Vietnam offers free foreign language courses to tour guides
The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism is planning to offer language courses in Korean, Japanese, and Spanish – all free of charge – to tour guides. Previously, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism had coordinated with the Korean Consulate in the southern metropolis to open a free Korean language training course for more than 100 tour guides, civil servants, and students majoring in tourism in Vietnam.
Before the Covid-19 epidemic, millions of Korean tourists arrived in Vietnam including Ho Chi Minh City. It is forecast that more Korean and Japanese visitors will flock to the southern largest city in the coming time.
However, Vietnamese tour guides who can speak Korean, Japanese, and Spanish have not yet met the growing demand; worse, the number of these special tour guides even tends to decrease. Therefore, the Department’s plan to offer free foreign language training courses aims to increase the number of tour guides.
Vietnam tourism
Tourism has become one of the major sectors within the economy of Vietnam in recent years, with a direct GDP contribution of over nine percent in 2019. In the same year, Vietnam also welcomed a record-high number of international visitor arrivals. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted Vietnam’s year-on-year growth of inbound tourism while causing profound consequences for the tourism industry and related sectors. As Vietnam finally reopened its border to international tourists in 2022, tourism has been showing certain signs of recovery. However, it might take some time for inbound tourism to return to pre-pandemic levels.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Vietnamese tourism industry
Vietnam was not spared from the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on tourism worldwide. The country closed its border to international travelers for almost two years since the beginning of 2020 and recorded a decrease of almost 80 percent in international tourist arrivals that year, Statista reports. Formula One’s Vietnamese Grand Prix, one of the most significant and heavily invested projects to boost inbound tourism in 2020, was canceled due to the pandemic. Having managed to control the spread of COVID-19 in the country, Vietnam relied on domestic tourism as the salvation of many local tourism-related businesses in 2020. Additionally, hotel rooms have been used as paid quarantine facilities for international arrivals, including Vietnamese repatriates, and permitted foreign visitors, which helped improve room occupancy rate in the same year. In March 2022, after having achieved a COVID-19 vaccination rate of over 80 percent among the population, the Vietnamese government decided to remove its pandemic-related travel restrictions, hoping to make the first step in reviving Vietnam’s inbound tourism.
Vietnam is an emerging tourist destination
Among the fastest-growing tourist destinations worldwide, Vietnam is known for its long coastline, rice terraces, and old French colonial architecture within bustling, modern cities. As Vietnam shifted its heavy reliance on agriculture toward a service economy, tourism has been an essential part of economic growth in recent years. The country had one of the highest numbers of international tourist arrivals in the Asia Pacific region in 2019, with yearly increases in tourism receipts before 2020. Visitors from East Asian countries accounted for the largest group of international tourists in Vietnam. Meanwhile, domestic tourist arrivals had been increasing fast, although inbound tourism receipts still surpassed domestic ones.
Vietnam tour guides
There are many ways to find a Vietnam tour guides. Here are a few tips:
1. Use Online Platforms:
- WithLocals: This platform connects you with local guides who can offer personalized tours. You can find guides in various cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Hoi An, and more.
GoWithGuide: This platform also offers local guides in Vietnam. You can find guides in popular destinations like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Hue, Da Nang, Hoi An, Ninh Binh, and Nha Trang.
- ToursByLocals: This platform offers a wide range of tours led by local guides in Vietnam. You can find tours in various cities and towns, including Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Hoi An, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and more.
2. Book Through a Travel Agency:
Many travel agencies offer guided tours in Vietnam. They can help you book tours, accommodations, and transportation.
3. Hire a Private Guide:
You can hire a private guide to take you on a personalized tour of Vietnam. This is a great option if you have specific interests or want to avoid crowds.
Tips for Choosing a Vietnam Tour Guides:
- Do your research: Read reviews and compare prices before choosing a tour guide.
- Ask questions: Ask your potential guide about their experience, qualifications, and knowledge of the area.
- Choose a guide who speaks your language: This will make it easier to communicate and understand your guide.
- Consider your budget: Some guides charge more than others. Choose a guide who fits your budget.
- Ask about the itinerary: Make sure the itinerary includes the places you want to visit.
- Get references: Ask your hotel or friends for recommendations.
By following these tips, you can find a great tour guide to help you make the most of your trip to Vietnam.
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