Visitors take the Sài Gòn waterbus. Photo courtesy of TST Tourist

HCM CITY — The HCM City Tourism Department has asked travel operators, hotels, and tourist attractions and services to strengthen measures to prevent COVID-19 amid the serious outbreaks that are occurring globally.

Under the direction of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the municipal People’s Committee, tourism-related activities in HCM City must comply with regulations and oversight of the city’s Centre for Diseases Prevention and Control.

Nguyễn Thị Ánh Hoa, director of the city’s Department of Tourism, said that inspectors have tightened oversight of safety measures to prevent COVID-19 at tourist accommodations this week.

The strengthened measures are designed to raise awareness about illegal entries from abroad at tourism accommodations, Hoa said.

Travel operators and tourist attractions have been asked to strictly follow measures against COVID-19 to ensure safety for tourists and visitors during the Reunification Day (April 30) and International Labour Day (May 1) holidays, she said.

The department in coordination with the Department of Health recently has worked with representatives of travel firms, accommodations and tourist attractions to discuss recommendations on addressing cases that test positive for COVID-19.   

The department has launched a communication campaign with promotions and new tours to boost domestic travel for the upcoming national holidays and summer vacations.

Three to five-star hotels in the city are offering 40-65 per cent discounts for individuals and groups. The communication campaign runs until August 15. — VNS