Domestic tourism hotspot before COVID-19 breakout (Photo: VietnamPlus)
Hanoi (VNA) - As COVID-19 has been brought under control in a number of provinces and cities, local authorities began easing restrictions on certain tourism activities. This is good news during the fourth wave of COVID-19 outbreaks, giving tourism service providers a chance to recuperate and recover the industry.
Doors gradually open
In order to realize the “dual target” of both epidemic prevention and economic development, some localities where new COVID-19 cases have not been detected for many consecutive days have allowed local tourism sites to re-open. However, most of these attractions only serve local people.
Quang Ninh province allowed tourism sites, along with religious and service establishments to welcome domestic tourists from 12 o'clock on June 8; Hai Phong city from June 13 allowed the opening of parks and outdoor sports activities.
In Thua Thien-Hue, from 1pm June 11, the Hue Monuments Conservation Center began to welcom visitors. Many historical and cultural relics, tourist sites and scenic spots were also allowed to operate, but only for local visitors, who are required to keep a safe distance of at least 1 meter from each other. They are also required to receive visitors at not more than 50 percent of their service capacity.
Vietnam tourism is going through sad days (Photo: VietnamPlus)
After 21 consecutive days of no new COVID-19 community infections, Da Nang allowed businesses providing essential services and local beaches to resume operation on June 9. But just 10 days later, the coastal city again had to temporarily close the beaches on June 20 due to new infections.
Hoi An city, a popular tourist destination in Quang Nam province, on June 8 permitted the resumption of part of Hoi An-Cu Lao Cham sightseeing tours and such activities as sports, festivals. Tourist attractions and cultural and scenic spots are required to host no more than 30 people at the same time. Meanwhile, the old quarter and pedestrian streets along with night street activities continue to be closed.
The People's Committee of Ninh Thuan province also allowed the resumption of some services such as sports facilities, spas and tourism activities in the province from June 19, on the condition that no more than 20 customers are served at a venue at a time and customers must fully and strictly comply with regulations on COVID-19 prevention and control. Taxis are allowed to operate at 50 percent seating capacity.
The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted the green economy (Photo: VietnamPlus)
These moves are part of localities’ efforts to help revitalise the tourism sector.
Learning from other countries
As the domestic tourism market is taking steps towards revival, the international tourism market has also seen positive signs. Tourism companies are getting ready for the return of international visitors, but they still need specific guidance and safe tourism criteria from State management agencies.
Vietnam can learn from Thailand’s experience on how to steer the tourism industry in the right way.
In order to revive the tourism industry, Thailand has put forward a 4-step roadmap: Step 1 - reopening the international market from July 1 in Phuket; Step 2 – continuing to open 10 other destinations in September; Step 3 - opening some more destinations in January 2022; Step 4 - opening all destinations and welcoming international visitors back to the country.
Accordingly, international tourists who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 will be allowed to visit Phuket. Holidaymakers must come from countries and regions with low to moderate pandemic risk based on updated information provided by the Thai health ministry.
Visitors to Phuket are required to have the ThailandPlus app installed on their smartphones and keep the app on while traveling. All visitors will be accommodated in an “Amazing Thailand Safety and Health Administration: SHA” certified facility for no less than 14 nights and will then be allowed to visit other destinations in Thailand.
Vaccination against COVID-19 is the "key" to help revive the industry. (Photo: Getty)
In the coming time, even when COVID-19 is put under control and tourism activities gradually return to normal, people need to comply with the “5K” epidemic prevention regulations of the Ministry of Health. It is impossible to foresee the danger of the SAR-CoV-2 virus, so everyone should develop safe travel habits to protect themselves and the community./.
