Prime Minister requests to organize more international film and music festivals

(Dan Tri) - Along with the orientation of building new and unique tourism models and products, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said that it is necessary to research and organize more international film and music festivals.

This direction was emphasized by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in his concluding speech at the Vietnam Tourism Development Conference on the morning of November 15.

The Head of Government assessed that Vietnamese tourism still has many distinct potentials, competitive advantages, and outstanding opportunities to continue developing in the coming time, but there are also limitations and weaknesses that need to be further improved.

Lack of international cultural and tourism events

Regarding the linkage in tourism development between ministries, sectors and localities, the Prime Minister assessed that it has not been effective, there is still a situation of "each doing his own thing", a national and international tourism service chain has not been created, and there are no national-scale tourism stimulus campaigns.

Tourism products are not really focused, there are not many unique Vietnamese products with different potential, outstanding opportunities, and competitive advantages.

Besides, the Prime Minister said that Vietnam does not have many cultural, sports and tourism events of international stature, organized professionally and regularly to become Vietnam's tourism product brands such as the Fireworks Festival in Da Nang and the Hue Heritage Festival.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks at the conference (Photo: Doan Bac).

Orienting some viewpoints on tourism development in the coming time, the Prime Minister emphasized the need to build a unique Vietnamese tourism brand based on human resources, nature and historical and cultural traditions.

"When the situation changes, there must be appropriate thinking, methodology and approach, towards open policies, smooth infrastructure, smart management, digital transformation, green transformation, forecasting, data-based assessment...", according to the head of the Government.

He directed that it is necessary to promote decentralization and delegation of power along with resource allocation and strengthen inspection and supervision; cut down and simplify administrative procedures and business regulations, creating the most favorable conditions for people and businesses to participate in the tourism industry's input supply chain.

Regarding solutions, the Prime Minister said it is necessary to promote the guiding role of the national tourism agency and the leading role of major tourist centers such as Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, Thua Thien Hue, Khanh Hoa, Can Tho, Quang Ninh, Ninh Binh...

In addition, it is necessary to focus on forming regional linkages that are driving forces for tourism growth (Hanoi - Hai Phong - Quang Ninh; Hanoi - northern mountainous provinces; Hue - Da Nang; Khanh Hoa - Ninh Thuan - Lam Dong, Ho Chi Minh City and vicinity; Can Tho - Ca Mau - Kien Giang).

The Head of Government also directed the development of new and unique tourism models and products based on distinct potential and competitive advantages. In particular, promoting the development and exploitation of customer segments according to specialized products in which Vietnam has strengths (conference - seminar - event tourism, golf tourism, community tourism, culinary and health tourism...).

In particular, according to the head of the Government, it is necessary to research and organize more international film and music festivals, introduce and inspire international artists to create works about Vietnam, and mention Vietnam in works of art... The Prime Minister suggested organizing these events at a certain location to create highlights and brands.

Beautiful destinations are all "frozen"

Sharing earlier, a representative of Vingroup Corporation suggested that there should be a flexible visa exemption policy, visa exemption for some key markets in some short-term periods according to the national tourism development strategy; and there should be tax-related policies to increase the competitiveness of tourism services.

Representative of Vingroup Corporation made a recommendation at the conference (Photo: Doan Bac).

Along with that, it is necessary to increase the rate of digitalization and automation at airports to bring convenience, speed and comfort to visitors in immigration procedures.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, Chairwoman of Sovico Holdings, shared that although the tourism industry has made certain efforts and achieved certain results in 2023, this is a period full of fluctuations and challenges.

"Aviation has not made any profit; tourism, hotels, and restaurants are operating at a standstill; beautiful destinations such as Phu Quoc Island, Nha Trang Bay, the most beautiful bay in the world, the Central Heritage Road Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An, the Wonder of Ha Long Bay... are also freezing tens of thousands of hotel rooms; entertainment services and restaurants are all stagnant," Ms. Thao reflected on the reality.

She said urgent action was needed to make these destinations crowded again.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, Chairwoman of Sovico Holdings (Photo: Doan Bac).

In the context of many challenges for both the tourism and aviation industries, Ms. Thao emphasized that she hopes the Government will continue to provide support in environmental taxes on gasoline, reduce fees for new international flights, and the banking industry will reduce interest rates for aviation, hotels, and tourism.

She also proposed policies to support the development of Vietnamese airlines' fleets, policies to manage flight slots, and manage operations at airports to increase capacity through airports.

Meanwhile, Ms. Nguyen Thai Hoai Anh, Deputy General Director of Sun Group, suggested that it is necessary to promote tourism through promotional conferences to key markets; strengthen aviation cooperation to promote market expansion, open more routes, especially in markets such as Korea, China, India, Australia, etc.

At the same time, Ms. Hoai Anh emphasized the need to reopen direct flights to welcome visitors from Russia and Eastern European countries.

Ms. Nguyen Thai Hoai Anh, Deputy General Director of Sun Group (Photo: Doan Bac).

Sun Group leaders also proposed that the Government expand unilateral visa exemptions for citizens of countries with higher levels of development than Vietnam, large tourism spending and long-term stays such as Australia, Canada, the US, the remaining EU countries and some Middle Eastern countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, etc.

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