Collaboration is a crucial factor in helping tourism overcome challenges in the post-Covid-19 era.

With the COVID-19 pandemic situation in Vietnam largely under control, the tourism industry is determined to develop solutions and find opportunities for post-pandemic recovery. In this spirit, on May 8, 2020, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism issued a plan to launch the "Vietnamese People Travel in Vietnam" program. To implement this plan and stimulate domestic tourism, the Private Economic Development Research Board and the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, in collaboration with VnExpress online newspaper, the Tourism Advisory Board (TAB), and Bamboo Airways, organized the conference "The Golden Time to Discover the Beauty of Vietnam" on May 16 in Thanh Hoa.

The conference consisted of two main sessions: “Solutions to stimulate domestic tourism during the golden period” and “Introducing the golden period to explore the beauty of Vietnam.” Based on fundamental analyses and forecasts of Vietnamese tourist behavior during Covid-19 from Google and numerous smaller studies, government agencies collaborated with businesses in the Vietnamese tourism market to discuss solutions and actions; policies that act as “leverages” to revive and stimulate domestic tourism. Through this, all parties worked together to create a comprehensive link for the development of Vietnamese tourism post-Covid.

"Vietnam has launched a campaign encouraging Vietnamese people to travel within Vietnam. The market for Vietnamese people traveling abroad reaches 16 million. This year, this market is unlikely to be effective due to the severe impact, so everyone will return to travel within Vietnam!" - Mr. Tran Trong Kien, Chairman of the Tourism Advisory Board (TAB), stated that stimulating domestic tourism is a crucial factor.

Provinces and cities are launching tourism stimulus packages.

Mr. Cao Tuong Huy, Vice Chairman of the Quang Ninh Provincial People's Committee, stated: In the first three months of the year, the total number of tourists visiting Quang Ninh decreased by 72%, and revenue also decreased by 72% compared to the same period in 2019. To revive the tourism industry, Quang Ninh province issued a resolution to support demand stimulation, providing exemptions and reductions of over 200 billion VND in various tourism fees, entrance fees to attractions, VAT exemption for businesses, VAT exemption for tourism consumption, and allowing businesses to delay payment of corporate tax, social insurance, land tax, etc. In addition, the province also improved the transportation system, encouraged businesses to launch new products, and established the Quang Ninh Tourism Stimulus Alliance.

The Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Thua Thien Hue province, Mr. Phan Thien Dinh, pointed out solutions to stimulate local tourism, including reducing entrance fees to tourist attractions and lowering accommodation prices. The provincial leaders of Thua Thien Hue requested the government to reopen the Hue-Hanoi and Hue-Vinh air routes to meet the needs of tourists.

The Nghe An Department of Tourism has committed to reducing accommodation services by up to 40%; restaurant, entertainment, and recreational services by 20-30%; and travel and transportation services by 30-40%. To attract tourists to Quang Binh, Mr. Ho An Phong, Director of the Department of Tourism, suggested increasing domestic flight routes. Furthermore, localities must accept losses so that tourists can travel at preferential costs.

These are just a few typical examples among the many promotional packages and tourism stimulus programs that localities have simultaneously launched in the past month, creating a new trend called "Domestic Tourism". Surveys by VnExpress and TAB show that the demand and willingness of Vietnamese people to travel is not low, especially after a long period of social distancing. Representatives of Google Asia-Pacific said that from mid-April to now, the number of searches for keywords related to domestic tourism has increased significantly compared to the first three months of the year. The number of searches for domestic flights accounted for 85% in 30 days and increased by 85% compared to the same period in 2019. Beach tourism and nature exploration are receiving top priority from many domestic tourists.

Recognizing this direction, the provinces have not only jointly launched stimulus packages but also formed tourism alliances to create breakthroughs, most notably the tourism stimulus alliance of the four provinces of Binh Dinh - Phu Yen - Gia Lai - Dak Lak.

Binh Dinh, Phu Yen, Gia Lai, and Dak Lak are four provinces with significant advantages in terms of transportation, boasting four commercial airports with full flight routes to Saigon, Hanoi, etc., and all airlines providing flight services. In addition, the North-South railway line runs through these provinces with major stations. Considering their combined potential, Binh Dinh and Phu Yen have highly developed marine resources, while Gia Lai and Dak Lak are considered the "capitals" of the Central Highlands, with hills and mountains interspersed with plains and valleys, along with a system of majestic waterfalls and rapids. The combination of these tourism alliances will undoubtedly create high-quality tourism products at affordable prices, suitable for domestic tourists at this time.

Businesses join hands with the government.

Mr. Nguyen Trung Khanh, Director General of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, stated that the COVID-19 outbreak caused a temporary freeze in Vietnam's tourism industry. Since March, Vietnam has restricted international flights, resulting in an 18.1% decrease compared to the same period in 2019. The period after social distancing is a crucial time to revive the tourism industry. Therefore, in addition to the swift action of provinces, cities, and the government, the Director General of the National Administration of Tourism also urged associations, businesses, airlines, and tourism transport companies to cooperate and collaborate, considering this a vital factor in restoring domestic tourism after the COVID-19 crisis.

Sharing the same viewpoint as representatives from localities and businesses, Deputy Minister Le Quang Tung instructed businesses to cooperate with each other and with localities to jointly develop tourism. To open up tourism, one must open up air travel. Localities need to introduce policies to support businesses in implementing recovery plans.

In the context of a challenging tourism industry, Mr. Trinh Van Quyet, Chairman of FLC Group, believes that businesses and localities need to invest effort, money, and resources in promoting destinations. After the lockdown, Bamboo Airways will collaborate with the FLC ecosystem to create new tourism products such as combo packages and all-inclusive tours, giving those with limited means the opportunity to travel.

A representative from Bamboo Airways shared information about their programs, including a 45,000 VND fare, a "Summer Welcome" program combining flight and hotel packages, and a "Customer Appreciation" program offering 20% ​​discount codes. The travel agency also collaborates with numerous partners such as banks and e-commerce platforms to provide convenient services for customers, offering business class and executive class services at a cost savings of 30-50%.

Acting as a platform connecting suppliers with customers, iVIVU operates with a travel package model that has garnered significant interest. Popular travel packages currently include: flight, hotel, and airport transfer packages; flight, entertainment, and meal packages; and more, all offered at reasonable prices to meet customer needs.

Furthermore, Vietnam offers a diverse range of tourism options, with its natural environment becoming cleaner and more pristine, rivaling (and even surpassing) internationally renowned destinations. For example, in the adventure tourism sector, Quang Binh province has quickly collaborated with local tourism businesses to offer a 50% discount on tours exploring the province's famous cave system. Mr. Ho An Phong, Director of the Quang Binh Provincial Department of Tourism, affirmed at the conference: "Healthy transportation and strong linkages are two crucial factors for tourism recovery!"

With such close collaboration between businesses and the government, and between businesses themselves, Vietnam hopes to create a fresh appeal for its domestic tourism market, giving tourists the opportunity to experience the "golden season".

My Tong