Reopens for tourism

Foreign tourists visit the History Museum in HCM City on April 8. Photo baotanglichsutphcm.com.vn HCM CITY — Human resource shortages plague the tourism industry even as tourism, transport and other services are resuming, HCM City authorities said. Lack of human resources is a global problem for the tourism industry, and Việt Nam is no exception, Bùi Thị Ngọc Hiếu, deputy director of the city Department of Tourism, said. It has been a longstanding issue in HCM City and was only exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, she told a workshop on May 13. Around 80 per cent of workers were laid off or moved to other industries during two years of pandemic restrictions, creating a huge worker shortage, she said. The city is a leader in training people in tourism specialities, and has 24 universities, 20 colleges and 19 vocational schools, according to Hiếu. More than 12,000 people graduate from them every year, meeting around 60 per cent of demand, she said. As of mid-April 454 … [Read more...] about Tourism hit by lack of personnel after reopening

As Vietnam reopens its borders to tourism, attracting, developing and retaining a quality workforce has become the top priority for this industry. With borders reopened and tourism promotion campaigns launched in Vietnam, hotels, tour operators and ancillary service providers across the country might be facing a major problem: shortage of qualified labor. Dr Nuno F. Ribeiro, RMIT University Vietnam During the worst period of the pandemic in 2020-2021, many tourism organizations had to reduce their (experienced) workforce. A report by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism revealed that tourism businesses cut staff by 70-80% in 2020. In 2021, the number of full-time tourism employees was down to 25%  of the 2020 level, and about 30% quit their jobs or had their contracts terminated. These workers have either returned to their original employment prior to tourism and hospitality or they have found employment elsewhere. Now a great number of them are … [Read more...] about Hunt for human talent for tourism – Vietnam’s new normal: RMIT University

The move came as the number of COVID-19 cases in Vietnam has decreased significantly since March 15 this year, according to an official document issued by Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam on May 14. The document also noted that the country has also seen a decreasing number of COVID-19 deaths, severe cases, and hospitalizations. Many countries have also relaxed COVID-19 curbs while existing vaccines are still effective against different variants of coronavirus. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is asked to direct Vietnamese agencies abroad to notify people wishing to enter Vietnam to comply with requirements on COVID-19 prevention and control as per the guidance of the Ministry of Health. Vietnam dropped health declaration requirements for foreign arrivals from April 27 and COVID-19 vaccine certificates, quarantine requirements from March 16 shortly after it reopened tourism for international visitors. Vietnam has to date administered more than 216.5 million doses of COVID-19 … [Read more...] about Vietnam drops COVID-19 test requirement for foreign arrivals from May 15

The tickets will be valid until late this month. The bus tours which run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily take visitors through tourist attractions including St. Joseph's Cathedral, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Hoa Lo Prison, the Temple of Literature and the Opera House. The buses will depart every hour from Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square near the Hoan Kiem pedestrian zone. Hanoi opened double-decker bus tour in May 2018 with ticket prices ranging from VND196,000 ($8.48) to VND650,000 ($28). The free tours are being offered as Vietnamese authorities try to take advantage of the country hosting Southeast Asia’s largest sports event to boost its tourism image and attract more foreign tourists in the post pandemic new normal scenario. The central province of Quang Binh is offereing free tours to Son Doong, the world's largest cave, to two most outstanding athletes at this year’s SEA Games. The 31st SEA Games, a biennial regional multi-sports … [Read more...] about SEA Games athletes offered free rides on Hanoi double decker buses

The Lam Kinh relic site in the northern province of Thanh Hóa's Thọ Xuân District has attracted thousands of tourists since it re-opened in April. Photo ditichlamkinh.vn The special national relic site of the Lam Kinh ancient royal capital of the Later Lê Dynasty in the northern province of Thanh Hóa's Thọ Xuân District harbours mysterious tales about one of the most significant Vietnamese feudal reigns. After more than 10 years of restoration, the site's Main Temple Hall area comprising the most important works covering over 1,600 square metres, opened at the beginning of April, attracting thousands of visitors. The 200ha site is a complex of monuments with a large area of unique architectural works of the Later Lê Dynasty (1428-1789). The restoration was officially completed based on the original foundations. Along with the restored works of the Main Temple Hall, other areas, including Thái Miếu (Royal Temple), Nghinh Môn (Welcome Gate), Dragon Yard or audience … [Read more...] about Lam Kinh ancient royal capital holds feudal mysteries

American Justin Douglas told VnExpress International he was glad to hear the test requirement went on May 15. "At this point I think Covid is endemic and that testing serves no significant purpose anymore besides presenting a bureaucratic hassle for traveling. "In addition to the high costs, there was the added stress of finding out where you can get a suitable test, and getting it at the right time." "Vietnam is my favorite country and I have been waiting to go back." Yves Badaroux also of the U.S. said he backed the government's decision as many countries across the world have already done so. "Removing the test conveys a message that the country really wants tourists to come back. "We plan to visit Vietnam in October and November. We miss Vietnam. We have been there five times already and cannot wait to come back." Singaporean Ben Teh said: "This is great news. We don't have to bother to get a PCR or antigen rapid test done because it's really costly and makes no … [Read more...] about Foreigners happy as Vietnam lifts Covid testing requirement

Viet Nam's stock market is in a strong correction, down nearly 19 per cent since its peak in early April. — Photo tinnhanhchungkhoan.vn The State Securities Commission (SSC) is closely monitoring the developments of the economic-political situation, assessing the influence on Viet Nam's stock market in order to promptly take appropriate solutions aimed at stabilising the domestic stock market, said a representative of SSC. Viet Nam's stock market is in a strong correction, down nearly 19 per cent since its peak in early April. In a recent interview with Vietnam News Agency, a representative of the State Securities Commission (SSC) said that the domestic stock market was going through a strong adjustment period, due to the combined impact of domestic psychological factors as well as risks from the international market such as the Fed raising interest rates sharply, unresolved geopolitical tensions, inflationary pressures, sharp increases in input prices and rising energy prices. … [Read more...] about SSC prioritises stabilising solutions for stock market