Tourists gather at the Japanese Bridge -- an iconic symbol of Hội An and Quảng Nam. The central province of Quảng Nam and Hội An will host a series of events to mark the National Tourism Year. VNS Photo Công Thành

HỘI AN — Việt Nam’s tourism sector will consistently follow the direction of sustainable value that has been built for decades, portraying an image of safety, hospitality and endless charm.

Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính gave a keynote speech at the opening of Quảng Nam's National Tourism Year 2022 - A Green Destination, held in Hội An on Saturday.

The PM said the National Tourism Year is a significant event in Việt Nam’s reopening of tourism with a series of activities planned for 2022.

“Việt Nam’s tourism sector will focus on positive pandemic resilience, safety and effectiveness, fast recovery and development as a key topic of 2022. The tourism industry will resume its growth on the bases of peace, sustainability, digital transformation and connections,” PM Chính said.

Dancers stage a performance at the Hội An Memory Land. The performance is an art attraction to tourists when visiting Hội An. Photo courtesy of Gami Theme Park

“The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the socio-economic structure and human practices, but it also speeds up a chance for making Việt Nam a top choice and an attractive destination among international travellers,” he said.

“Historically, Quảng Nam – a focal point of culture, economy, heritage and landscapes – has been chosen as a starting point of the country’s tourism economic recovery plan in 2022 when Việt Nam officially opens its doors for international visitors from March 15,” he added.

PM Chính said COVID-19 has disrupted the growth of tourism, but smart endeavours and efforts have been made by the tourism industry and people with digital applications and platforms.

He also said the pandemic was a chance for businesses to restructure and upgrade human resources, infrastructure and refresh tourism products to attract more tourists.

The PM also suggested that resuming tourism will require a synchronised arrangement among agencies and localities, while ‘safe’ and healthy conditions play a top priority in planning tourism in the post-COVID-19 period.

“Quảng Nam – a destination of ‘green’ and heritage sites in central Việt Nam – would help the country’s tourism sector recover by hosting top events of the year, creating a positive influence on other destinations nationwide in 2022.”

He also suggested that Việt Nam will soon regain its growth by boosting tourism on conservation and cultural heritage values.

“It is necessary to build an international brand for Việt Nam’s tourism on the characteristics of friendliness, hospitality, rich culture and history of people and land. ‘Green’ tourism must develop in ‘safe’ and peaceful conditions with environmental protection and exchange among people and tourists,” he said.

A section of the Hoài River runs through Hội An. The UNESCO-recognised world heritage site is a key attraction to tourists during the National Tourism Year of 2022. Photo courtesy of Silk Sense Resort

“Travel agencies and accommodation owners must keep an eye on ‘safe’ regulations on COVID-19 prevention and control while hosting visitors. They also need investment in digital transformation, human resources and smart ecological systems to link tourists, businesses and state agencies,” he said.

“Provinces and cities should build a chain of tourism destinations promoting value and unique attractions in luring international tourists. The country’s tourism needs to promote communication with the global travel market via different channels.”

Chairman of the provincial people’s committee, Lê Trí Thanh said Quảng Nam will do its best in promoting its potential with two UNESCO-recognised world heritage sites – Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary and the world Biosphere Reserve Chàm Islands.

Thanh said the province will be a front-runner in the post-COVID-19 recovery tourism plan in promoting other destinations nationwide in 2022.

Also on Saturday, the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) and Hội An Centre for Heritage Conservation and Relic Management agreed on a restoration plan for the Japanese Bridge – an iconic symbol of Hội An and Quảng Nam’s tourism sector.

Tourists enjoy a sunset view at a rice farm-based restaurant in Cẩm Thanh commune in Hội An. Photo courtesy The Field

The Old Quarter of Hội An and the entertainment space on the Hoài River banks witnessed crowds of domestic travellers with a series of cultural and art performances. — VNS