According to UNWTO, international arrivals dropped by 83% in the period January – March 2021 compared to 2020. UNWTO has had reduce its forward of international arrivals for growth scenario in 2021. The General Statistics Office of Viet Nam informed that the number of international arrivals to Viet Nam in first half of 2021 decreased 97.6% over the same period of 2020. Vietnam tourism has made effort to realize the dual goal of drastically responding to the Covid-19 pandemic in the line with resume tourism industry.
In order to maintain safe domestic tourism activities, Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) has proposed to the leaders of Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) to issue documents requiring strict implementation of Covid-19 safety declaration for tourism accommodation establishments. VNAT also organized work groups to inspect some tourism establishments.
The holiday of April 30 to May 1 witnessed a strong growth in the number of domestic tourists. However, outbreaks of Covid-19 pandemic have caused interruptions in tourism activities in localities, many travel companies and hotels had to stop operating, workers became unemployment. The Government and related ministries have issued policies to support businesses and employees in the tourism industry.
In the context of the wave of the 4th Industrial Revolution, VNAT paid special attention to digital transformation, focusing on developing tourism database systems; inter-connecting the tourist information system and smart applications. Through safe-tourism app, VNAT received feedback and coordinates with relevant authorities to handle and protect the rights for tourists.
Communication, promotion on digital platforms has enhanced. Notably, VNAT has coordinated with Google to launch the project "Google Arts & Culture - Wonders of Vietnam". VNAT also implemented communication program on Youtube namely "Discover Vietnam" that attracted a large number of viewers.
Regarding reopening of inbound tourism, MoCST is coordinating with related ministries and localities to build a pilot plan to reopen inbound tourism in Phu Quoc City (in Kien Giang Province) by appling COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate. This plan will be submitted for approval of the Prime Minister.
