Deputy spokeswoman: pandemic prevention ensured when welcoming foreign tourists
Foreign Ministry’s deputy spokeswoman Pham Thu Hang shared information about measures to ensure safety against COVID-19 for both international visitors and local residents at a regular press conference held virtually on November 4, in the context that Phu Quoc island and several Vietnamese localities are about to welcome foreign tourists.
Foreign Ministry’s deputy spokeswoman Pham Thu Hang (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) ♉– Foreign Ministry’s deputy spokeswoman Pham Thu Hang sharedinformation about measures to ensure safety against COVID-19 for both international visitors and local residents at a regular pressconference held virtually on November 4, in the context that Phu Quoc island and several Vietnameselocalities are about to welcome foreign tourists.
Shesaid the Vietnamese Government had agreed on a pilot roadmap to welcomingforeign tourists to Vietnam in three stages, with the first stage from November 2021, the second fromJanuary 2022 and the third from the second quarter of 2022. Duringthe first stage, foreign tourists participating in package tours and arriving via either charter orcommercial flights will be allowed to Phu Quoc city in the southern province of Kien Giang, the central province of Khanh Hoa, the central province of Quang Nam and the central city of Da Nang. They must show papers required by Vietnam's agencies including certificates of full COVID-19 vaccination or full recovery from the disease, she said. The deputy spokesperson also noted that foreign arrivals are required to follow pandemic prevention and control measures asguided by relevant agencies and localities. She said in order to ensure the absolute safety of residents,localities allowed for the pilot reception of foreigners are accelerating theinjection of second vaccine shots for all locals, including migrant labourers from other localities. The localities are also zone divide several large-scale tourist areas and resorts into exclusive areas forforeign tourists, she said./.
Foreign tourists and Vietnamese people in other countries hope to enter Vietnam for travelling and visiting relatives as soon as possible, according to Vietnamese diplomatic representative agencies abroad.
Foreign visitors to Phu Quoc, Khanh Hoa, Quang Nam, Da Nang and Quang Ninh – localities selected in a pilot reopening programme – will not have to quarantine from next month as long as they test negative for SARS-CoV-2. The visitors will also need to book a combo of air tickets, COVID-19 testing, hotel and registered destinations.
International tourists with vaccine passports or those who have made a full recovery from COVID-19 can visit five destinations in Vietnam starting from this month, without a quarantine mandate.
Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh has instructed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) to coordinate with other ministries, agencies and localities to effectively implement policies and directives from the Party, Government, and Prime Minister on tourism development.
Da Nang's appeal stems from its numerous outstanding tourist attractions, particularly My Khe Beach, Sun World Ba Na Hills resort, and the ancient town of Hoi An. Additionally, Da Nang tourism is renowned for its affordability, especially attractive to young travellers and couples, according to Chosun Ilbo.
With new direct flights from major Indian cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru, Vietnam is becoming an increasingly compelling destination for Indian tourists seeking a quick, emotionally rich four-day escape that blends luxury, culture, and natural wonder.
By source market, China continued to lead with 3.1 million visitors, equivalent to 25.5% of all foreign arrivals. The Republic of Korea followed with 2.5 million, or 20.7%. Other major markets included Taiwan (China) with 737,000, the US with 522,000, and Japan with 380,000.
Khanh Hoa has welcomed 16 international cruises so far this year, with more than 19,000 tourists disembarking to explore the province’s scenic landscapes and renowned cultural, religious, and artistic landmarks, as well as to enjoy local cuisine and sightseeing tours.
According to local plans, fireworks shows will be held at multiple locations, with Ha Long Bay as the focal point. More than mere entertainment, these displays are part of a strategic cultural tourism product aimed at strengthening the region’s brand.
Chatbot and virtual assistants support itinerary consultation and tour bookings, and provide around-the-clock response across multiple platforms while AI advertising applications have been used to optimise budgets and target the right customers. AI has been also employed to analyse customer data, enabling the delivery of personalised tour recommendations.
Many Vietnamese regions possess favourable conditions, including natural landscapes, climate, and rich cultural identities, to host sport events that integrate with cultural and tourism experiences.
Dubbed the “land of ancient towers”, Khanh Hoa boasts a rich Cham legacy through architectural masterpieces like the Po Nagar, Hoa Lai, Po Klong Garai, and Po Rome towers.
Vietnam’s e-visa system is now seen as one of the most efficient, convenient, and transparent in the region. Fully online registration, no paperwork or interviews, and fast and flexible processing time have improved foreigners’ entry experience, creating a competitive advantage over countries clinging to complicated and costly visa procedures.
Sunset Town unfolded like a living fairytale. Every street and hidden corner recalls iconic European landmarks – from Venice’s San Marco Bell Tower and Paris’s Arc de Triomphe to Almafi-style squares and cobblestone paths reminiscent of southern Italy.
Its natural advantages have made Mui Ne a magnet for enthusiasts of kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). These activities not only diversify the local tourism offerings but also contribute to the area’s long-term development strategy focused on sustainability.
In July alone, the city welcomed 695,930 international arrivals, surging 75.3% year-on-year. For the seven-month period, international visitors totalled 4.5 million, up 48% year-on-year.
Welcoming the crew on the morning of July 30, Dang Dong Ha, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, emphasised that the film offers a valuable opportunity to promote Quang Tri’s tourism potential, particularly to Indian visitors, but also to a broader global audience.
With a proactive and creative approach, Hanoi is positioning itself as one of Southeast Asia’s most compelling destinations where tradition meets innovation, and every visit offers a blend of the familiar and the new.
Fostering linkage among regional localities and restructuring the tourism sector towards professionalism are among measures to boost the “smokeless industry” of the Mekong Delta.
Foreign Ministry’s deputy spokeswoman Pham Thu Hang (Photo: VNA) 
