Deputy PM chairs meeting to re-energize pandemic-hit tourism industry
Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam requested relevant ministries to soon set the schedules for this year’s upcoming public holidays and school summer break to boost domestic travel demand.
Hanoi (VNA) – Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Damrequested relevant ministries to soon set the schedules for this year’supcoming public holidays and school summer break to boost domestic travel demand.
Dam made the request during a meeting with the Ministry ofCulture, Sports, and Tourism; Ministry of Transport; Ministry of Finance;Vietnam Tourism Association (VITA) and several travel firms in Hanoi on June 3to help the tourism industry weather the COVID-19 pandemic.
Vietnam has more than 40,000 businesses and about 4.5million people working in the tourism industry, one of the sectors hardest hit bythe COVID-19 pandemic, he said.
Many small-size tourism enterprises have been put undergreat pressure by the outbreak so the government must find ways to re-energizethem, he said.
Dam noted that though small firms like community-basedtourism and homestay service providers are not large contributors to the Statebudget, they have played a crucial part in reducing poverty and improving livingstandards in remote and disadvantaged areas.
The Deputy PM asked the relevant ministries, agencies and localadministrations to slash fees for hospitality firms fairly to help themovercome difficulties.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the VietnamNational Administration of Tourism were tasked to coordinate with localadministrations and the VITA to boost domestic travel demand and advertisedestinations in the Northwestern, Northeastern and central coastal regions sobusinesses would not have to do it all by themselves.
He also suggested to the stakeholders organize more virtual internationaltravel promotion events and develop tourism programmes to promote Vietnam as asafe destination amid COVID-19.
According to the VITA, international tourist arrivals toVietnam in the first five months of this year totalled 3.7 million while the number of domestic holidaymakers stood at 16 million, down 50 percent and 58.5 percent, respectively,from the same period last year.
Revenue from tourism p𒉰lunged over 47 percent to 150.3trillion VND (6.47 billion USD)./.
Tourism services at popular destinations in the ancient town of Hoi An, the central province of Quang Ngai, is set to open from June 1 after being closed for two months to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The number of foreign travellers visiting Indonesia plunged by 87.44 percent year-on-year to 160,000 in April, reported the National Agency of Statistics of Indonesia.
Enhancing connectivity between tourism service providers and promoting the role of major travel companies would help the domestic tourism sector address its existing problems, a recent meeting in Hanoi heard.
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.
Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam. (Photo: VNA)
