Identifying the target market & suitable services will help Hue attract visitors

Therefore, Hue needs to focus on building tour routes and products targeting these product lines.

Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Phan Ngoc Tho discussing with businesses on the sidelines of the forum

Suitable products

Having successfully controlled the COVID -19 epidemic in the country, there have been many solutions to promote the tourism industry. However, due to hesitance to travel, the market's response to the tourism industry is quite slow and weak. Therefore, to promote domestic tourists, who have been identified as the main influx of visitors to Hue from now until the end of 2020, the announcement of safe destination, development of policies and promotion programs, discounts, introduction of new, attractive and high quality tourism products are necessary in the current situation.

According to the participants of the forum, this was further confirmed when a recent study showed that the experiences that visitors will prioritize for their upcoming vacation are relaxation, culinary discovery, entertainment, sports activities, shopping and finally, spiritual activities. Coastal resorts are the most popular choice for tourists this year, followed by famous tourist spots, mountain resorts, eco-resorts, big cities, tourist spots near the house and public tourist destination.

Chairman of Provincial People's Committee speaking with delegates at the forum

Speaking at the forum, Chairman Phan Ngoc Tho affirmed that after having identified this issue, Thua Thien Hue has built a tourism stimulation scheme for 2020 - 2021. It has also identified the key market; researched and issued many solutions to support tourism businesses; built new products and services; and at the same time, focused on advertising through social networking sites and news agencies...

In order to successfully promote the restoration and development of Thua Thien Hue tourism industry, the participation in building and connecting tourism products, especially introducing, promoting and bringing tourists to Hue of travel agencies are needed.

Mr. Ta Quang Dong, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, noted that the central region in general and Hue in particular need to promote the tourism strengths of beaches and islands associated with heritage, cultural and culinary discovery. Especially, it is necessary to attract the attention of the people to the cultural and sports events associated with tourism and the major festivals of the province, particularly the upcoming Hue Festival 2020 which will be held in August.

Many participants commented that in the coming time, Hue should focus on targeting MICE tourists, short-term business travelers, high-class resorts and high-income visitors who are not affected by economic difficulties due to the epidemic; independent travellers and small groups. In addition to Hue's heritage, cultural and tourism product lines, it is necessary to focus on finding and developing new tourism products such as marine, ecology, community tourism…, and applying information technology in exploiting services.

The forum was an opportunity for businesses throughout the country to seek new cooperation opportunities

More connections, more opportunities

At the forum, the Provincial Tourism Association introduced the program of stimulating coalition of travel units. The stimulus program of accommodation establishments and service businesses has nearly 110 participants. Many quality products, attractions and novelties discounted from 30% - 50% until December 31, 2020 are introduced to partners.

Chairman Phan Ngoc Tho shared that in the current situation, the task of overcoming difficulties and developing Thua Thien Hue tourism in particular and the whole country in general, requires cooperation and participation of all levels and branches from the central to local levels. It also requires efforts and cooperation of the business community. Development cooperation is essential for tourism. Creating links brings more opportunity to restore and develop Hue tourism.

Mr. Nguyen Le Phuc, Deputy Director General of Vietnam National Administration of Tourism emphasized: Strong cooperation allows new, diverse and systematic supply chains.

After COVID-19 epidemic, most tourists look for safe services and destinations. Therefore, promoting images of safe destinations, as the theme of the Hue Tourism Forum 2020, must be further promoted by Hue. It is also necessary to take advantage of advertising channels, especially E-Marketing and social networking platforms.

Story and photos: Duc Quang - Le Tho