Good news and bad news for the tourism industry

Many travel companies and relevant players in the sector were happy to hear that Vietnam is planning to reopen its tourism industry from March 15. After two years of being in stagnant mode and reeling from business losses, there was no news better than that.

But bad news was also around the corner. No sooner had tourism departments and companies started preparing for the long-awaited reopening plan, the Health Ministry petitioned the Government to continue to apply strict pandemic prevention measures.

It is understandable that the Health Ministry insists on safety measures since new infections are rising every day. But the rigid and divided pandemic prevention measures are making it difficult for the tourism industry to plan ahead. Many travel companies have reacted against the Health Ministry’s measures, saying they can’t sell tours if international travelers coming to Vietnam have to produce a negative Covid test taken 72 hours before entry. Only RT-PCR/RT-LAMP test results are accepted. They are also not allowed to leave their hotel within 24 hours after checking in and will be forced to stay there for another test.

And then, if travelers want to leave their hotels, they have to undergo daily tests and watch their health until day 10. Of course, there is nothing to say if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2.

With such measures, it is understandable why many travel companies have voiced concerns. That’s because there are no international travelers who will spend thousands of dollars, take a long trip with different required papers to come to Vietnam to stay in a hotel for three days. They come here to enjoy their vacation, not to be quarantined.

Also, the requirement of daily tests will create a differentiation between local and international travelers. Both are travelers, so it is unfair that local travelers can move about without undergoing daily testing, while international ones have to be subject to such a rule. How can Vietnam destinations call for international travelers to “live fully in Vietnam” as the new message says?

Perhaps sooner or later such pandemic prevention measures will be adjusted in accordance with the new normalcy that the Government has proposed. Once we decide to live with the pandemic, we have to ensure flexible ways to open our doors to the world and not continue to fasten our hands with the old rope.