Tourism sector urged to achieve dual goal amid COVID-19
Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Ngoc Thien has called on the tourism sector to achieve the dual goal of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and developing socio-economy in the current context.
Hanoi (VNA)𒁃 – Minister of Culture, Sports andTourism Nguyen Ngoc Thien has called on the tourism sector to achieve the dual goalof fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and developing socio-economy in the current context.
During a conference in Hanoi onJuly 28 reviewing the sport-tourism sector's six-month performance and outlining key tasksfor the remaining months of this year, Thien said the sector should uphold the pastachievements after the pandemic has been under control, including making thebest preparations for the 31st Southeast Asian Games and the 11th ASEAN Para Games. Between now and the year-end, thesport sector was assigned to continue developing physical exercises and sportsnationwide in response to the campaign “All people take exercises following the example of great Uncle Ho”. It also must prepare for athletescompeting in the sixth Asian Beach Games, qualification rounds of Olympic andParalympic tournaments, as well as regional, continental and world sportchampionships next year. The Vietnam National Administrationof Tourism (VNAT) was required to prepare necessary conditions to welcomeforeigners once COVID-19 is under control while stimulating domestic tourismvia the campaign “Vietnamese people travel Vietnam”, the media campaign “SafeVietnam”, helping to popularise a safe, friendly and attractive country. According to the VNAT, the number of foreign tourist arrivalsin Vietnam surpassed 3.68 million in the first half of this year, down 49.5percent year-on-year while the number of domestic visitors reached 23 million. Thetotal revenue from tourism reached 176.8 trillion VND (7.68 billion USD), down 47.7 percent annually.
In the first quarter, 95 percent of travel agentssuspended operations, occupancy at lodging facilities only reached near 20percent, and the number of companies applying for new outbound travel licensesslumped by 48 percent. In March – April, hotels and lodging facilitiesbasically shut down operations.
ꦫ Notably, during the domestic demand stimulation period from June,many localities recorded a 1.5 to three-fold surge in tourist arrivals, includingSa Pa (Lao Cai), Quang Ninh, Sam Son (Thanh Hoa), Quy Nhon (Binh Dinh), PhuYen, Phu Quoc (Kien Giang).
In the first half of this year,Vietnamese athletes competed in 18 international tournaments, winning 26golds, 11 silvers and 8 bronzes. The ministry completed the buildingof ministry-level e-government architecture, launched V-office system in itsunits, and sent dossiers to the UNESCO seeking the recognition of Dong Ho folkpainting as intangiblecultural heritage in need of urgent safeguarding, and Xoe Thai dance as intangible cultural heritage of humanity./.
Ongoing questions regarding the development of the night-time tourism in Hanoi have attracted the involvement of a range of experts. There are many new activities now taking place, but local authorities are struggling to exploit the available potential.
Hanoi welcomed nearly 1.2 million visitors in July, a surge of 51.2 percent over that in June, including 16,600 foreigners, reported the city’s Tourism Department.
The northern mountain province of Ha Giang plans to organise a number of sporting, cultural and tourism activities throughout this year to promote its stunning landscapes, rich ethnic culture and tourism.
The Vietnam International Travel Mart 2020 (VITM) will be suspended again amid new developments in the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Vietnam Tourism Association (VITA).
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.
At the meeting (Photo: VNA) 
