This is the opinion of many localities and businesses expressed at the National Conference on Tourism 2020 that took place in Quang Nam province on November 28. The conference was held at a very important time for the tourism industry when it was trying to recover after being severely affected by the Covid-19 epidemic.

The conference was attended by many investors, leading corporations, travel businesses, hotels, transportation, and airlines. All of them wish to exchange and discuss to find out the direction and solution to restore the development of tourism after a whole year of being directly affected by the Covid-19 epidemic.

It is estimated that in 2020, the number of international visitors to Vietnam may decrease by 80%, domestic tourists by 45%. Aggregate reports from localities and businesses show that about 40-60% of workers lost their jobs or cut their working days; about 95% of international travel businesses had to stop operating; Many hotels have to close, room occupancy is sometimes only 10-15%. Total tourism revenue of the country lost up to 530 trillion VND (equivalent to 23 billion USD).

Thanks to the domestic tourism stimulus program launched by the General Department of Tourism, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, tourism activities have been restarted, bringing many positive results. The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism continuously accompanies the localities to organize the promotion of tourism demand in the locality and the programs of association and alliances to stimulate demand among localities and businesses. In particular, phase 1 from May to July witnessed a strong recovery in tourism demand, a series of attractive promotional combo programs, and new products were launched. Airlines simultaneously increased the load and increased flights to meet the needs of people and tourists. Vietjet said that its operating frequency of domestic routes in July reached 300 flights/day, 27% higher than the same period in 2019. Vietnam Airlines opened a series of new routes.

The positive effects are very clear. At the conference, Mr. Duong Phu Nam, General Director of Sun World Group, said that the success in fighting the Covid-19 epidemic in Vietnam is thanks to the solidarity, consensus of the people and trust in the Government. Mr. Nam suggested the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism continue to coordinate the effective implementation of the domestic tourism stimulus program, arouse the patriotic spirit of the people, and work together to restore tourism activities.

Sharing the same view, Mr. Le Khac Hiep, Vice Chairman of Vingroup, suggested that the National Administration of Tourism consider continuing to implement the tourism stimulus program in the long term and in specific phases. At the same time, it is necessary to develop criteria for safe tourism and promote communication on safe tourism. Mr. Hiep also said that the establishment of alliances to stimulate demand is very necessary, but it needs to be maintained for a long time, not only in times of crisis.

On the side of airlines, Mr. Dinh Viet Phuong, Standing Deputy General Director, CEO of Vietjet committed that the airline will continue to accompany the tourism industry by increasing the load, opening new routes, offering good rates for passengers. He also suggested that the airline should continue to strengthen links with travel businesses, hotels, resorts, etc. to provide attractive product combos both in terms of price and quality of service to tourists.

Commenting on the linkage issue, Mr. Vu The Binh, Standing Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Tourism Association, emphasized that tourism is a general economic sector with very high inter-sectoral and inter-regional character. Links are a core element in travel. However, the leader of the Vietnam Tourism Association also commented that some links are still spontaneous and not methodical. Mr. Binh suggested that localities and businesses need to implement linkages in a common direction, under the coordination of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism. The role of conductor of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism is very important in linking localities to develop tourism.

Leaders of Quang Ninh Provincial People's Committee said that in response to the domestic tourism stimulus program launched by the General Department of Tourism, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Quang Ninh province has decided to exempt or reduce  50% of the ticket prices for admission to attractions and sightseeing. accommodation on Ha Long Bay; Ticket prices for tourists at points: Quang Ninh Museum, Yen Tu scenic relic site from September 9, 2020 to December 31, 2020; 100% discount on entrance fees to stay on Ha Long Bay on major holidays in 2020. The effectiveness of these programs has helped to restore the number of domestic tourists returning to Quang Ninh to visit after the holidays. epidemic.

At the national conference on tourism, most of the opinions expressed strongly agreed on the importance of linkages and cooperation in tourism development, especially in the current context. Association and cooperation programs need to follow a common orientation, avoid spontaneity, and follow the coordination of the national tourism management agency to ensure overall effectiveness on the basis of promoting the strengths of each locality. enterprise.

Tourist Information Center