Monday, 08/06/2020 18:13 (GMT+7)
A writer from the US Bloomberg news agency has assessed in a newly-published article that Vietnam may be a model for the rest of the world about local holidaymakers back.
Domestic tourists actively respond to the “Vietnamese people travel in Vietnam” program. (Photo: VnExpress)
Writer Clara Ferreira Marques said that Vietnam’s success in containing the coronavirus epidemic means domestic travel has already restarted.
“For a country of nearly 100 million population that borders China, Vietnam has been something of a standout case through the pandemic. Official records show just 329 cases and no deaths (as of June 7th). That reflects a decision to close borders rapidly, quarantine tens of thousands, and to contact trace and test at impressive levels. Clear official communication, affordable test kits and locally made protective equipment helped. Its lockdown lasted barely a month, and since mid-April, all new cases have been imported,” the article said. “The result is that Vietnam has been among the first countries globally to get its citizens holidaying again.” In May, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism launched the program “Vietnamese people travel in Vietnam”.
According to the article, although international arrivals were down 98% in May from a year earlier, after a record 2019, there were 85 million domestic tourists, who made up more than 80% of all visitors - a huge number even if they spend less than foreigners.
Tourism in Vietnam adds up to some 5 million jobs; therefore, it is an important area.
The author also confirmed that Vietnam restarted tourism with “a cautious version compared to tourist-dependent parts of Europe racing toward peak summer months.”/.
Compiled by BTA