The number of tourists to Hanoi in October reached 554000 increasing 30% compared to September, as Vietnamese people feel safer to travel thanks to the containment of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the Hanoi Department of Tourism.
The arrivals, however, dropped 71.4% against the same period last year due to foreign travel restrictions.
In October, the average occupancy rate of one to five-star hotels was estimated at 28.6%, an increase of 13.3% compared to September, but decreasing 38.6% over the same period in 2019.
The capital city welcomed an estimated 20000 international visitors this month, an increase of 20% against September but declining 95.9% from a year earlier. Most of them are diplomats, business executives and high-skilled laborers as Vietnam still bans foreign entry and allows arrival on a case-by-case basis.
Revenue from domestic and inbound tourism in the city was VND121 trillion (US$52.1 million) in October, up 25% month-on-month but down 82.9% compared to October last year.
Overall, the city welcomed an estimated 727 million visitors in the first 10 months of 2020 down 68.9% inter-annually. Of the amount, international arrivals are estimated at 105 million while the number of domestic tourists totaled 622 million. Revenue from tourism was VND24.9 trillion (US$969.2 million) in this ten-month period. The average hotel occupancy rate was estimated at 28.2%, down 41.7% over the same period in 2019.
Boosting the tourism industry
Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism Tran Trung Hieu said that in October the sector has focused on promotion, dissemination and market development. Besides, the agency has enhanced inspection to ensure a safe tourism environment. It has also fostered and trained human resources and created new tourism products.
The city’s tourism sector has also sped up the elaboration of design concept dossiers, production design documents of brand identity (logo), signage system and souvenir gift for Hanoi tourism, in collaboration with a consulting firm.
The tourism agency has also submitted to the city People’s Committee for consideration and approval of a set of evaluation criteria for high-quality tourist resorts in the city in the 2020 – 2025 period; a list of key tourist areas which would be the focus for investment. Improving the quality of tourism services in tourist spots in the city in the 2020-2025 period is also a task of the agency. At the same time, it will coordinate with destinations to create new tourism products.
Many tour operators in Hanoi have focused on exploiting the city’s autumn specialties as well as taking advantage of the discount programs of many accommodation establishments since September.
Specifically, VietSense Tourism Co. has launched autumn and winter tours at prices from VND1.9 million (US$81.8) to VND2.3 million (US$99) per person, which focus on discovery excursions. September–November is the ripening rice season, terraced fields in Mu Cang Chai, Tu Le (Yen Bai province), Hoang Su Phi, Xin Man (Ha Giang province), Simacai (Lao Cai province) are the favorite destinations.
Hanoitourist Travel Company has launched “Hanoi autumn” tour with a discount of up to 50% for accommodation, including 3-day-2-night stay in 5-star hotel Metropole Hanoi with prices starting from VND3.3 million (US$142).
As Covid-19 is under control, it is the right time for the tourism industry to resume activities based on stimulating demand with the aim of restoring the market, Director of Hanoitourist Travel Phung Quang Thang said.
According to Grant Thornton Vietnam, in the most optimistic scenario for 2021 the number of international visitors will reach 10-12 million; a neutral scenario contemplates 8-10 million visitors while the pessimistic one sees 6-8 million visitors. For the domestic market, the number of visitors will be around 50-60 million.
