Tour operators in the city should continue preparing new products while the city is fighting the pandemic.

Hanoi’s tourism authorities have requested local businesses to adjust their stimulus programs amid the resurgence of the novel coronavirus in the city and other localities to prevent the pandemic from spreading.
The Temple of Literature historical relic is one of the must-visit destinations for tourists. Photo: Hanoimoi |
Travelers’ safety is top priority
With the new evolution of Covid-19, the Tourism Department has asked city’s tour operators to draw up the list of Hanoi’s residents who visited or traveled through pandemic-hit areas.
Currently, the department is working with the tourism associations of Vietnam and Hanoi as well as relevant agencies on updating the Covid-19 situation and suspending some stimulus activities in August until appropriate time.
In addition, the department also required tour operators to continue preparing new products for when the pandemic is under control, Hanoi will be one of first the localities that will launch tourist promos.
The city’s tourism industry agreed that ensuring the safety for local visitors is now the first priority. All units have reactivated anti-pandemic measures such as wearing face masks, washing hands with soap or sanitizer and checking body temperature at tourist destinations.
At some tourist attractions in Hanoi, the number of visitors has increased over the past two months after the social distancing period ended.
Border closure and stay-at-home orders have hit the city's tourism industry hard. The city welcomed an estimated 6.13 million visitors in the first seven months of this year, down 63.3% from a year earlier.
Ensuring the safety for local visitors is now the first priority. Photo: Hanoimoi |
In July, 28 travel businesses in the city sent 6,681 visitors to the beach city Danang while 22 tour operators in Hanoi received 7,503 trip cancellations due to the new infections related to Danang from July 28 to 30, according to the Hanoi Department of Tourism.
Travel companies are asking customers to share their difficulties by postponing travel dates or converting the value of tour packages into travel vouchers instead of customers canceling tours and requesting refund, according to Nguyen Cong Hoan, CEO of Flamingo Redtours Company.
Chairman of the Hanoi Tourism Association Phung Quang Thang suggested that local airlines should have specific policies of refunding or delaying for groups of passengers. Accommodation establishments and destinations should allow travelers to change check-in dates.
At a meeting on July 31 to discuss solutions for issues arising in the new context, representatives from Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways and Vietjet Air said that they had studied supporting policies for the tourism industry but still needed the cooperation from other units.
Particularly, Vietnam Airlines has a policy to extend the validity of purchased tickets until June 2021. Currently, it is difficult for people canceling air tickets to get refund while those changing flights will be charged a fee.
Other News
- Cultural heritage to propel Hanoi’s future development
- Hanoi seeks UNESCO’s support in preserving cultural heritage
- Hanoi's taxi companies seek permission to operate electric cars
- Hanoi targets 100% disbursement of public investment plan in 2023
- Hanoi plans to restore local relics with US$593.6 million
- Innovation-centered approach boosts Hanoi's performance in socio-economic growth
- First heatwave to hit northern Vietnam this week
- Hanoi among cities with most trees in the world
- Hanoi's volunteers run in response to Earth Hour 2023
- Hanoi to hold scientific conference on mobilizing cultural resources for development
Trending
-
Vietnam aims for five international-standard cities by 2045
-
Hanoi patriots recount memories of captivity
-
Fascinating look at Hanoi in black and white photo collection
-
Travel enthusiasts flock to Hanoi Tourism Festival 2023
-
Effective public investment as a top political mission: PM
-
Hanoi named among Vietnam's most beautiful places
-
Hanoi among cities with most trees in the world
-
2023 - a year of high-quality startups in Vietnam
-
Vietnam 12th International Photo Contest winners announced