International visitors return to Phu Quoc. Photo: VNA

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on February 9 said that from the implementation of the pilot program to welcome international visitors to Vietnam until February 7, the country has welcomed 8,967 international tourists to 3 localities: Kien Giang (Phu Quoc), Khanh Hoa and Quang Nam.

The number of visitors to Phu Quoc (Kien Giang) was 1,282 guests; Khanh Hoa welcomed 7,446 guests and Quang Nam welcomed 239 guests. Tourists are mainly from Russia, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Singapore, UK, US and Canada.

Up to now, there have been 16 international travel businesses; 82 tourist accommodations; 28 areas, attractions, entertainment, services; 8 shopping points, and 48 transport units in 5 localities have registered and been selected to participate in welcoming international visitors in phase 1.

Visitors all have positive feedback when experiencing exciting and attractive types of sports tourism, entertainment, health care services, and resorts at famous destinations in Vietnam.

Visitors are satisfied with the quality of services provided, confident about Vietnam's pandemic prevention and control measures in ensuring safety for international visitors.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism proposed that until March 30, 2022, Vietnam continues to implement the pilot program to welcome international tourists, phase 2.

The program focuses on expanding the scope of welcoming tourists (localities have organized vaccination with the 3rd dose of vaccine, green zones can welcome guests); flexibility in testing requirements, being able to test at the destination (accommodation); expand tourist destinations (tourists can go to the allowed areas, domestic or international visitors, no restriction on travel time).

Exempt visas for 24 countries and territories

In the report on the proposed roadmap for international tourism opening sent to Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam, along with the proposal to soon announce the time to fully open international tourism activities, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism proposed to continue unilateral visa exemption for 24 countries and territories as before 2020 (before the outbreak of Covid-19).

"Regarding visa policy, we suggest that the Government direct the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to study and propose unilateral visa exemption for countries and territories as before 2020 (before the Covid-19); including unilateral visa exemption for 24 countries and territories and application of e-visas for citizens from 46 countries to enter Vietnam" stated the document of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Da Nang welcomes international guests.

Based on the results of the pilot program to welcome international tourists along with consultations with ministries, and localities, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has proposed a roadmap to open up international tourism activities in stages.

From now until March 30, Vietnam continues the pilot program to welcome international tourists in phase 2. Vietnam focuses on expanding the scope of welcoming tourists (localities have organized vaccination with the 3rd dose of vaccine, green zones can welcome guests); flexibility in testing requirements, being able to test at the destination (accommodation); expanding tourist destinations (tourists can go to the allowed areas, domestic or international visitors, no restriction on travel time).

From March 31 onwards, Vietnam will fully open international tourism activities, welcome international tourists to Vietnam (inbound), and send tourists to travel abroad (outbound) through all international border gates.

According to the explanation of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, this time is suitable to open completely. It is expected that by the end of March, Vietnam will complete the 3rd dose vaccination campaign, ensuring herd immunity.

If the implementation is slower than the above time, Vietnam will lose the competitive opportunity of tourism when many countries are also preparing to open international tourism activities.

According to the report, from now to March 31 is the time to adjust new regulations and guidelines; tourism businesses promptly complete and implement communication plans, and market connections to welcome international tourists.

May is the time when Vietnam will host the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31). The early announcement of the opening time for international tourism will contribute to increasing the attraction of tourists from countries in the ASEAN region.

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