Binh Dinh plans to welcome back domestic tourists next month

Binh Dinh authorities would prioritize fully vaccinating all residents on Phuong Mai Peninsula to reopen tourism activities for domestic visitors from early November, Nguyen Phi Long, chairman of the south central province, said as cited by Quan Doi Nhan Dan newspaper.

Long said the province is mapping out a plan to welcome back vaccinated foreign tourists under a trial vaccine passport program to the peninsula after all residents are fully immunized.

Phuong Mai used to be deserted, though nowadays, the peninsula has transformed into a popular tourist destination thanks to its idyllic beaches and high-end resorts.

Starting next week, Binh Dinh authorities would also speed up vaccination across tourist town Quy Nhon so 90 percent of its resident would be inoculated with the first dose before tourism reopening.

Authorities in Mekong Delta province Kien Giang also allowed accommodation facilities, tourist destinations, entertainment complexes and casinos in Ha Tien beach town and Phu Quoc island to resume operation from Thursday but only serve intra-provincial travelers.

Phu Quoc authorities have sped up its vaccination campaign to ensure all adults get at least one dose of a Covid vaccine by Oct. 4 as it prepares to receive fully-vaccinated foreign tourists later this year.

Lam Van Thanh, chairman of Kien Giang, earlier said the island would not be ready to welcome fully vaccinated foreign tourists in October as planned due to the low vaccination rate locally.

With the pandemic situation under control, some tourism hotspots in Vietnam have eased social restrictions and resumed tourism activities since early October.