably in the new situation, besides stimulating demand, the most important thing is to ensure safety for tourists.