A visitor checks in with giant lanterns on the Japanese bridge in Hội An. The ancient city began promoting tourism after long deadlock by COVID-19. VNS Photo Công Thành

HỘI AN — Hội An has launched the Wake-Up Hội An programme to revive the lantern decorations and tourism activities in the Old Quarter for Tết (Lunar New Year) after months deadlocked by COVID-19.

The programme will offer a promotion package for the first 1,000 tourists visiting Hội An on three first lunar New Year days (February 12-14).

Each ‘lucky money’ gift will help tourists enjoy a night at luxury resorts.

Chairman of the Quảng Nam Tourism Association, Phan Xuân Thanh said the programme was an initiative of 30 travel agencies, resorts and tour services to promote tourism activities among local visitors and foreign residents in Việt Nam.

Giant lanterns are used to decorate the Old Quarter and destinations of Hội An at night. Big size lanterns were set up at destinations as check-in sites for photos among tourists. VNS Photo Công Thành

Thanh said it’s a chance for Vietnamese tourists to explore destinations in the central province of Quảng Nam and Hội An with the best ever price for luxury service and accommodations.

Phạm Vũ Dũng, a mastermind of the Wake Up Hội An programme, said local travel agencies have received bookings from local tourists for the Christmas and New Year holiday.

He said tourists visiting the Old Quarter and popular destinations in Hội An will enjoy free entrance tickets and the best promotion for tour programmes.

He said a local business group has created charming check-in sites setting big size twin-lanterns for tourists to take photos during tours in Hội An.

Big lanterns, which were set up at the Japanese Bridge and in the Old Quarter on Tuesday, will create an attractive image for tourists when walking the peaceful ancient streets.

Hội An will also host regular art performances, regular festivals and night markets from December through February.

Local crafts shops and expat vendors will display their products in the Old Quarter during the promotion programme.

A street in Hội An is seen after uninterrupted rain and flood in 2020. The Old Quarter of Hội An was decorated and cleaned for hosting tourists during lunar New Year and Christmas season. VNS Photo Công Thành

The Tân Thành Flea Market on Nguyễn Phan Vinh street on An Bàng beach – 5km from Hội An – is a rendezvous for local residents and tourists to enjoy shopping for local handmade environmentally friendly crafts every weekend. — VNS