Safety is always a prime requirement during tourism exploitation

 

However, the implementation process is assessed as difficult when safety is always a prerequisite. To get an overview of the readiness of Hue tourism, Thua Thien Hue Weekend Newspaper had an interview with Mr. Nguyen Van Phuc, Deputy Director of the Department of Tourism.

 

“Adaptation” is a word that has been underscored over the past time. What solutions has the tourism sector developed to adapt to the new normal?

 

First of all, it should be emphasized that since the onset of the pandemic, Thua Thien Hue tourism activities have progressed normally, with limited capacity in some peak periods.

 

Adaptation is clearly reflected in the viewpoint and method of pandemic prevention and control. Previously, safety comes before operation; now operation is in safety. There is a harmonious combination between safety in the pandemic prevention and tourism operation. Therefore, Hue tourism cannot maintain the same solutions as before, but needs more flexible processes and changes.

 

Adaptation is also to realize the dual objective of pandemic prevention as well as socio-economic recovery and development and to keep pace with the "tempo" of recovery and development together with the provinces and countries worldwide.

 

The COVID-19 pandemic has developed quite complicatedly. In your opinion, what is the appropriate adaptation model to develop in the short term?

 

Operation in an adaptive state requires new solutions, based on what Hue currently has and the solutions effectively implemented over the past time. Simultaneously, new adaptive solutions need supplementing.

 

Currently, the sector formulated the recovery plan for the late 2021 and 2022 period with a set of 8 solutions. Specifically, it will boost the solutions to ensure safety for pandemic prevention and control in tourism operation; provide the mechanisms and policies to support employees and businesses; develop the diversified products to meet new market trends.

 

Simultaneously, there is a need to strengthen tourism communication and promotion, continue the communication strategy of "Hue - safe destination"; stimulate tourism demand with stimulus packages launched by businesses and the support policies and programs drawn up by the State; connect, support the tourism development and promote information technology application, digital transformation for both supporting the pandemic prevention and designing new products and services.

 

 

The flights have been re-operated. Photo: Duc Quang

 

It is recognizable that we lack the experience of adaptation. Other provinces are also in the process of adaptation, so Hue has not been able to draw experience. Therefore, the adaptation process will be both operating and drawing experience.

 

The recent pandemic developments in Thua Thien Hue require the adaptive solutions to have continuous changes and fluctuations suitable for each specific time.

 

Many solutions have been proposed, but the sector determines that a new and most suitable adaptation model is required. Then it will be widely scaled up.

 

Recently, the Provincial Tourism Association has conducted a new adaptive tour survey. At the upcoming film festival in Hue in mid-November, the department will host two tours in line with the trend of "green" tourism. This gives the momentum to seeking the most suitable models.

 

In the recovery plan, what forecasts has Hue tourism sector made for the tourist markets in the coming time, sir?

 

In principle and practice, forecast is one of the important solutions to proactively have the appropriate answers to visitor attraction. Good solution also contributes to helping businesses to be proactive in the solutions to linkage and recovery.

 

Hue tourism develops a very specific roadmap. In the immediate future, it still focuses on exploiting the flow of provincial tourists, then domestic and international tourists.

 

For domestic tourists, there have recently been a lot of discussions about the source of tourists in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. However, according to the assessment, the source of domestic tourists recovers soon and is expected to be in the linking region of 5 provinces: Quang Binh, Quang Tri, Thua Thien Hue, Da Nang and Quang Nam. Thanks to traveling by road and getting information quickly, the provinces can share tourists in safe areas is the most feasible.

 

Does it mean Hue tourism is ready to welcome tourists?

 

Currently, 100% of employees in the tourism sector are vaccinated. This is an important factor for tourism to operate in safety. Another factor is that the province is accelerating vaccination coverage among the people. The latest updated data shows that the vaccination reached about 65% of the province's population (early November 2021 data).

 

Another factor is the readiness of businesses. The sector management has set great store by the Provincial Tourism Association for its pioneering solutions in recent years. Currently, 14 accommodations are registered as places of quarantine and medical supervision. In the situations arising, Hue will have adequate accommodations to serve tourists in quarantine, under medical supervision and normal tourists.

 

Some other provinces started planning to welcome international tourists. How is Hue tourism, sir?

 

For all many challenges ahead, with the determination and consensus of all levels, businesses, Hue tourism strives in November 2021 to build the standard models, tours, routes that ensure the safety standards and optimal customer service.

 

Afterwards, in December, domestic tourists will be welcomed with separate tours from the tours organized. Especially for international tourists, in December, we will strive to organize a charter tour from Korea and in 2022 will welcome international tourists.

 

Thank you, sir.