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)𓄧 – 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.
🦋 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).
The first and only direct service connecting the two countries at the moment is set to operate three times per week using the modern wide-body Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
Mu Cang Chai is home to nearly 83,000 hectares of forest, including almost 60,000 hectares of unspoiled natural woodland. Recognising this potential, local authorities have embraced a holistic strategy that protects biodiversity while promoting tourism.
Phu Quoc ranks among the top 10 leading tourist islands in Asia. As the largest island in Vietnam, it boasts stunning natural beauty, with expansive coral reefs resting beneath the sea and a number of beautiful, poetic beaches such as Sao, Truong, and Khem, known for their fine white sand and crystal-clear waters.
Vietnam's national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet are among the exhibitors, promoting key destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Phu Quoc, as well as distinctive tourism products.
Alexander Musikhin, Vice President of ATOR and CEO of the Intourist travel agency, highlighted Vietnam as a top destination offering a unique blend of beach holidays and cultural excursions.
According to Seoul’s Tourism Industry Department, approximately 20,000 Vietnamese visitors travel to the city each year for medical treatment. Vietnam consistently ranks among the top 10 countries with the highest number of medical tourists to Seoul.
An analysis of accommodation search data based on check-in dates for June and July revealed that Nha Trang surpassed all other destinations in popularity among Korean users.
The programme is organised by the Khanh Hoa provincial Youth Union and the “Khanh Hoa people speak English” Project, and aims to promote the culture, history, cuisine and other tourism products of Nha Trang – Khanh Hoa to international visitors.
VNAT Director General Nguyen Trung Khanh called visa a golden ticket to pulling in crowds, but he is clear that it needs coordinated efforts across multiple sectors to keep the momentum going in this fast-moving global travel scene.
As a tourism hub, Hanoi is now actively developing strategies to attract Muslim travellers. In recent years, the city has seen a notable uptick in visitors from countries with large Muslim populations.
When tourists witness firsthand the passion and care of farmers, they’re willing to pay higher prices because they see the genuine worth behind every product.
During the first five months, China continued to be Vietnam's largest source market of tourists, followed by the RoK, China’s Taiwan, the US, and Japan.
After more than three months of operation, the popularity of the free tours in Bac Ninh province shows no signs of cooling down. Many tourists return every week in hopes of experiencing all the tours and visiting every destination.
Typical products of Phu Tho are being showcased at the Lao Cai International Travel Mart 2025, held in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai from June 5-8.
Featuring 130 stalls and delegations from 120 travel agencies representing more than ten countries and territories, the event is expected to provide a platform for establishing partnerships and attracting more visitors to Lao Cai in the future.
Kicking off the festival on the evening of June 7 will be the grand music concert titled “Nha Trang Say Hi”, featuring popular artists from the trending show “Anh Trai Say Hi”. The event will be broadcast live nationwide and conclude with a fireworks display over Nha Trang Bay.
Data from Booking.com reveals that during the peak summer vacation in June and July, beach trips continue to be a top priority for Vietnamese travellers.
The northern midland province of Phu Tho has carried out all-round measures to improve tourism infrastructure, services, and offerings, elevating visitor experience and reinforcing the province’s unique cultural identity.
Hanoi has directed lodging providers and tourist destinations to bolster preparations in staffing, service quality, security, and sanitation. Community-based lodging platforms such as Airbnb are also being promoted strongly to expand housing supply during the holiday period.
At the meeting (Photo: VNA) 
