Actively seize opportunities when China reopens for tourism

After 3 years of “closing” tourism due to the COVID-19 pandemic, from March 15, the Chinese Government decided to put Vietnam on a pilot list to reopen tourism. Seizing this opportunity, Lang Son tourism sector has actively done well in preparing for the arrival of tourists.

Officials of Lang Son Tourism Promotion Information Center gave flowers to Chinese tourists

Mr. Nguyen Phuc Ha, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism said: We have directed and reviewed tour operators and accommodation facilities to ensure sufficient conditions to welcome tourists. Currently, travel agencies have been promoting propaganda, promotion, rebuilding tours, routes and travel programs to welcome the first delegations from China. Through the review, up to now, Lang Son province has 7 travel agencies that are eligible to welcome tourists. At the same time, more than 280 accommodation facilities have also fully prepared the conditions and are ready to welcome guests.

It is known that in the period before the COVID-19 pandemic, China was the province’s largest international tourist market, accounting for about 80% of international visitors to Lang Son. However, from 2020 to now, with the “zero COVID” policy, the Chinese tourism market has been “frozen”, significantly affecting the tourism development of the province.

Therefore, right after learning that China reopened tourism, allowing Chinese tourists to exit and enter Vietnam, localities in the province actively made preparations. . Mrs. Ha Thi Chinh, Deputy Head of Culture and Information Division of Cao Loc district said: In order to prepare well for the plan to welcome Chinese tourists, we have advised the District People’s Committee to develop plans and procedures to guide tourists to welcome and serve tourists safely. At the same time, we propagandize to tourism service businesses in the district to prepare to fully meet the conditions to welcome tourists. Along with that, on this occasion, we also actively cooperate with travel agencies to introduce and promote scenic spots in the district to tourists such as: Dong Dang Mother Goddess Temple, Thuy Mon Dinh site, Bac Nga Pagoda, Dong Dang International Station…

Not only Cao Loc district, other localities in the province are also actively renewing tourist attractions to attract tourists. Typically, Bac Son and Huu Lung districts have been moving towards building community-based tourist attractions in the area up to ASEAN standards; Lang Son city promotes propaganda and promotion of tourist routes, scenic spots and landscapes through the smart tourism system; applying digital technology at tourist destinations…

Along with that, many tourism businesses and accommodation establishments in the province have actively prepared well conditions to welcome international tourists back. Mrs. Pham Thi Hoa Mai, Branch Director of Lang Son Tourism and Import-Export Joint Stock Company said: Currently, the unit has connected with a number of travel agencies in your country to build a schedule to bring Chinese tourists into Vietnam. We have scheduled and expected to welcome the first group of guests on April 9, 2023 by road through Huu Nghi International Border Gate. The delegation will visit famous tourist attractions of the province and stay in Lang Son for 1 day and then continue to move to other localities.

The first Chinese tourist group entered Vietnam through Huu Nghi International Border Gate (March 15)

Mrs. Hoang Phuong Mai, Sales Manager, Muong Thanh Lang Son Hotel said: We always update information on the opening of tourism and always prepare all conditions to welcome Chinese guests, from facilities, rooms, and equipment to ensure the best service for visitors. On March 15, 2023, we welcomed the first Chinese delegation with 80 guests and 40 rooms booked. To thank customers, the hotel has implemented a 10% discount for the group of guests and gave flowers and gifts to visitors when they arrived at the hotel. In addition, many accommodation establishments in the province also offer attractive incentives and discounts such as: Five-star Four Point hotel reduces room rates by 5-10% to show gratitude to customers; New Century hotel and restaurant system offers a 10% discount on the total bill for customers who book a table in advance…

In particular, to prepare well for the reception of Chinese tourists, on March 15, 2023, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism advised the Provincial People’s Committee to welcome the first Chinese tourist group to Vietnam in 2023. On the first day, 124 Chinese tourists came to Vietnam through Huu Nghi International Border Gate. Here, visitors received a warm welcome and received souvenirs.

This is an extremely important event to promote the tourism development cooperation of the province in the coming time. Mr. Ngo Manh Tung, Vice President, General Secretary of the Provincial Tourism Association said: After this event, we have prepared plans and established linkage groups between business units of the two countries to develop tourism. In particular, in order to strengthen the exchange relationship between the two countries, in the coming time we will continue to invite partners from China to Vietnam to experience tourism products, including many new tourism products of the province to let them feel, as well as building more channels to promote the province’s new tour products. From there, we will invite them to Lang Son and to Vietnam.

In 2023, Lang Son province strives to welcome about 3.7 million visitors, including 200,000 international visitors. Hopefully with the active participation of all levels and sectors and the careful preparation of businesses, the resumption of tours and routes to Vietnam by China will promote the Lang Son tourism industry to achieve the above goal. contribute positively to the tourism development of the province.