Consider expanding the scope of unilateral visa exemption

7 tasks and solutions for tourism development

The Government has just issued Resolution 82 dated May 18, 2023 on key tasks and solutions to accelerate recovery and accelerate effective and sustainable tourism development.

In order for the tourism industry to develop in a focused and key manner, with the motto "Unique products - Professional services - Convenient and simple procedures - Competitive prices - Clean and beautiful environment - Safe, civilized and friendly destinations", to truly become a spearhead economic sector, among the top 30 countries with the world's leading tourism competitiveness, the Government requests Ministers of Ministries, Heads of ministerial-level agencies, Government agencies, Chairmen of People's Committees of provinces and centrally run cities, professional associations and the business community, according to their functions, tasks and scope of authority, to organize the implementation of the following main tasks and solutions: Promote the restructuring of the tourism industry towards professionalism, modernity, quality and sustainability; continue to facilitate the attraction of international tourists to Vietnam.

Policy - Consider expanding the scope of unilateral visa exemption — Many places welcome tourists. (Photo: Phi Long)

Increase investment attraction for tourism development with focus and key points, concentrating on national tourist areas.

Product development and communication, promotion and advertising of tourism; support for tourism businesses.

Improve the quality of training and human resource development; accelerate digital transformation, promote startups and innovation in the tourism sector.

In particular, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will take the lead in coordinating with relevant ministries and branches to complete the dossier to submit to the Government for consideration and issuance of a Resolution on expanding the scope of unilateral visa exemption.

At the same time, coordinate with ministries and branches to promote negotiations on visa exemption agreements with countries, especially partners with similar or higher development levels than Vietnam.

The Ministry of Public Security continues to improve policies, facilitate entry, exit, and travel for international tourists. Research, evaluate, and report to the Government on expanding the list of countries granted electronic visas (E-visas).

Evaluate and summarize the e-visa policy, study the expansion of the scope of e-visa issuance to report to the Government to propose the National Assembly to amend the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit and Residence of Foreigners to further facilitate foreigners entering Vietnam in the direction of ensuring consistency in regulations on e-visa issuance and traditional visas and extending the temporary residence period for foreigners entering Vietnam.

Strongly improve the process of controlling entry and exit procedures at air ports, ensuring the fastest and most convenient for international visitors to Vietnam. At the same time, take measures to manage and ensure national security and social order and safety.

Policy - Consider expanding the scope of unilateral visa exemption (Figure 2). — Tourists visit beautiful landscapes of Vietnam. (Photo: Huu Thang.)

The Ministry of National Defense shall take the lead in controlling people and vehicles entering and leaving the country; apply information technology, simplify inspection and control procedures to ensure quick and convenient entry and exit activities at land border gates and port gates.

The Ministry of Transport has implemented solutions to promote the expansion of international flights to Vietnam: Reviewing aviation agreements signed with countries and territories to promote implementation and create more favorable conditions for international airlines to open flights to Vietnam and to key tourist areas of Vietnam.

Support tourism businesses to access preferential loans

The Government requested the Ministry of Industry and Trade to preside over and coordinate with ministries, branches and localities to study and supplement the customer group "tourist accommodation establishments" to apply retail electricity prices equal to retail electricity prices for production customers.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism shall preside over and coordinate with ministries, branches and localities to develop a system of competitive enterprises, deeply participating in the global tourism supply chain; diversify tourism business models in line with development trends and requirements.

Coordinate with ministries, branches and localities to research stimulus policies, support packages for businesses and tourism business households to access capital sources and stimulus packages, submit to competent authorities for consideration and promulgation in accordance with the new situation.

The Ministry of Finance studies and proposes preferential credit support packages, creating favorable conditions for tourism businesses to access preferential loan sources.

The Ministry of Transport is studying to amend and supplement regulations on management and coordination of landing and take-off times at airports (slots) in the direction of flexible use of slots in international and domestic operations of Vietnamese airlines;

Support airlines in communicating with foreign aviation authorities on the use of international flight slots on a reciprocal basis to facilitate airlines to best serve the needs of tourism development.

Coordinate with relevant ministries and branches to consider adjusting the ceiling price framework in the short term to bring airfares back to market mechanism, remove difficulties for Vietnamese airlines to have conditions to accumulate capacity, and improve competitiveness with international airlines .

Phuong Thao

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