QuangNam (VNA) – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has stressed the need to furtherstep up international tourism re-opening in association with safe and flexible adaptationto the pandemic in the new situation.

TheGovernment leader gave a keynote speech at the opening of the Visit Vietnam Year Quang Nam 2022 themed “Quang Nam- A Green Tourism Destination”,held in Hoi An on March 26.

The PM said the Visit Vietnam Year is a significant event in Vietnam’sreopening of tourism with a series of activities planned for 2022.

“Vietnam’s tourism sector will focus on positive pandemic resilience, safetyand effectiveness, fast recovery and development as a key topic of 2022. Thetourism industry will resume its growth on the bases of peace, sustainability,digital transformation and connections,” he said.

Itwill consistently follow the direction of sustainable value that has beenbuilt for decades, portraying an image of safety, hospitality and endlesscharm, he added.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the socio-economic structure and humanpractices, but it also speeds up a chance for making Vietnam a top choice andan attractive destination among international travellers.

Historically, Quang Nam – a focal point of culture, economy, heritage andlandscapes – has been chosen as a starting point of the country’s tourismeconomic recovery plan in 2022 when Vietnam officially opens its doors forinternational visitors from March 15,” he added.

PM Chính said COVID-19 has disrupted the growth of tourism, but smartendeavours and efforts have been made by the tourism industry and people withdigital applications and platforms.

He also said the pandemic was a chance for businesses to restructure andupgrade human resources, infrastructure and refresh tourism productsto attract more tourists.

The PM also suggested that resuming tourism will require a synchronisedarrangement among agencies and localities, while ‘safe’ and healthy conditionsplay a top priority in planning tourism in the post-COVID-19 period.

Quang Nam – a destination of ‘green’ and heritage sites in central Việt Nam –would help the country’s tourism sector recover by hosting top events ofthe year, creating a positive influence on other destinations nationwide in2022.

He also beleived that Vietnam will soon regain its growth by boosting tourismon conservation and cultural heritage values.

“It is necessary to build an international brand for Vietnam’s tourism on thecharacteristics of friendliness, hospitality, rich culture and history ofpeople and land. ‘Green’ tourism must develop in ‘safe’ and peaceful conditionswith environmental protection and exchange among people and tourists,” he said.

“Travel agencies and accommodation owners must keep an eye on ‘safe’regulations on COVID-19 prevention and control while hosting visitors. Theyalso need investment in digital transformation, human resources and smartecological systems to link tourists, businesses and state agencies,” hesaid.

“Provinces and cities should build a chain of tourismdestinations promoting value and unique attractions in luringinternational tourists. The country’s tourism needs to promote communication withthe global travel market via different channels.”

Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, Le Tri Thanh said Quang Nam willdo its best in promoting its potential with two UNESCO-recognised worldheritage sites – My Son Sanctuary and the world Biosphere Reserve Cham Islands.

Thanh said the province will be a front-runner in the post-COVID-19 recoverytourism plan in promoting other destinations nationwide in 2022.

Also at the opening ceremony, PM Chinh, Minister of Culture, Sports and TourismNguyen Van Hung and Secretary of the provincial Party Committee Pham VietCuong, signed a green balloon, sending a message of green tourism development,environmental protection and safeguarding the green planet./.