For the time being, many tourism businesses across Da Nang are making necessary preparations in terms of infrastructure conditions, especially human resources, to be ready to welcome tourists back when the national government fully reopen international tourism in mid-March.

The receptionist (left) of a hotel located on Dong Da Street, Hai Chau District is doing check-in procedures for guests. Photo: NHAT HA

Actively recruiting more tourism employees

These days, Vitraco Transport and Tourism Complex Co., Ltd. have re-inspected its fleet of more than 150 specialised vehicles for transporting tourists.

As reported by Mr. Ngo Tan Nhi, the company’s General Director, his employees are gearing up the installation of on-vehicle surveillance cameras, checking  machinery and equipment on vehicles as well as recruiting more drivers and train professional skills for them .

“Currently, Vitraco has more than 100 drivers who have already accessed training courses on occupational and COVID-19 prevention and control skills in a bid to bring the best transportation service to tourists.”, said Mr. Nhi.

According to recent statistics released by the city's Department of Tourism, in 2021, about 80% of the total local employees (equivalent to about 42,000 people) permanently working the tourism industry, along with hundreds of thousands of workers with their part-time job in this non-smoke industry, have turned unemployed due to the COVID-19 pandemic’s impacts.

To date, given the fact that the vaccine coverage in the city is high, tourism activities are gradually bouncing back. Through fact-finding, the largest number of human resources in the tourism industry is concentrated in the accommodation segment.

Mapping out plans for regular training and retraining human resources 

Mr. Nguyen Van Duan, the Director of Muong Thanh Luxury Da Nang Hotel, said that the hotel has seen a growing number of guests. The hotel's personnel in all departments have also returned to work.

In the absence of guests, staff are usually trained on the spot with immediately practice skills, so their professional skills and qualifications have always ensured and enhanced, ensuring the requirements of serving guests.

Currently, many tourist areas and attractions citywide have also reopened to the public. Enterprises have taken the initiative to ensure good infrastructure, human resources and new products to welcome visitors back.

Director of Communications and Marketing of Nui Than Tai Hot Springs Park Resort Le Thi Bich Huong said that currently, the workforce has fully returned to work.

On the occasion of holidays, when there is a need of more manpower at peak times, the resort focuses on ensure sufficient labour resources to provide the best possible service to visitors.

Da Nang’s tourism businesses have prepared plans to welcome tourists back to Da Nang. The receptionist (middle) of the Mikazuki 365 Water Park based in Lien Chieu District welcomes guests. Photo: NHAT HA

In mid-March, the Sun World Ba Na Hills tourist area is expected to reopen, so from now on, this site has prepared infrastructure, services as well as human resources to best serve visitors.

Mr. Nguyen Lam An, the Deputy General Director of Sun World cum Director of Ba Na Cable Car Joint Stock Company shared that, despite facing difficulties due to the COVID-19 waves, the Sun World Ba Na Hills did not cut staff. Therefore, there is no change in personnel. During the social distancing period last year, the company focused on the human factor.

Chairman of the Da Nang Hotel Association Nguyen Duc Quynh said that, up to now, hotels in Da Nang have resumed accommodation services and human resources, ready to welcome guests back.

When international flights are resumed in the coming time, it is hoped that the outstanding prosperity for the city's tourism industry will be recorded.

When tourists come to Da Nang in large numbers, the tourism industry will need a large number of employees.

In order not to be passive, the Da Nang Hotel Association has mapped out specific plans for training and retraining tourism personnel such as organising classes on project financial management, and advanced training for front office staff, those working for food service and other employees in a great effort to enhance the quality of human resources.

According to Deputy Director of the Department of Tourism Nguyen Xuan Binh, currently, the city's tourism industry is ready to welcome tourists back. 45% of the total tourist accommodation establishments across Da Nang have opened to domestic guests and are also ready to welcome international ones.

Also, 150 travel agencies have resumed their normal operation, and almost of the tourist areas and attractions have also opened their doors visitors.

Reporting by NHAT HA – Translating by A.THU