Covid-19 Update and Tourism Promotion in Key Destination in Vietnam

COVID-19 Summary in Popular Destinations (Source: https://ncov.moh.gov.vn/)

While many other countries are facing the second attack of COVID-19, Vietnam has been back to the New Normal for a while. Although the country has yet to welcome international arrivals, the inbound tourism scenario is on the bright side, especially in top-visited cities in Vietnam.

Hanoi

The pandemic broke out from the beginning of the year, causing heavy damage to Hanoi tourism. The capital authority estimated that in the first 6 months of 2020, there were only 4.93 million passengers to Hanoi, a 65.4% plummet compared to the same period of 2019. Particularly, international visitors decreased 68.8% while domestic tourists reduced 64.4%. Meanwhile, in the first 6 months of 2020, the average accommodation coverage in Hanoi is only 31.74%, down 38.35% compared to the same period in 2019.

From the beginning of March, foreign visitors Ha Noi are basically for business purposes or diplomat missions.

Since the country relaxed the social distancing order, Hanoi has called for destinations, accommodation facilities, travel services to reduce prices and give incentives to tourists. At the same time, the city implements special programs to stimulate domestic tourism and restore tourism industry in the capital.

The local authority aims to welcome about 10 to 11 million domestic tourists from now to the end of the year. Besides reducing prices and improving service quality, the city will focus on building new tourism products to promote the ancient beauty of a thousand year of civilization. Hanoi has 1,300 traditional craft villages, which is a great advantage for developing unique local experiences.

In order to promote cultural tourism products, the Department of Tourism shall coordinate to organize series of cultural events such as: Contemporary Folklore Festival at Hoan Kiem walking space; Culinary Culture Festivals, Traditional Craft Village Festival 2020...

Sapa

Influenced by Covid-19, in the first 6 months of 2020, the number of international visitors to Lao Cai reached only over 100.000, declined 78% over the same period, revenue from international tourists was estimated to go down 77% compared to the first 6 months of 2019. According to the town of Sa Pa, the total number of visitors to Sapa during the Reunification Day and International Labour Day this year was estimated at 13,115, up 163% compared to the expected figure, but only reached 16% compared to the same period in 2019.

The program "Sapa Summer 2020" is a stimulating campaign that combines promotion, discount from 10% - 60% of tickets to tourist attractions, travel services, accommodation. It is an incentive of Lao Cai government to increase the number of tourists and restore the tourism industry in Sapa

In the near future, Lao Cai will continue to organize promoting activities such as the International Mountain-crossing Marathon - VMM, the International Bicycle Race "One race, two nation” crossing Lao Cai (Vietnam) and Hong Ha (China), testing new tourism products such as the adventurous cable car system at Hoang Lien National Park or Marathon Fansipan Prize.

Halong

Under the influence of COVID-19, by the end of the first quarter of 2020, the total number of tourists to Halong is at more than 1.5 million, a 72% decrease, tourism revenue slowed down 69% over the same period in 2019. Especially in March, the total earning from Halong Bay entrance tickets only reached 8% of the annual plan.

Therefore, when things get back to the new normal, the local authority has apply a great deal of promotion to bolster tourism. According to the Management Board of Halong Bay, the number of visitors to Halong Bay has increased day by day after the entrance fee was waived for all visitors from May 14 to May 50. From less than 100 guests per day on weekdays now has increased gradually to 3,000-4,000 passengers daily.

After that, the provincial authority continues to reduce the fee by 50% for any tours to Halong Bay within June and July. On some national holiday like the Vietnam Family Day (June 28th), Vietnam Tourism Day (July 19th), Vietnam Independence Day (September 2nd)..., the entrance fee is 100% exempted.

Danang - Hoi An

In the first 6 months of 2020, the total number of tourists visiting Danang hit a bottom. It only got 65% of last year's figure. International arrivals decreased more than 66%. while domestic visitors were estimated to reach over 893,000, down 64% over the same period in 2019. During the Covid-19 epidemic, there are around affected 23,000 employees that have had labor contracts suspended, unpaid leave or working alternately.

Starting from May 22, Danang announced the campaign “Danang Thank you 2020” to gradually win domestic tourists back. Visitors to the city at this time tend to choose sightseeing and shopping at the Han market, visiting Da Nang museums, Cham Sculpture museums, Son Tra and Hoi An. The total number of domestic visitors to Danang in the past month was nearly 90,000.

As for Hoi An, from June 1, the town officially resumed the operation of the pedestrian street and tourist activities in Tra Que Vegetable Village and Thanh Ha Pottery Village. In addition, to serve the needs of visitors and current audiences, cultural and artistic experiences like folk games, Bai Choi performance ... will be added and adjusted accordingly.

Ho Chi Minh

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a heavy loss of Ho Chi Minh tourism. In the first two months of 2020, the average number of visitors and revenue of travel companies in the city dropped 50% to 60% compared to the same period last year. In the first 6 months, the decline was even more apparent with a 52% fall in the number of international visitors, a 49.6% decrease in revenue.

Currently, Ho Chi Minh City has not yet to welcome international visitors. But the city is making all efforts to gain domestic attention. The “Hello, Ho Chi Minh City” campaign highlights the image of a youthful, secure destination for all visitors. Most of the tourist attractions are reopened and combined in a brand new tour “Following the Saigon Special Forces Footprint”. The tour brings about the old days of the city, displaying the brave and independent spirit of the Saigonese. 

Also, the city Department of Tourism is researching and digitizing destinations in the area such as War Remnants Museum, Central Post Office, reunification palace ... with 360-degree, 3D photo interface, virtual reality technology. Enhancing the application of technology in propaganda and tourism promotion, Ho Chi Minh city is targeting to create new travel experience for visitors coming to the city.

Phu Quoc

According to statistics from the Center for Investment, Trade and Tourism Promotion of Kien Giang, before the impact of the disease, in the first 2 months of 2020, the province still welcomed 1.6 million visitors, of which 114,900 were international tourists. However, the pandemic swept over and took away almost 5,000 billion VND in tourism revenue of Phu Quoc Some travel businesses have been closed down or changed owners, half of accommodation establishments temporarily froze during an outbreak.

From May 2020, domestic tourism activities in Phu Quoc have rejuvenated. The number of domestic tourists has increased rapidly, an average of 12,000-17,000 passengers on a daily basis. After connecting flights have gone back to normal operation since the beginning of June, Phu Quoc welcomes nearly 20,000 visitors on average. The number of domestic flights to Phu Quoc is around 40.

The increase in visitors is due to the province and district that have implemented reasonable stimulus policies to attract tourists. The local government also requested hotels, restaurants and entertainment venues not to increase prices and keep the prices listed and committed to stimulate the inbound demand according to the overall policy.