Cua Lo builds a safe and friendly destination after the pandemic

Reporter: It can be seen that when the Covid-19 epidemic occurred, activities in the hotel, motel, restaurant and transportation sectors were mostly suspended due to the nationwide lockdown; the tourist town of Cua Lo in particular was also heavily affected. Could you elaborate on the impacts on the town?

Comrade Doan Tien Dung:The impact of the Covid-19 epidemic on Cua Lo tourism in particular and on socio-economic activities in general is huge. But the most obvious is the extremely profound impact on the development of the tourism and service industry. The tourism industry has never been in such a difficult situation. Many hotels and restaurants have had to close or transfer and convert to other businesses. The majority of the workforce working in the tourism industry have lost their jobs, or even have no income...

Tourism targets did not meet the plan, the number of guests staying and revenue decreased sharply. In particular, production and business activities of tourism logistics services, cultural, physical education and sports events were interrupted, the opening program of Cua Lo Tourism Festival was stopped, the number of guests canceling accommodation rooms was large (over 45% of the rooms were canceled). These difficulties led to: The total number of tourists to Cua Lo in 2021 is estimated at 95,000, equal to 5.4% over the same period, reaching 3.1% of the plan; of which 25,000 guests stayed, equal to 2.8% over the same period, reaching 1.6% of the plan. Revenue from service and tourism activities reached 99 billion VND, equal to 5.6% over the same period, reaching 2.9% of the plan.

The Covid-19 epidemic is under control, and peaceful life is returning to Cua Lo town. Photo: Le Thang

PV: Faced with such difficulties, how has Cua Lo Town flexibly and proactively implemented measures to both prevent the epidemic and ensure socio-economic development, sir?

Comrade Doan Tien Dung:As of this writing,tCua Lo townThere were 157 cases of Covid-19 infection. That affected the socio-economic development and people's lives. However, in 2021, under the strong direction of the Central Government, the province controlled the epidemic and the town carried out well the "dual task": both preventing the epidemic and developing the socio-economy, mobilizing social resources well in epidemic prevention. Successfully organized the election of National Assembly and People's Council deputies at all levels, being one of two localities in the province with 100% of voters going to the polls.

The Provincial Party Committee and the Provincial People's Council have issued specific mechanisms and policies to support the town's development in the 2021-2025 period; local planning is being implemented, many large projects are being constructed, completed and put into use, changing the urban face of the town. Budget revenue and expenditure meet development needs, policies and social security are given attention, political security, social order and safety are ensured, and public postal services are effectively deployed.

In 2021, the town completed 22/27 set targets. Some of which exceeded targets such as: Total budget revenue is estimated at 458.7 billion VND, reaching 125.2% compared to the provincial estimate, reaching 121.3% compared to the town People's Council estimate; The rate of families meeting cultural standards is 87.8%/plan 85%; The rate of blocks meeting cultural standards is 92.3%/plan 82%...

A corner of Cua Lo town. Photo courtesy of Trung Ha

Reporter: Could you tell us more about Cua Lo town's specific plans and scenarios for tourism recovery when the pandemic is basically controlled and pushed back?

Comrade Doan Tien Dung:According to experts' forecasts, in 2022, the world economy in general and Vietnam in particular will continue to be heavily affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. However, industries serving essential needs will recover quickly, industries serving needs such as entertainment, fashion, tourism, etc. will recover and show signs of development again.

Based on the assessment and assessment of the above situation, Cua Lo Town proposed the theme of the 2022 tourism year as "Safe, friendly, hospitable" with specific solutions to develop tourism. The town proposed two scenarios. Scenario 1 (if the Covid-19 vaccination rate reaches over 70% of the population, the epidemic situation is widely controlled): welcoming 1 million 550 thousand visitors, of which 516 thousand are overnight guests; revenue reaches 1,522 billion VND. Scenario 2 (if the Covid-19 vaccination rate reaches below 70%, the epidemic situation still occurs in many places): welcoming 1 million visitors, of which 370 thousand are overnight guests. Revenue reaches 1,050 billion VND.

Grilled mackerel specialty of Cua Lo. Photo courtesy of Thanh Phuc

In 2022, the town will focus on Covid-19 prevention and control, ensuring safety for tourism activities: Organizing vaccination for 100% of workers in the tourism industry and 70% of the town's population. Strictly implement guidance, registration, and checking of health declarations for guests according to the form prescribed by the Ministry of Health; closely monitor the travel schedule as well as the health status of guests, scan the QR CODE of guests when providing services to guests to save information for extraction when needed. Strictly implement registration, self-assessment and connection to the National Covid-19 safety system in the new situation of the unit according to the "Covid-19 safety assessment table at tourist accommodation establishments" in the system.

Focus on promoting widely on the media about the post-pandemic tourism stimulus program. Develop propaganda television reports, increase the duration and frequency of broadcasting on the Central Television Station, Nghe An Radio and Television Station and other provinces, news articles on the Cua Lo tourism website, of Nghe An and the General Department of Tourism; direct the connection and timely update of Cua Lo tourism activities on the websites of hotels, restaurants, and units for tourists to easily update.

Hotels and accommodation facilities in Cua Lo town instruct tourists to make health declarations. Photo courtesy of Quang An

Build destinations in Cua Lo, connect them into sightseeing tours to promote and attract tourists. Build destinations in Nghi Thuy, Nghi Hai, Nghi Tan wards to become tourist highlights in 2022.

Focus on new products such as: visiting craft villages, fishing ports; developing conference and seminar tourism in the Fall-Winter season, culinary night streets, Cua Lo Autumn, street music programs. Connecting Cua Lo with neighboring tourist destinations such as Uncle Ho's hometown, Thanh Chuong tea island, Truong Bon relic site; through Nghi Xuan and Dong Loc T-junction (Ha Tinh); Muong Thanh Safari Land Dien Chau tourist area, Pu Mat National Park...

PV: Thank you, comrade!