The Chinese Government has decided to add Vietnam to the list of countries to which China’s group tours can go on outbound tours starting from March 15. (Illustrative photo: Vietnam+)
Hanoi (VNA) - To welcome the return of Chinese tourists in group, travel companies and many localities in Vietnam are "sprinting" with preparation while airlines are also in a hurry to resume the "golden” flight route.
At the beginning of March, travel companies and tour operators were busier after the Chinese government had decided to add Vietnam to the list of countries to which China’s group tours can be conducted starting from March 15.
After nearly three years of closing doors, the world's largest tourist market finally reopened to Vietnam with large-scale tourist groups. Travel companies and many localities are in a hurry to get ready to welcome back Chinese tourists. Meanwhile, the airlines are also preparing to resume the "golden route."
Localities are ready to welcome back tourists
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the most popular destinations preferred by Chinese tourists in Vietnam were Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Nha Trang, Cam Ranh, Ha Long, Sa Pa, Da Nang, Hoi An, Binh Thuan, Mui Ne, Phu Quoc and Da Lat.
According to statistics of the Institute for Tourism Development Research, the number of Chinese tourists accounts for 60% of the total number of international arrivals of Khanh Hoa Province, while in Da Nang and Quang Ninh, this figure is 30% and 20%, respectively.
Tourists explore Cat Ba foresst. (Photo: Vietnam+)
Chairman of Da Nang Tourism Association, Cao Tri Dung said that it is no longer difficult to welcome Chinese tourists back because during the government's meetings with the tourism industry, all problems have been resolved.
As one of the localities attracting a large number of Chinese tourists, the northern province of Quang Ninh has prepared human resources, accommodation and shopping facilities. It has also upgraded restaurants, hotels, and tourist attractions as well been ready to connect with Chinese partners to welcome back visitors.
Travel companies are running at full speed
Although Vietnam and China have many advantages, such as geographical and cultural similarities, industry experts are concerned that the opening up of China will not be able to help the market recover right away. In the near future, tourism companies and airlines need to diversify products and train personnel for sustainable development.
Tourists experience a border road in Binh Lieu, Quang Ninh. (Photo: Vietnam+)
Representatives of some travel companies said that they are urgently looking for human resources specialising in serving Chinese tourists, especially Chinese-speaking guide tours. The companies also learn the new demand of visitors to perfect tourism products, promote trade and find suitable destinations in the new context.
Tourism companies expect that the second quarter will see the boom of Chinese tourists, who were not able to travel abroad for three years due to Covid-19 restriction measures. This is highly hoped to contribute to the recovery of Vietnam’s tourism sector./.
