Proposal to issue "tour vouchers" to support tourism businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to the proposed solutions to address the difficulties faced by the tourism industry, which has been severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, recently submitted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to the Ministry of Planning and Investment, tourism businesses need specific financial policies to overcome the immediate challenges. Specifically, a financial support package would be provided to businesses to issue "tour vouchers" valid for 12-18 months, equivalent to the value of the booked tour, for customers who were unable to travel due to the pandemic or other force majeure circumstances. In addition, this financial policy would also support small and medium-sized enterprises and homeowners who rent out rooms to tourists (homestays).

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism also requested the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam to direct airlines to support travel businesses in releasing deposits for airline tickets purchased during the pandemic. At the same time, the Ministry also proposed several solutions and directions for the recovery of Vietnam's tourism industry, including a request for the government to implement stimulus packages, particularly to encourage domestic consumers to use tourism services.

In the future, if Asian countries are likely to overcome the pandemic sooner, the tourism industry will restructure the international tourist market, focusing on promoting travel to and from markets where the pandemic has ended. At this time, policies are needed to facilitate entry into Vietnam, such as visa exemptions and reductions in visa fees. In particular, the tourism industry will focus on stimulating the domestic market, coordinating with airlines, transportation companies, tourism service businesses, and participating destinations to offer temporary waivers or reductions in airfare, accommodation, and entrance fees.

Previously, according to data from the General Statistics Office, the number of international visitors to Vietnam in the first quarter of 2020 reached only nearly 3.7 million people, a decrease of 18.1% compared to the same period last year, with declines in most markets, especially China, South Korea, and the US. Currently, most businesses are "hibernating" due to the lack of both domestic and international customers.

Ha Le