Vietnamese tourism enterprises are preparing to welcome back Chinese tourists following the news that the northern neighbor will reopen its doors from January 8 after nearly three years of COVID-related closure.

Domestic tourism firms have waited for Chinese travelers for a long time due to China’s border closure for the zero-COVID policy.

Therefore, the news that the world’s most populous country will reopen its doors next month has excited local travel companies.

Quang Ninh gets ready

The northern province of Quang Ninh is one of the localities welcoming the most Chinese tourists as it shares a border with the northern neighbor.

Therefore, China’s plan to reopen its borders has heartened tourism enterprises and managers in the province.

Cao Anh Tuan, director of sales at Paradise Vietnam Group, a local travel firm, said China is the largest source market of Vietnam’s tourism, so its reopening is good news to the Vietnamese tourism sector.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the firm proactively maintained its cooperation with, and got updates on the Chinese market from, Chinese partners to get ready to welcome back Chinese tourists once this market reopens.

The company also took the initiative in exchanging the information with tourism partners to promote local tourism products, such as MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) and cruise ship tours to Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay.

To welcome Chinese travelers keen on sightseeing and enjoying entertainment and catering services, the company plans to put into use the super five-star cruise ship named Paradise Delight meeting international standards, allowing travelers to experience local cuisine and artistic shows. 

The company also plans to participate in international tourism fairs held in China.

Nguyen Thi Truc, director of Vietravel Quang Ninh, said that her company is always ready to welcome Chinese travelers to Quang Ninh.

In addition to traditional products, the firm will offer some new products such as tours to the 'dinosaur spine' in Binh Lieu District and night cruise ship tours.

Le Trong Thanh, deputy director of Tung Lam Development Joint Stock Company, which provides cable car transport and tourism services in Quang Ninh, said that China’s reopening is an expectation of many local enterprises as it helps accelerate the domestic tourism recovery.

The company has drawn up plans, especially preparations of human resources, to welcome new delegations of tourists. 

Tran Van Hong, deputy head of the Ha Long Tourist Boat Association, said he has yet to receive the official information about China’s reopening on January 8 next year from the provincial administration.

However, members of the association are always eager to welcome Chinese travelers and all tourists wishing to visit Ha Long Bay as a whole.

Reducing low-cost tours

Phung Quang Thang, vice-chairman of SGO Travel Company in Hanoi City, said that China is a large market of Vietnam’s tourism, which has closed for a long time. Local enterprises are looking forward to the reopening of this market.

To take advantage of this opportunity, Thang said local enterprises should review their tourism products and related services and effectively do marketing.

It is forecast that China will still take caution in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, so tourism management agencies should work more proactively, keep a close watch on the information about China’s reopening, and cooperate with enterprises to ensure the smoothness, synchronicity, and accuracy of information to help businesses take wise steps.

Meanwhile, enterprises should develop high-quality products and balance the benefits of relevant units.

They should review and remove shortcomings to ensure the sustainable and effective growth of the market. 

They should not rush to offer low-cost tours, Thang noted.

He also suggested Vietnam create favorable conditions for Vietnamese travelers to visit China.

Nguyen Ngoc Dong, director of Ansapa Co. Ltd. based in Lao Cai Province, said China’s reopening plan is good news for Lao Cai residents because since China closed its borders due to the pandemic, many residents have faced difficulties and companies have suffered heavy losses.

Ansapa also hoped to welcome more Chinese travelers as China is the company’s main source market.

However, Dong expected fewer travelers choosing cheap tours.

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