Vietnam plans to reopen for international visitors

Besides Phu Quoc, Vietnam is having a plan to welcome international tourists back to Ha Long, Hoi An, Nha Trang..., rebooting the tourism industry that has long been seriously affected since the outbreak of Covid-19 in early 2020. This is part of the tourism stimulus program that is well prepared by both the central government and local authorities of those designated locations.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) of Vietnam in early September submits a plan to restore and stimulate the travel industry, especially inbound tourism, within the country in late 2021 and coming 2022. It is necessary to ensure dual goals of pandemic prevention and socio-economic development, said the Ministry, mentioning the green industry which contributes something 10% to Vietnam’s GDP.

By MoCST, favorable travelling conditions will be given for domestic and international tourists with approved vaccination certificates. And, besides health check that is requested at the entry, safety measures such as periodical health declaration, mask-wearing in public, disinfection by using hand sanitizer are also applied to make sure personal and public safety. The vaccination campaign will also be speeded up for citizens in tourist centers and those working in tourism industries.

According to the plan, Phu Quoc Island will be the first destination to gear up to welcome international visitors in October, gradually followed by Nha Trang, Halong Bay, Hoi an ancient town and Da Lat.

After Phu Quoc Island, Halong Bay is to be one of the following expectation

“Vietnam tourism – safe and attractive” is the slogan chosen for this campaign. Alongside, the Vietnam government and MoCST also trying to promote the domestic travel industry by applying the stimulus campaign ‘Vietnamese travel Vietnam” which have brought high efficiency in the summer of 2020.

During the campaign, the Ministry will support travel agencies to promote and sell tourism-stimulating products at a preferential price, with quality commitments. And, sustainable tourism, eco and wellness tourism, cuisine discovery are also invested for long term development of the industry post-pandemic.

To facilitate the campaign, Vietnam will invest to upgrade existing applications for medical declaration, vaccination certificate recognition in accordance with the international system. 

By this campaign, Vietnam expects to attract and provide services for 2-3 million international visitors within the last few months of 2021.