Travel businesses pledge to improve image for Vietnamese tourists

The seminar was attended by travel agencies, tourism companies and press agencies. Most of the opinions at the seminar agreed that the issue of preserving and enhancing the image of Vietnamese tourists is a matter for the whole society, however the tourism industry needs to take the lead in this issue to regain the position of Vietnamese tourists.

At the seminar, Mr. Vu The Binh, Vice President of Vietnam Tourism Association, said that in 2016, Vietnam Tourism Association launched the campaign "Improving the image of Vietnamese tourists" and gave advice on 10 good actions in behavior when traveling domestically and internationally. This campaign has received the response of tourism units, businesses, ministries, branches and localities nationwide.

Scene of the discussion. Photo: H. Quynh

In addition, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has recently issued a Code of Conduct for Civilized Tourism. This is a signal demonstrating the determination of the entire tourism industry as well as local authorities in improving and enhancing the image of Vietnamese tourism, towards civilized, friendly and attractive tourism.

Deputy Director General of the General Department of Tourism Ngo Hoai Chung affirmed: "Many opinions say that the set of rules is complicated and long, but we believe that it must cover all subjects. Each subject only needs to comply with the regulations for themselves to perform well. 2016 was the year to improve the quality of accommodation, 2017 is determined to be the year of travel and we will vigorously implement this program, creating a real change in improving tourism civilization."

"The campaign must not only be launched in a short period but also be carried out long-term, regularly and persistently to improve people's behavioral culture in international integration. In which, businesses must take the lead, especially large businesses, and must prioritize those who have direct contact such as tour guides and managers. State management agencies must promote their role, considering the construction of tourism civilization as a criterion for rewarding and disciplining businesses," Mr. Chung emphasized.

Travel businesses are committed to practical activities to improve the image of Vietnamese tourists. Photo: H.Quynh

Some travel agencies have actively responded and committed to taking practical actions to improve the image of Vietnamese tourists. Mr. Nguyen Cong Hoan - Deputy Director of HanoiRedtours Company said that the code of conduct needs to be concretized into a common communication message, should be symbolized into symbols that all tourists can understand about how to dress, not littering, having to queue... At the same time, there needs to be a mechanism for punishment and supervision, first of all for those in the tourism industry. The tourism association or the Journalist Club should have a forum for businesses to promptly reflect. Travel agencies should have a mechanism for monitoring and reflecting in a positive and constructive manner.

At the VITM 2017 fair, Mr. Nguyen Tien Dat - Deputy Director of TransViet Travel Company said: "As the initiator and pioneer of the program "civilized tourism - improving the image of Vietnamese tourists. We are very happy to see that the movement has been expanded and promoted by the Vietnam Tourism Association and the Tourism Press Club, creating a positive initial step for tourists. However, we need to be more persistent, regular and stronger with the participation of many tourism agencies of society and tourists".

The Thanh