Amid the encouraging fact that the COVID-19 pandemic in Da Nang has been well controlled, a number of units specialising in exploiting tourists from Korean and Russian markets have submitted proposals to the municipal People's Committee and the Department of Tourism on bringing visitors from such foreign markets back to the city in the coming time.

The Mode Tour Network Co., Ltd., which specialises in operating Korean visitors, has made proposals in written on the restoration of the hospitality industry. The company suggested implementing the ‘Travel Bubble’ scheme.

‘Travel Bubbles’, also known as travel corridors and corona corridors, are essentially an exclusive partnership between two or more countries that have demonstrated considerable success in containing and combating the COVID-19 pandemic within their respective borders.

These countries then go on to re-establish connections between them by opening up borders and allowing people to travel freely within the zone without having the need to undergo on-arrival quarantine.

As planned, the company will welcome groups of 2 or more tourists provided that they must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with the second dose taken at least 14 days, and also importantly, they must undergo PCR tests 4 times, namely before and upon arrival at the Da Nang International Airport (valid within 72 hours), before leaving Da Nang after tours (effective within 72 hours) and finally, upon arrival at the Korean airport.

The movement of tourists during their stay in Da Nang will be tightly controlled to facilitate epidemiological identification.

The company also proposed that such foreign tourists must access supports in terms of suitable quarantine facilities if any, transport costs and fees for admission to tourist sites.

Besides, it is a need to build up a list of ‘green tourist sites’ for groups of tourists which are free from the coronavirus such as the Han Market, Lotte Mart, Vincom, My Khe Beach, Sun World Ba Na Hills tourist area and Linh Ung Pagoda.

Accommodation and business establishments are proposed to cooperate with the local authorities, medical organisations and insurance companies to take response measures support costs for tourists infected with COVID -19 if any.

Meanwhile, the Anex Viet Nam Trading Co., Ltd. has asked for permission from the municipal administration to welcome Russian tourists who possess vaccine passports arriving in Da Nang through charter flights and package tours.

This company has proposed the ‘Da Nang 7+’ model exclusively applied to Russian  tourists holding vaccine passports. In more explanations, upon their arrival in the city, these foreigners must spend a mandatory minimum of 7 nights in resorts and hotels. Afterwards, if they test negative for COVID-19, they are allowed to visit other locations citywide for shopping, dining and relaxing purposes.

This model is expected to be piloted during 3 - 5 months.

The company has committed to bringing 2,000 visitors to Da Nang per month during this period and then double this figure after the trial.

Reporting by HA KHUE – Translating by A. THU