Deputy PM chairs meeting to re-energize pandemic-hit tourism industry
Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam requested relevant ministries to soon set the schedules for this year’s upcoming public holidays and school summer break to boost domestic travel demand.
Hanoi (VNA) – Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Damrequested relevant ministries to soon set the schedules for this year’supcoming public holidays and school summer break to boost domestic travel demand.
Dam made the request during a meeting with the Ministry ofCulture, Sports, and Tourism; Ministry of Transport; Ministry of Finance;Vietnam Tourism Association (VITA) and several travel firms in Hanoi on June 3to help the tourism industry weather the COVID-19 pandemic.
Vietnam has more than 40,000 businesses and about 4.5million people working in the tourism industry, one of the sectors hardest hit bythe COVID-19 pandemic, he said.
Many small-size tourism enterprises have been put undergreat pressure by the outbreak so the government must find ways to re-energizethem, he said.
Dam noted that though small firms like community-basedtourism and homestay service providers are not large contributors to the Statebudget, they have played a crucial part in reducing poverty and improving livingstandards in remote and disadvantaged areas.
The Deputy PM asked the relevant ministries, agencies and localadministrations to slash fees for hospitality firms fairly to help themovercome difficulties.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the VietnamNational Administration of Tourism were tasked to coordinate with localadministrations and the VITA to boost domestic travel demand and advertisedestinations in the Northwestern, Northeastern and central coastal regions sobusinesses would not have to do it all by themselves.
He also suggested to the stakeholders organize more virtual internationaltravel promotion events and develop tourism programmes to promote Vietnam as asafe destination amid COVID-19.
According to the VITA, international tourist arrivals toVietnam in the first five months of this year totalled 3.7 million while the number of domestic holidaymakers stood at 16 million, down 50 percent and 58.5 percent, respectively,from the same period last year.
✃ Revenue from tourism plunged over 47 percent to 150.3trillion VND (6.47 billion USD)./.
Tourism services at popular destinations in the ancient town of Hoi An, the central province of Quang Ngai, is set to open from June 1 after being closed for two months to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The number of foreign travellers visiting Indonesia plunged by 87.44 percent year-on-year to 160,000 in April, reported the National Agency of Statistics of Indonesia.
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.
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.
Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam. (Photo: VNA)
