61 years of establishment and development (July 9, 1960 - July 9, 2021), Vietnam's tourism has experienced many ups and downs, but overcoming all, tourism has strived to rise, up to now, it has become an important economic sector of the country, creating millions of jobs, is the driving force for many other economic sectors. Vietnam tourism has become a bright spot on the world tourism map, honored by the international community with many prestigious awards.
That achievement was achieved thanks to the deep concern of the Party and State, the close direction of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the close coordination of the departments, ministries, branches and localities. It is also the result of the support and consensus of the people of the country, the active support and companionship of international friends. Especially with the enthusiasm and unremitting efforts of generations of leaders, officials, civil servants, public employees and employees in the whole industry, Vietnam tourism has achieved many achievements, very respectable results. respectful and proud.
Since the beginning of 2020 until now, the Covid-19 pandemic has broken out around the world, with very complicated developments, seriously affecting the tourism industry in Vietnam. Receiving international tourists has been suspended since the end of March 2020, while domestic tourism has been unstable due to the impact of domestic epidemics. In 2020, the number of international visitors to Vietnam will only reach about 3.7 million, down 79.5% compared to 2019; domestic tourists reached 56 million arrivals, down 34.1%; total revenue from tourists reached 312 trillion VND, down 58.7% - equivalent to 19 billion USD.
Facing that situation, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism has actively advised the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to issue documents, as well as propose to the Government to issue many policies to promptly respond to Covid-19, ensuring safety for tourists. schedule, step-by-step restore operations.
Specifically, from 2020 until now, after controlling the epidemics, the General Department of Tourism, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has directed and accompanied localities and businesses to immediately deploy the domestic tourism stimulus program to promote domestic tourism. Attracting tourists increases again, contributing to minimizing damage to the tourism industry. In addition, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism also actively cooperates with relevant agencies to develop a plan to welcome international tourists to be ready for deployment as soon as all conditions are met. This plan is also regularly reviewed and adjusted to match the actual situation. At the same time, actively research and build a system to certify the number of vaccinations against Covid-19 to support international arrivals.
Accompanying and sharing difficulties with businesses, Vietnam National Administration of Tourism has repeatedly proposed to competent authorities to consider and promulgate mechanisms and policies to support businesses and employees in the region. industry to overcome difficulties and minimize damage. A number of policies have been issued such as: reducing electricity prices, reducing electricity bills for accommodation establishments, reducing fees for appraisal of international and domestic travel business licenses, tour guide cards, and one-time support for tourists. with tour guides issued with practice cards affected by the Covid-19 epidemic... has brought practical effects.
During the time of being affected by the Covid-19 epidemic, in order to adapt to the new situation, the tourism industry has promoted the application of digital technology, moved its activities to the digital environment, and developed through tourism. In addition, the tourism industry also promotes training and retraining activities to improve the quality of tourism human resources, maintain improve infrastructure, refresh tourism products, especially high-quality tourism products, bring new experiences to visitors.
In particular, the National Administration of Tourism has focused on deploying technology solutions to support the response to the epidemic. Typically, forming a foundation to support Covid-19 safety self-assessment and declaration service business establishments, improving the Safe Vietnam Tourism application to support tourists in the new situation with the following features: outstanding features such as: safe tourism digital map, safe destination search, assessment of the safety of service facilities, reflection of service quality... Besides, new applications effectively serve guests during the travel process such as tourist cards in the program Vietnam Card - One National Card, Vietnam Tourism Yellow Pages...
Recently, on June 11, 2021, the Politburo approved for pilot study to use vaccine passports for international visitors at some tourist centers that can control the epidemic, such as Phu Quoc, Kien Giang. Implementing this policy and the direction of the Prime Minister, leaders of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Vietnam National Administration of Tourism have approached quickly and urgently coordinated with relevant ministries and agencies to immediately develop plans, plans, pilot process to welcome international guests, ready to report to the Prime Minister in July 2021.
In the coming time, in the context that the world and Vietnam are promoting the Covid-19 vaccination campaign, the tourism industry will coordinate to carefully prepare plans, plans and pilot procedures to welcome international visitors to Phu Quoc. To gradually restore international tourism activities when conditions permit. At the same time, focus on developing domestic tourism, enhancing the role of the domestic tourism market in the overall growth of the whole industry, towards a more sustainable tourism industry development. Promote digital transformation, develop smart tourism. Strengthen linkages and coordination with localities and businesses to implement tourism recovery activities. Focus on implementing the action plan of the tourism industry to implement the Resolution of the 13th Party Congress...
With the tradition and determination of the whole industry, with the close and drastic leadership and direction of the Party and Government. , the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, believes that Vietnam's tourism industry will gradually overcome difficulties, recover and develop strongly again in the coming time to meet the expectations of the Party. State and society as a whole.
