While Covid-19 evolution is still battering Ho Chi Minh city and some neighboring provinces,  Hanoi and some northern localities are preparing to rebuild tourism. Many tourist sites where the Covid-19 pandemic is under control have reopened for visitors. The tourism industry is working out plans to welcome visitors yet ensuring Covid-19 countermeasures.  

Provincial tourism opens

Vietnam hopes to welcome international tourists in the near future. Photo: Nadova Tours

Quang Ninh is the first northern province to restart its tourism. It allowed the reopening of tourist establishments since June 8 provided that they comply with safety measures. Similarly, golf courses in Ninh Binh province were open on June 12, for golfers both from Ninh Binh and other places with a certificate of Covid-19 vaccination. 

From June 13, Hai Phong city has given permission to tourist sites and lodging services to reopen to domestic tourists. 

In the central region, the Hue Monuments Conservation Center started welcoming visitors on June 11. Meanwhile, Quang Nam province reopens a part of the Hoi An - Cu Lao Cham sightseeing route and My Son sanctuary. In Ninh Thuan province, tourist areas, relic sites, and museums reopened from June 9.

Standing Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Tourism Association Vu The Binh said that in the complicated Covid-19 pandemic, allowing tourism businesses to operate with prevention measures will help provinces and cities achieve the twin goals of fighting against the pandemic and promoting socio-economic development.

Director of Hanoi Tourist Phung Quang Thang told The Hanoi Times “The development of provincial and municipal tourism will meet the increasing travel demand of local people in the summer as well as help the tourism industry ‘warm up’ gradually after being ‘frozen’ by the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Seizing the opportunity

Bac Mon or North Gate of Thang Long Citadel in Phan Dinh Phung Street, Hanoi. Photo: Cao Duy Tai

In Hanoi, with the Covid-19 situation under control, municipal authorities have approved the reopening of indoor dining and drinking venues along with barbershops, effective from midnight June 21.

The capital also plans to inject 200.000 doses of vaccine per day for residents over 18 against Covid-19. The drive announced on June 23, is an attempt to restore the city's pace of life to a ‘new normal’ stage.

Earlier, many tourist sites have taken advantage of the temporary closure to upgrade services in anticipation of the reopening.

Hanoi’s museums, during the closure, checked, restored, and took care of artifacts. They have been collecting more documents and items, repairing and renovating facilities, and providing professional training for employees, among others.

The Hanoi Museum has designed and constructed a new exhibition area with the theme ‘Hanoi’s Nature’. Once finished, visitors will be able to visit and learn the typical features of the city’s biodiversity through the rich and unique system of artifacts, images, and documents with the support of modern technology to enhance their experience.

The Vietnam Fine Art Museum. Photo: Cao Hanh Quyen

Deputy Director of the Hanoi Museum Dang Minh Ve told The Hanoi Times: “This exhibition area is built under the consultation of a team of local and international scientists, historical and cultural researchers, and leading museum experts. We expect that the change in the display and approach will attract more visitors for interesting experiences.”

Director of Hanoi Department of Tourism Dang Huong Giang said that when the Covid-19 pandemic was under control, the city would allow more activities to take place, the capital's tourism industry would promote the program ‘Hanoi people travel in Hanoi’, and prepare to welcome international guests after Covid-19.

“Hanoi tourism will renovate the way of advertising and communication to attract tourists nationwide, including those who are working and living in Hanoi,” she said.