It can be seen that the spreading of the COVID-19 epidemic has caused serious consequences for countries around the world and has paralysed many sectors, including tourism.
In Vietnam, thanks to the efforts and determination of the entire Party, the entire population and the involvement of all levels and sectors, the epidemic has been put under control. Vietnam reported no new COVID-19 cases on the morning of May 12, marking the 26th consecutive day without new infection in the community, according to the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control.
Although we are not allowed to be subjective in the prevention and control of the epidemic, this result illustrates the level of safety in Vietnam and serves as an important foundation for domestic sectors to recover after the epidemic.
The launching of the ‘Vietnamese people travel Vietnam’ programme reflects the positive participation of the tourism sector in stimulate domestic travel demand.
Different from previous tourism stimulus programmes which targeted epidemic-free localities, this programme is being implemented nationwide. The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism has coordinated with localities, functional agencies, associations, airlines, and companies to design attractive travel packages for visitors while enhancing their available tourist products and services.
A fundamental principal has been set for the implementation of the programme, which requires that all activities to be held under its framework must strictly follow regulations on epidemic prevention and control while ensuring the safety of tourists, those working in the hospitality sector, and local people.
Localities are also encouraged to take detailed measures to stimulate domestic travel demand, such as offering discounts on entrance fees at local tourist sites and museums, and increasing the attractiveness of travel packages.
Over the past few years, Vietnam's tourism sector has maintained a double-digit growth rate, with the indicators of the number of international and domestic tourists as well as the sector’s total revenue having maintained steady growth.
Accordingly, Vietnam served more than 73 million domestic visitors in 2017, and the figure reached 80 million and 85 million in 2018 and 2019, respectively. As domestic travellers have contributed significantly to tourism revenue, stimulating domestic tourism is now a sound solution towards the gradually recovery of the hospitality sector and helping it to regain its pace of growth.
In response to the programme, many tourism stimulus packages have been adopted in cities and provinces nationwide. Hanoi municipal authorities, for example, have mapped out plans to boost agricultural-based tourism and tours to the city’s traditional craft villages.
Meanwhile, the Thua Thien Hue provincial authorities have decided to offer a 50% discount on entrance fees to local monuments in Hue City for three months, from May 8 to July 31. The People’s Committee of Quang Binh Province also issued a document on the price reduction on a number of tourism products and services in the province.
It is believed that the full participation of localities and functional agencies as well as enthusiastic response from Vietnamese people will contribute to advancing the country’s tourism sector in 2020, helping to continue promoting Vietnam as a safe and friendly country with unique cultural features in the eyes of international friends.
