Hanoi (VNA) – Thepositive initial outcomes of the pilot border reopening to foreign visitors haveshown the tourism sector’s adaptability, an important basis for the cultureministry to propose the complete resumption of international travel activities fromMay, an official has said.

Addressing a workshop onJanuary 24, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung saidtourism was identified as a spearhead industry greatly contributing to nationaldevelopment, about 10 percent of GDP before the COVID-19 pandemic started. However,the coronavirus outbreaks have taken a heavy toll on it, pushing thesector to stagnation.

Thanks to the Government’sgreen light, about 9,000 international travellers have come to Vietnam under apilot scheme over the last nearly two months, he said, noting that the encouraginginitial outcomes have proved Vietnam as a safe and attractive destination aswell as the adaptability of the tourism sector.

As the country is now one ofthe 10 best performers in vaccination coverage and the inoculation campaign isbeing sped up so as to have all people of the targeted groups given the thirddose of vaccines by March 30 this year, this is an opportunity to completely reopenthe market, Hung went on.

He added from now to lateMarch, relevant parties need to step up preparations for smoothly welcomingforeign tourists back while still ensuring safety.

The ministry proposed thepilot reopening continue until April 30 while international travel activities,including inbound and outbound tours, be fully resumed in the new normal fromMay 1.

It explained that it is anappropriate point of time for the move because if Vietnam delays the opening, thelocal attractiveness to global tourists will be undermined as many regionalcountries are also planning to reopen their borders. Meanwhile, the time fromnow to May is enough for relevant ministries and sectors to amend rules andissue guidance, and for travel companies to make arrangements.

In addition, Vietnam willhost the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in May. The early announcementof the time for international tourism reactivation will help attract visitorsfrom regional countries, which have had relatively large vaccination coverage.

At the workshop, someparticipants recommended the tourism market be completely reopened even beforeMay 1.

Standing Vice Chairman of theVietnam Tourism Association Vu The Binh said the resumption of internationaltravel activities is vital to the economy, adding that the effective pilot reopening,better COVID-19 prevention and control, along with a high vaccination rate havecreated high confidence that the official reopening can be carried out immediately.

He also called on theministry to swiftly boost promotion programmes both at home and abroad./.