Hai Phong gears up to restore tourism after COVID-19 epidemic
The imminent loss of tourism revenue due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemic has prompted the tourism sector in the northern port city of Hai Phong to outline plans to recover local tourism after the epidemic ends.
A corner of Cat Ba island in Hai Phong province (Photo: VNA)
Hai Phong (VNA) – The imminent loss of tourism revenue due to thecoronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemic has prompted the tourism sector in thenorthern port city of Hai Phong to outline plans to recover local tourism afterthe epidemic ends.
The tourism sector will continue with tourism promotional activities, includingparticipating in a travel fair in Thai Binh province and the VietnamInternational Travel Mart Hanoi 2020, as well as signing a tourism cooperationdeal with the capital city.
Besides, it will complete a project to develop and manage Hai Phong tourismbrand by 2025 with vision until 2030, while outlining a scheme on tourismdevelopment in tandem with agriculture and new-style rural area building.
A travel guide book for Hai Phong and publications to popularise local tourismwill be also published soon.
The city currently has 502 lodging facilities with 11,806 rooms. Particularly, afive-star hotel together with luxury cruise service provided by Vingroup havecast a new look for the local tourism infrastructure.
In the first two months of the year, the city served over one million tourists,including more than 121,200 foreigners, a year-on-year decrease of 0.2 percentand 9.8 percent, respectively, under the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic.
According to head of Cat Hai district’s culture, sports and tourism bureau VuTien Lap, the number of arrivals to Cat Ba district fell significantly,particularly those from Asian nations.
During January-February, 172,500 travellers spent their holidays on Cat Baisland, equivalent to only 78.4 percent of the number recorded in the same timelast year, he said.
With a wide range of new tourism products, including the high-end Flamingo CatBa resort complex, slated to be launched soon, Cat Ba island expects to welcomemore tourists during the Reunification Day (April 30) and May Day (May 1)holidays./.
The Vietnam Tourism Association (VITA) said on February 25 that it has asked travel firms to stop receiving tourists from countries hit by COVID-19 in the face of new complicated development of the disease in the Republic of Korea and Japan.
Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam has ordered continued quarantine and close monitoring of those entering Vietnam from regions hit by COVID-19 outbreak caused by a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2).
A recent report, City Pulse 2025, by Gensler Research Institute, ranked HCM City among the world’s top cities for resident retention, placing it second globally. This underscores the city's reputation as a liveable, dynamic urban centre, an image that supports efforts to attract investors, experts, and MICE travellers.
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.
A corner of Cat Ba island in Hai Phong province (Photo: VNA) 
