The worldwide outbreak of Covid-19 has brought the world to a standstill, and tourism has been the worst affected of all major economic sectors. The closing of borders and air routes, and the lockdown of entire regions, have resulted in a total loss of demand in tourism markets around the world. Da Nang’s tourism industry has been one of the first and hardest hit sectors by Covid-19. Therefore, tourism businesses in the city have developed plans to survive in a Covid-19 business environment, and created strategies to support faster recovery after the crisis passes.

Foreigners going for stroll along beachside pavements of the coastal route

Mr Le Tan Thanh Tung, Deputy General Director of the Vitours, said his company has prepared for three scenarios for a post-pandemic recovery environment. He revealed that the city is expected to see a significant increase in domestic arrivals in September and a rise in international arrivals in the 4^th quarter of this year under  his company’s the most optimistic scenario. Starting from early 2021, there will be a significant increase in the number of Vietnamese residents travelling abroad.

Deputy General Director Tung said Da Nang has seen a growing number of families arriving in the city from other parts of Viet Nam during the recent 4-day holiday break for the National Reunification Day (30 April) and International Labour Day (1 May).

Therefore, Vitours will focus on developing tourism products for family travellers, as well as promote the development of team-building tourism.

Mr Tung remarked that recent years have seen an increasing number of domestic travellers who prefer to access internet for travel information than to visit travel agents.

“Vitours will promote the technological applications in finding new sources of visitors to Da Nang. In particular, we will pay more attention to using the internet and social media to introduce photos and videos about Da Nang, as well as providing digital marketing courses for our staff”, Mr Tung emphasised.

The Tourist Support Centre at 108 Bach Dang Street has made great efforts to give timely assistance to foreign visitors.

Most recently, the Song Han (Han River) Hotel, headquartered at 14 Ly Tu Trong Street in Hai Chau District, has been conducting tourism marketing campaigns in Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh City and central regional localities.

In September, the hotel plans to target potential sources of visitors to Da Nang from such foreign countries as Taiwan, South Korea and Japan.

Deputy Director of the Song Han Hotel Le Tuan suggested that the municipal government should take proper measures to support tourism companies, including the reduction of value added tax, and admission fees at some tourist sites.

Meanwhile, the municipal Department of Tourism is developing new tourism products in order to increase visitor arrivals in the city. Included are the Bach Dang Night Market associated with a pedestrian area, the Nguyen Van Troi pedestrian bridge, along with numerous exciting sightseeing boat tours.

Specifically, the Department will coordinate with the national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines to carry out the Viet Nam is safe’ programme to stimulate the travel demand of domestic visitors between March and August 2020.

Also, the city will attach the importance to targeting at potential sources of visitors to Da Nang, including South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and ASEAN member countries.

In addition, the city’s Department of Tourism plans to provide free training courses on human resources and marketing strategies for local tourism companies’ staff.

By KHANG NINH - Translated by MAI DUNG