Connectivity crucial for domestic tourism to reboot post-COVID-19
Enhancing connectivity between tourism service providers and promoting the role of major travel companies would help the domestic tourism sector address its existing problems, a recent meeting in Hanoi heard.
Hanoi (VNA) - Enhancing connectivity between tourismservice providers and promoting the role of major travel companies would help thedomestic tourism sector address its existing problems, a recent meeting inHanoi heard.
Proposals were submitted given the increasingly fiercecompetition between tourism service providers post-COVID-19, when they have nochoice but to focus on the domestic market.
Many major players have conducted large promotionalprogrammes, pushing smaller firms to the brink of bankruptcy.
Jointly held by the Vietnam National Administration ofTourism (VNAT), the Vietnam Tourism Advisory Board (TAB), and the PrivateEconomic Development Research Board, delegates at the meeting suggested thatlocalities, tourism sites, and tourism businesses join hands to developattractive packages with good quality and reasonable prices.
Major firms should play a leading role in order tocreate momentum, which would contribute to restarting the domestic tourismmarket, Head of VNAT Nguyen Trung Khanh said.
TAB Chairman Tran Trong Kien said large companies needto commit to not offering unsafe or low-quality products or cutting prices tobelow cost to stymie the competition.
VNAT has also established a tourism promotion alliancewith the participation of leading companies in all tourism service supplychains.
A survey conducted by the TAB found that more than 53percent of respondents are ready to travel this summer now that the pandemic hasbeen brought under control in Vietnam.
They prefer destinations that are safe from thedisease and are secure, while only 20 percent prioritize service discounts.
Half selected short tours, while 89 percent said they wishto travel with families or friends.
Nearly 45 percent of respondents opted for online tourbookings.
Many localities have joined hands recently to developtourism products while airlines have played an active role in launching budgettour packages, which bode well for the domestic tourism sector./.
The tourism sector is making concerted efforts to recover after a stagnant stage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on promoting domestic travel while preparing to welcome foreign arrivals.
Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh has instructed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) to coordinate with other ministries, agencies and localities to effectively implement policies and directives from the Party, Government, and Prime Minister on tourism development.
Da Nang's appeal stems from its numerous outstanding tourist attractions, particularly My Khe Beach, Sun World Ba Na Hills resort, and the ancient town of Hoi An. Additionally, Da Nang tourism is renowned for its affordability, especially attractive to young travellers and couples, according to Chosun Ilbo.
With new direct flights from major Indian cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru, Vietnam is becoming an increasingly compelling destination for Indian tourists seeking a quick, emotionally rich four-day escape that blends luxury, culture, and natural wonder.
By source market, China continued to lead with 3.1 million visitors, equivalent to 25.5% of all foreign arrivals. The Republic of Korea followed with 2.5 million, or 20.7%. Other major markets included Taiwan (China) with 737,000, the US with 522,000, and Japan with 380,000.
Khanh Hoa has welcomed 16 international cruises so far this year, with more than 19,000 tourists disembarking to explore the province’s scenic landscapes and renowned cultural, religious, and artistic landmarks, as well as to enjoy local cuisine and sightseeing tours.
According to local plans, fireworks shows will be held at multiple locations, with Ha Long Bay as the focal point. More than mere entertainment, these displays are part of a strategic cultural tourism product aimed at strengthening the region’s brand.
Chatbot and virtual assistants support itinerary consultation and tour bookings, and provide around-the-clock response across multiple platforms while AI advertising applications have been used to optimise budgets and target the right customers. AI has been also employed to analyse customer data, enabling the delivery of personalised tour recommendations.
Many Vietnamese regions possess favourable conditions, including natural landscapes, climate, and rich cultural identities, to host sport events that integrate with cultural and tourism experiences.
Dubbed the “land of ancient towers”, Khanh Hoa boasts a rich Cham legacy through architectural masterpieces like the Po Nagar, Hoa Lai, Po Klong Garai, and Po Rome towers.
Vietnam’s e-visa system is now seen as one of the most efficient, convenient, and transparent in the region. Fully online registration, no paperwork or interviews, and fast and flexible processing time have improved foreigners’ entry experience, creating a competitive advantage over countries clinging to complicated and costly visa procedures.
Sunset Town unfolded like a living fairytale. Every street and hidden corner recalls iconic European landmarks – from Venice’s San Marco Bell Tower and Paris’s Arc de Triomphe to Almafi-style squares and cobblestone paths reminiscent of southern Italy.
Its natural advantages have made Mui Ne a magnet for enthusiasts of kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). These activities not only diversify the local tourism offerings but also contribute to the area’s long-term development strategy focused on sustainability.
In July alone, the city welcomed 695,930 international arrivals, surging 75.3% year-on-year. For the seven-month period, international visitors totalled 4.5 million, up 48% year-on-year.
Welcoming the crew on the morning of July 30, Dang Dong Ha, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, emphasised that the film offers a valuable opportunity to promote Quang Tri’s tourism potential, particularly to Indian visitors, but also to a broader global audience.
With a proactive and creative approach, Hanoi is positioning itself as one of Southeast Asia’s most compelling destinations where tradition meets innovation, and every visit offers a blend of the familiar and the new.
Fostering linkage among regional localities and restructuring the tourism sector towards professionalism are among measures to boost the “smokeless industry” of the Mekong Delta.
Tourists in Sa Pa (Photo: VNA) 
