Phu Quoc island in Kien Giang province is a famous tourist attraction (Photo: Vietnam Tourism)

The program will strengthen communications on safe tourism in the “new normal” to attract more tourists to safe destinations. Safety has become an essential part of every tourist product and a required condition of all tourism programs. The program helps tourism associations and businesses flexibly apply the criteria to their actual situation and sets out criteria for green travel companies, green destinations, green tours, and green accommodations.

Tourism activities will be confined to safe areas and strictly monitored. At the end of each tour, tourists and employees of the travel company must complete a health declaration and will be monitored for a short time.

Phung Quang Thang, Vice President of the Vietnam Society of Travel Agents, said, 'Tourists and service providers must been green, meaning safe. We need to link green destinations and green zones and identify more green zones to safely and effectively restore tourism.'

The tourism sector will implement a publicity campaign to stimulate tourism with the message “Vietnamese travel Vietnam” and “Vietnamese tourism – safe and attractive”. In the meantime, Phu Quoc island in Kien Giang province will pilot receiving international tourists. Ha Long Bay, Hoi An town, Nha Trang city, and Da Lat are preparing to become green destinations.