Tet sees tourism market rebound

Contrary to concerns, the Tet holiday saw the local tourism market rebound, as revelers rushed to book tours during the last two weeks before the second-largest travel season of the year.

About a month before Tet, many tour operators were wary about setting up services as the market was slow. But everything changed at the last minute after the Government warned provinces against putting in place pandemic prevention measures stricter than those of the Government and the Health Ministry. It also asked provinces not to quarantine those returning to their hometowns for the Tet holiday.

Many destinations such as Phu Quoc, Ba Ria – Vung Tau, Dalat and Sapa, were crowded with travelers in the past few days. While the market demand left tour operators happy, many wished the tourism policy had been issued earlier. As pandemic prevention measures were relaxed late, many travelers flocked to destinations without a travel plan or bookings.

Tour operators complained that if the policy had been issued at least one month before Tet, more people might have traveled and more tour operators would have had business. In addition, the overload at airports and destinations might have been avoided as both travelers and travel agents would have had time to prepare.

Nguyen Quoc Ky, a businessman, said the tourism industry needed the right policy at the right time to support the recovery of businesses. “A rejuvenation of products and services is needed to stimulate travel demand,” he said.

In the past few days, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism petitioned the Government, and the Government asked relevant agencies to reopen the inbound segment before March 30 and not later than April 30 this year. However, it appears that not many travel companies are willing to roll up their sleeves to prepare to welcome international customers.

To prepare, travel companies have to look for human and financial resources. Meanwhile, as they have not heard any official announcement from the Government, they do not want to put their investment at risk. Companies are eagerly waiting for the right policy to resume operations after two years of standstill due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Dao Loan

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