'Connecting Green Tourism' is gradually restoring tourism in Nghe An.
(Baonghean.vn) - At this time, it is still necessary to identify domestic tourism as the main driving force for development. Safety can only be controlled when ensuring green connectivity - safe connections between tourists and workers in the tourism sector, between destinations, and between services in the supply chain for tourists.
After four consecutive outbreaks, especially the fourth wave with a new, more dangerous strain, the complex and unpredictable developments have impacted almost every aspect of socio-economic life, including the tourism industry.Nghe An provinceLike many other provinces and cities across the country, it was not immune to the whirlwind of difficulties and crises, and at times the crisis reached its lowest point when all activities related to receiving and transporting tourists were paralyzed, many tourism businesses could not survive, and were forced to close down, cease operations, or switch to other industries to make a living.
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| The number of tourists visiting Nghe An province has decreased due to the impact of the pandemic. Photo: QA |
According to statistics, the number of domestic tourists nationwide in the first eight months of the year reached 31.2 million (a decrease of 5.5% compared to the same period in 2020).
Specifically for Nghe An province, in the first nine months of 2021, the province welcomed 1,670,000 visitors, equivalent to 61.29% compared to the same period in 2020. Of these, the number of overnight visitors was estimated at 1,309,000, equivalent to 63.94% of the same period; international visitors were estimated at 3,196, equivalent to 16.94% of the same period; and tourism service revenue was estimated at 1,049 billion VND, equivalent to 50% compared to the same period in 2020.
Currently, along with increasingly decisive and effective epidemic prevention and control measures from all levels of government, from the central to local authorities, from the province to the grassroots, and the acceleration of vaccination across the province, the resumption of intra-provincial tourism activities in some localities that have basically controlled the epidemic are beginning to plan for the restoration of operations.
The timely issuance of policies by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to stimulate demand and restore tourism and travel activities has brought many positive signs for the tourism industry to gradually recover. However, the question is how to both open up the tourism market to meet the needs of tourists and ensure safety in preventing the spread of disease.
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| Accommodation establishments are strictly implementing disease prevention measures. Photo: QA |
At this time, it is still necessary to identify domestic tourism as the main driving force for development. Safety can only be controlled when ensuring green connectivity – safe connections between tourists and tourism workers, between destinations, and between services in the tourism supply chain.
To achieve this, tourism products must meet five "green" criteria, including: green travel cards, green businesses, green corridors, green destinations, and green services.In addition to regulations requiring full vaccination, certificates of recovery from infection, and negative PCR test certificates for those participating in tourism, units need to collaborate to develop tourism products in the form of tours and closed-loop services with close supervision from travel companies, based on safe tour operation plans for each type of service.
To achieve this, tourism businesses need to make specific changes in their service delivery methods at every stage, from transportation and accommodation to restaurants and destinations. For example, in transportation, the means of transport, routes, attractions, and even rest stops must all be fixed and controlled. In accommodation, contactless check-in and check-out should be implemented, and rooms should be arranged for groups or families with similar epidemiological factors to facilitate disease prevention and control. In addition to service rooms, there should be dedicated isolation rooms.
At restaurants, it's also necessary to arrange dining areas for groups or families, but ensuring social distancing, serving only at tables, minimizing buffet-style meals, and requiring guests to limit movement during their meals. Similarly, when taking guests to eco-tourism destinations, the openness and capacity of the space and the service provider should be considered to accommodate an appropriate number of guests while ensuring social distancing.
Tourism companies need to be prepared for potential situations and have contingency plans. For example, in the past, when a tour group experienced health problems, the tour guide would immediately contact the nearest medical facility for assistance. Now, if a tourist shows signs of suspected infection, the guide will contact the nearest medical facility.SARS-CoV-2,The first step is to immediately isolate this person from the group before calling for local medical assistance. Plans for transporting and receiving guests must always be developed based on consultations with specialized agencies to ensure the most accurate, quickest, and most limited-scope handling procedures. Travel companies also need to agree upon and clarify with tourists in advance all matters related to testing, such as the number of tests, testing times, and any medical expenses, right in the travel contract.
According to experts, in order to organize safe tourism programs in the new normal, it is essential to have the involvement of localities, recommend green destinations and green routes for customers to choose from, provide a list of safe and quality tourism service providers, and especially have close connections between localities to minimize barriers in the process of travel and connection between points.
Most recently, the Vietnam Tourism Association has developed the "National Domestic Tourism Recovery Program to Overcome the Consequences of the Covid-19 Pandemic - Phase 4," with the theme "Green Connection for Vietnamese Tourism."
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| Thanh Chuong tea hills. Photo courtesy of BNA. |
For now, focus on organizing communication activities to restore and reopen tourism with the message "People of Nghe An go..."Nghe An tourism““Vietnamese people travel in Vietnam” and “Nghe An tourism is safe, friendly, and attractive” are featured in newspapers, magazines, and television stations at the central and local levels; through websites, social networks, and online tourism events both domestically and internationally.
Develop safe, attractive, and all-inclusive tour packages for small groups, such as day trips or "two-day, one-night" tours, exploring green tourist destinations and eco-friendly routes to discover and experience the Mekong Delta and Nghe An province. Develop a MICE tourism model for the central region and the Cua Lo and Nam Dan areas.
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| The western region of Nghe An province is currently attracting domestic and international tourists. (Photo: BNA) |
As the unit assigned by the Provincial People's Committee to implement investment, trade, and tourism promotion activities in Nghe An province, the Investment, Trade, and Tourism Promotion Center has been carrying out many specific activities to enhance tourism promotion and information dissemination through various direct and online channels.
Develop publications and promotional clips showcasing tourism and unique tourism products of Nghe An province on mass media; support businesses in participating in tourism events on digital platforms, and enhance training and information support activities for businesses on the unit's media pages (Website, Fanpage, Zalo, YouTube, etc.).
Currently, the Center has also developed a plan to connect and collaborate with businesses and relevant units to participate in a series of events at the Vietnam International Tourism Fair - VITM Hanoi 2021, scheduled to be held from November 25-28, 2021, including an event promoting tourism products of Nghe An province to domestic and international tourists. It will also build virtual booths to participate in major tourism events such as the "17th Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Festival 2021" in an online format, expected from November 27 to December 27, 2021. Develop a plan to participate in the exhibition promoting the image of Nghe An, its potential and advantages to attract investment, introduce tourism products and promote trade cooperation between Nghe An and the Middle Eastern market at the World Expo Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), scheduled to take place from December 2021 to March 2022,…
With utmost determination and effort, and with innovative thinking and approaches, transforming existing difficulties and challenges into driving forces for task implementation, the Center will actively and proactively coordinate with the Department of Tourism, provincial departments and agencies, localities, and relevant organizations to implement effective and practical tasks and solutions to restore and develop tourism in Nghe An province, adapting safely and flexibly to the new situation.