Hanoi (VNA) ♎- After being hit by the second outbreak of COVID-19, the tourism sector is preparing for the launching of the second phase of the domestic tourism stimulus programme.

According to the Health Ministry, Vietnam has gone through 12 consecutive days without transmissions in the community. In the new context when the world, and especially the tourism industry is hard hit by COVID-19, domestic tourism is considered an effective “remedy” to help destinations gradually overcome damage caused by the pandemic. On such basis, the second phase of the domestic tourism stimulus programme, initiated by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), will be launched at a time when Vietnam puts COVID-19 under control. Additionally, a number of destinations also opened their doors to welcome visitors back.

Toward safe travel

Safe tourism and attractive experience are the focus of the second phase of the domestic tourism stimulus programme, which will be carried out between now and the end of this year. Launched in May 2020 by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the programme has received warm response from localities, businesses and visitors nationwide. However, the unexpected return of COVID-19 with a series of community infections seriously paralysed the tourism industry. Millions of workers in the sector lost jobs and had their income cut. The "double blow" following the second outbreak forced hospitality service providers to cut staff and working hours, suspend operations or even go into bankrupt. Therefore, the resumption of tourism activities and domestic tourism stimulus is meant to follow the Prime Minister’s directions on achieving the twin goal of effectively combating the pandemic and promoting socio-economic development. VNAT General Director Nguyen Trung Khanh affirmed that services for tourists must be in compliance with pandemic prevention and control measures as guided by the Health Ministry and a set of criteria for safe travel issued by the VNAT.    In addition, units must supplement digital technology solutions to fight COVID-19. Service suppliers from airlines, hotels, restaurants and transport providers also need a flexible mechanism for postponement, cancellation and change of tour schedules in the spirit of ensuring the benefit of partners. According to tourism experts, tourists’ needs and consumption behavior have changed compared to that before the pandemic. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully design tour packages with attractive prices and suitable duration. "Products offered to customers must ensure quality", Khanh stressed. Tour operators said despite efforts to offer new and attractive tourism products, purchasing power at this time is only about 30 percent of that during June-July due to off-season.

Many tourist attractions reopen

After a period of closure due to the pandemic, tourist attractions in Binh Dinh, Phu Yen, Da Nang, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai provinces opened their doors to welcome visitors back. Last week, relic sites, entertainment areas and bars in Phu Yen were allowed to reopen from 0:00 on September 8. However, they are required to adopt prevention and control measures as guided by the health sector such as clean-up and disinfections, equipping themselves with antiseptic solution, and requiring guests and staff to wear masks.    If Phu Yen opens the door to all services, Binh Dinh temporarily allows only tourism activities. It is known that medical checkpoints at Binh De pass, Bong Son station (Hoai Nhon), Dieu Tri station (Tuy Phuoc), Quy Nhon station, Phu Cat airport are still in operation. From September 5, after one month of suspension, the People’s Committee of Quang Ngai province allowed high-speed ferries to pick up and serve tourists on Sa Ky – Ly Son route and vice versa. All accommodation and tour activities on Ly Son island must abide by pandemic prevention and control measures. The provincial authorities also asked residents to wear masks in public places, hospitals and schools. Almost cities and provinces nationwide are preparing scenarios for new tourism stimulus to restructure the non-smoke industry, and together with firms and enterprises to overcome unprecedented “misfortune” in history./.