Improving quality of tourism human resources in new context necessary: experts
Positive signals of tourism seen in many localities during the Lunar New Year Holiday, and especially the decision to officially reopen tourism activities under the "new normal" state from March 15 are opening up many opportunities for the non-smoke industry to recover after a long hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the recovery process, one of the key factors is the quality of human resources of the tourism and service industry (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) 🥂- Positive signals of tourism seen in many localities during the Lunar New Year Holiday, and especially the decision to officially reopen tourism activities under the "new normal" state from March 15 are opening up many opportunities for the non-smoke industry to recover after a long hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
During this recovery process, one of the key factors is the quality of human resources of the tourism and service industry.
As impact of the long-lasting pandemic, tourism human resources in Vietnam are facing many difficulties. Figures from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism show that, in 2020, tourism businesses had to cut their staff by 70-80 percent. In 2021, the number of employees who still work full-time only accounted for 25 percent of that in 2020, while the number of employees who quit jobs or terminated labour contracts made up about 30 percent, those who temporarily quit jobs about 35 percent, and those who worked perfunctorily 10 percent.
In the "new normal", the trend of choosing products and destinations of holiday-makers has changed, requiring the tourism industry and its human resources to have necessary adaptations.
Tourists visit central Thua Thien-Hue province (Photo: VNA)
Hoang Nhan Chinh, head of the Secretariat of the Vietnam Tourism Advisory Board, said that the reopening of tourism activities brings about many opportunities; however, in reality, many tourism human resources have left their familiar jobs. Meanwhile, new personnel have not been properly trained, especially new skills that need to be supplemented such as those of instructing tourists on pandemic prevention and control measures, using new technologies, and applying digital transformation.
Affirming the importance of human resources in contributing to the creation of attractive tourism products, representatives of many businesses, experts and managers stressed the need to continue to focus on improving the quality of human resources by stepping up training and retraining.
It is very important to train knowledge about digital technology and digital transformation for those working in the non-smoke industry in the context of international economic integration and the global COVID-19 pandemic./.
More than 200 booths of companies working in the travel industry and over 60 partners from Japan, the Republic of Korea, China, India, and Southeast Asian countries have taken part in Danang FantastiCity 2022 Online Travel Mart 2022 which opened on March 17 in the central city of Da Nang with a ceremony livestreamed on the event's fanpage.
Ho Chi Minh City and 13 Mekong Delta localities on March 18 signed a cooperation agreement on tourism development and launched the reopening of tourism in the new normal.
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.
During the recovery process, one of the key factors is the quality of human resources of the tourism and service industry (Photo: VNA)
Tourists visit central Thua Thien-Hue province (Photo: VNA)
