(VOVWORLD) - With the COVID-19 pandemic under control, tourism authorities in Vietnam are asking localities, travel companies, and airlines to participate a second tourism stimulus program that highlights Vietnam as a safe and attractive destination.
Local administrators are reviving tourism activities, hoping to restore tourism growth even though the tourist season has almost ended. Safety is being given top priority.
In Da Nang city, the epicenter of Vietnam’s second COVID-19 wave, tourism – its spearhead economic sector – has reopened. Le Thanh Phong, who visited My Son Sanctuary, a cluster of abandoned Hindu temples, and the Cham Museum in Da Nang, said, “Safety measures are being strictly observed in Da Nang and other cities that I have visited since the pandemic. Hand sanitization and completing a health declaration takes a little more time but protects us all against the coronavirus.”
 The golden bridge in Da Nang city (Photo: kinhtedothi.vn) |
Hotels and resorts in Da Nang have resumed operations. Duong Phu Nam, General Director of Sun World, said COVID-19 precautions are being closely supervised by local authorities.
“We have cooperated with Da Nang administrators to promote our city as a safe, attractive destination. This is part of the Government’s plan to reinvigorate tourism and boost Vietnam’s economic recovery,” said Nam.
Though it has recorded no COVID-19 infections so far, Ba Ria-Vung Tau province still is staying alert against the pandemic. Ba Ria-Vung Tau’s tourism sector is making safety its top priority. Strict measures are in place, according to Trinh Hang, Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.
“Safety criteria are essential for epidemic prevention. 2,000 tourism service providers in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province have pledged to follow these criteria,” said Hang.
 Vung Tau beach in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province (Photo: thoibaotaichinhvietnam.vn) |
In response to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism’s second tourism stimulus program, Quang Ninh, Binh Dinh, Quang Nam, and Phu Yen province are offering discounted entrance fees.
Ha Van Sieu, VNAT’s Deputy Director told VOV, “Safety is of foremost importance when reviving tourism activities. We demand that tour operators follow all epidemic prevention measures. We’re encouraging localities to design new tours that exploit their unique attractions.”
The Vietnam Tourism Association and its affiliates are working to involve their members in a tourism stimulus alliance. Vietnam is stepping up communications on safety at every tourist destination.