Tourism experts proposed Vietnam’s tourism industry prepare to welcome vaccinated foreign visitors back to the country from the third quarter in a similar vein to regional peers.
Nguyen Huu Tho, chairman of Vietnam Tourism Association (VTA), said Vietnam has been one of the most successful countries in containing Covid-19 outbreaks, creating favorable conditions for the tourism industry to open up to international markets since the beginning of the third quarter.
He cited Thailand, which plans to open its doors to foreign tourists already vaccinated against the coronavirus from July 1, and Singapore, which is ready to do the same.
“Vietnam should prepare to receive international visitors from July to help the heavily-hit tourism industry recover as 95 percent of inbound travel firms have suspended operation,” Tho told a meeting Wednesday.
“Promoting domestic tourism could bring in revenue but cannot save the tourism industry. The roadmap to opening up the international market is the only solution,” he added.
Nguyen Thi Khanh, chairwoman of Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Association, said it is necessary to prepare a set of criteria for picking up foreign passengers as soon as possible, as many countries do not require isolation of vaccinated tourists or those carrying Covid-19 negative certificates.
“The industry should aim at international markets that have responded effectively to the pandemic.”
Vu The Binh, VTA deputy chairman, said opening of international markets could meet with difficulties and public opposition for fears of causing further Covid-19 outbreaks.