Hai Phong Tourism Association Holds 4th Congress for the 2022–2027 Term

Tourism: Recovery and Growth After the Pandemic Tourism was among the hardest-hit sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic, with revenues decreasing by more than 80% compared to 2019 (pre-pandemic levels). Following the government’s approval for tourism activities to resume on March 15, 2022, Hai Phong’s tourism sector rebounded strongly, regaining its growth momentum. In 2022, Hai Phong tourism welcomed and served 7 million visitors, an 89% increase year-on-year, exceeding the annual target by 55%. Among these, international arrivals totaled 681,649, a 98% year-on-year increase, while total revenue reached VND 6.3 trillion, up 98% compared to the previous year.

Achievements of the Tourism Association in the Previous Term During the previous term, the Hai Phong Tourism Association closely followed the directives of the city’s Party Committee, the People's Committee, and the Department of Tourism. It mobilized and united member businesses to actively participate in various programs, events, and promotional activities. The association also strengthened collaboration among tourism businesses, creating a unified force to overcome challenges posed by the pandemic. Furthermore, it enhanced connections and cooperation with tourism associations in other regions, contributing to the development of inter-regional tourism products and expanding markets. The association served as a bridge between member businesses and state management agencies, protecting members' legitimate rights and interests and playing a crucial role in the development of Hai Phong's tourism enterprises.

City Leadership Acknowledges and Directs Future Development Speaking at the congress, Mr. Le Khac Nam, Vice Chairman of the Hai Phong People's Committee, commended the achievements and tireless efforts of those working in tourism, including the Hai Phong Tourism Association, during the past term.

The Vice Chairman emphasized the importance of raising awareness about the role of tourism in socio-economic development. He urged the association to:

• Actively promote and enhance awareness of tourism’s economic significance.
• Strengthen its role as a professional and social organization supporting the city’s tourism growth.
• Collaborate with the Department of Tourism and other related sectors to expand markets and promote tourism in key domestic and international markets.
• Develop innovative and appealing tourism products.
• Partner with state management agencies and training institutions to improve the quality of tourism labor, focusing on foreign language proficiency and professional expertise.
• Encourage the broader community to participate in building Hai Phong’s tourism brand while ensuring environmental and resource protection.

The Vice Chairman expressed confidence that the Hai Phong Tourism Association and its members would continue to unite, innovate, and overcome challenges to achieve new successes, contributing to Hai Phong’s rapid and sustainable development in alignment with the resolutions of the 13th National Party Congress and the 16th Hai Phong City Party Congress.

Congress Highlights and Leadership Elections Held under the theme “Innovation and Unity for Development; Collaboration and Creativity for Success,” the congress reviewed the achievements of the 3rd term, outlined directions for the 4th term, and elected new leadership for the 2022–2027 period. Mr. Mai Xuan Thang, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Hai Dang Tourism & Hotel Group, was elected as President of the Hai Phong Tourism Association for the 4th term.

Awards and Recognition On this occasion, the Hai Phong People's Committee presented the association with the Outstanding Unit in the 2021 Emulation Movement flag. Certificates of Merit were also awarded to two collectives and three individuals for their exemplary contributions during the 2016–2021 term. The Vietnam Tourism Association recognized 15 collectives and 16 individuals, while the Hai Phong Tourism Association awarded Certificates of Commendation to 16 individuals for their outstanding contributions to the tourism sector's development.