(TITC) - This is the topic of a seminar held by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MOCST) on 24th January 2022 to promote the recovery and development of tourism, especially international tourism in the upcoming time according to the direction of the Prime Minister. The seminar was chaired by Mr. Nguyen Van Hung, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism under a face-to-face and online platform, with the participation of relevant ministries, departments, authorities and key tourism localities across the country.
Mr. Nguyen Van Hung, Minister of the MOCST giving a speech at the seminar
The seminar was held to evaluate the results of the implementation of the pilot plan to welcome international tourists, list out obstacles, difficulties and ‘barriers’ during the implementation, as well as raise opinions and recommendations from localities, businesses to come up with solutions; at the same time, affirm the necessary conditions to ensure the safety operating of international tourism activities. On that basis, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will summarise and submit a report to the Prime Minister for approval on the roadmap to reopen international tourism.
The implementation of the pilot plan to welcome international tourists: over 8,500 arrivals have been welcomed
Reporting on the results of the implementation of the pilot plan to welcome international tourists, Mr. Nguyen Trung Khanh, Chairman of Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) indicated that in 2021, tourism industry has changed its motto of action from ‘Zero Covid-19’ to ‘safe, flexible and effective control of the Covid-19 pandemic adaptation’ to cope with the impact of the pandemic. Following the direction of the Government and the Prime Minister, the tourism industry has implemented a pilot plan to welcome international tourists with ‘Vaccine passport’ to 5 localities Kien Giang, Khanh Hoa, Quang Nam, Da Nang and Quang Ninh at the end of 2021, towards the complete restoration of tourism activities, ensuring safe adaptation to the pandemic in the context of the new normal.
Mr. Nguyen Trung Khanh, VNAT's Chairman reporting about the pilot plan to welcome international tourists and the proposal of roadmap and solutions to reopen international tourism
As of 23rd January 2022, Vietnam tourism has welcomed over 8,500 international arrivals to 3 localities: Phu Quoc (Kien Giang Province), Khanh Hoa, and Quang Nam. Tourists are mainly from Russia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Singapore, the UK, the US, Canada… in which, Phu Quoc (Kien Giang Province) has welcomed 1,282 arrivals, Khanh Hoa received 7,000 arrivals and 239 arrivals to Quang Nam.
Overview of the Seminar
Although it is not long after the implementation of the pilot plan and the number of international tourists is not much, there are important and remarkable results that show a positive sign to Vietnam tourism, affirming that Vietnam is a ‘safe and attractive’ tourist destination and the capacity of ‘safe and flexible adaptation’ of the Vietnam tourism industry. Those factors are an enormous encouragement to completely open up international tourism, regain growth momentum, and contribute to the sustainable development of the leading economic sector.
A roadmap proposal for an early opening for international tourism
With that result, VNAT reported to the leaders of the MOCST to propose and submit to the Government a roadmap and solutions to reopen international tourism as follows: From now to 30th April 2022, pursue the phase 2 of the pilot plan. From 1st May 2022, fully opening international tourism, welcoming international tourists to Vietnam (inbound) and allowing outbound travel through all international border gates.
Overview of the seminar
According to the assessment of localities and businesses attending the seminar, the implementation of the pilot plan indicates the country’s prestige and capacity to prevent and control the Covid-19 pandemic over the past time, confirming the righteousness of the ‘vaccine strategy’ policy of the Party and Government. This is also a driving force to encourage localities and tourism businesses to be determined to restore tourism activities after 2 years, to actively reconnect the market, research and develop new tourism products, adjust business strategies to be ready with the industry to restore fully international tourism.
Speaking in the seminar, representatives of ministries, the Private Sector Research and Development Board of Government and the Vietnam Tourism Association agreed with the result and the opening roadmap proposal of the MOCST. Simultaneously, adjust the policy to provide favourable conditions to welcome international tourists to Vietnam. Many opinions suggested that the Government should approve to reopen fully 1-3 months earlier than the proposal, so that tourists can have time to plan the travel itineraries and booking and tourism businesses can thoroughly prepare the facilities and services to meet tourists demand.
Speaking in the seminar, Mr. Nguyen Van Hung, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism affirmed that although Vietnam owns a huge potential in tourism development and has been recognised by many prestigious awards by international organisations, absorbs many precious lessons and experiences from the implementation of the pilot plan and being one of the six countries with the largest vaccine coverage in the world as well as receives an enormous support from the Government to fully reopen, the tourism industry has to cope with certain difficulties in reopening up to international tourism such as the ability to prevent and control the Covid-19 pandemic on a large scale; ununified among localities in pandemic prevention and control implementation nationwide causing obstacles for businesses and tourists in the process of implementing tours and routes; exhausted businesses need time to recover, connect services and supplement and train human resources post the pandemic..
Mr. Nguyen Van Hung, Minister of the MOCST wrapping up the seminar
Therefore, through this seminar, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism will have a broader perspective to compile and report to the Government to consider and decide when will be the golden time to fully reopen the international tourism market. While waiting for the Government's permission, the tourism industry will continue to open its doors to international visitors according to the itinerary from now until April 30.
Tourism Information Technology Center