An online seminar on tourism reopening takes place on January 24, 2022, connecting 20 central cities and provinces. (Photo: VOV)

According to an online seminar connecting 20 central cities and provinces on Monday, Vietnam had welcomed more than 8,500 foreign tourists to Phu Quoc, Khanh Hoa, and Quang Nam as of Sunday, as part of a pilot vaccine passport program.

The number of international travel agencies and transport agencies registered to welcome visitors is increasing, and tourists who have participated in the pilot program to reopen tourism have given positive feedback.

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung said Vietnam has a great opportunity to reopen international tourism.

"Vietnam‘s vaccination coverage is in the top 10 in the world and the government aims to finish vaccinating everyone over 18 with a third dose in the first quarter of 2022. This is an opportunity to reopen the market and businesses, travel agencies, and other relevant agencies should prepare now to welcome visitors," he said.