The Hai Phong Tourism Association Boosts Its Role as a Key Connector.

Promoting and marketing tourism destinations and developing markets have been identified by the Executive Board of the Tourism Association as key tasks. The Hai Phong Tourism Association has participated in regional tourism promotion alliances with the Tourism Associations of Northern provinces, and the linkage of six coastal provinces of the North (Hai Phong, Quang Ninh, Thai Binh, Nam Dinh, Ninh Binh, Hai Duong).

The Association has signed cooperation agreements with tourism associations in major regions of Central and Southern Vietnam, including Quang Binh, Thua Thien Hue, Da Nang, Nha Trang - Khanh Hoa, Binh Dinh, Dak Lak, Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, and the Mekong Delta Tourism Association. These collaborations have strengthened destination promotion activities and organized for members to participate in various regional tourism promotion programs, forums for developing domestic tourism, and programs for product development and destination promotion.

In training and developing human resources for the tourism industry, the Hai Phong Tourism Association has consistently excelled during its term. Right from the start, the Association proactively cooperated with training institutions, such as colleges, vocational schools, and functional departments of the Department of Tourism, as well as the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry's Hai Phong branch. They organized numerous training sessions and courses for the tourism workforce in Hai Phong. In 2016, they collaborated with the Department of Tourism and the General Department of Tourism (Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism) to train nearly 200 key hotel and restaurant managers in Hai Phong on business management in preparation for the national tourism year.

In 2017, 2018, and 2019, the Association organized dozens of training courses, such as online marketing, customer care skills, and foreign language skills for tour guides and drivers. The Association also collaborated with the Hai Phong Tourism College to offer professional training for member businesses in the restaurant and hotel sectors. Member businesses closely cooperated with the schools to ensure practical training. The Association conducted surveys to identify weaknesses in the workforce of member companies, and based on that, developed training plans to address gaps.

The sustainable development of member companies has created jobs and stable incomes for thousands of workers, contributing to social welfare. During its term, many member businesses actively engaged in charity work. Notable examples include Hai Dang Hotel and Tourism Group, Hon Dau International Tourism Company, Anpha International Tourism Company, Cat Ba Tourism Community Club, and the Professional Chefs Association. These members organize annual gift programs for people affected by natural disasters, orphans, the disabled, and ethnic minorities, while also supporting the construction of houses for the poor, scholarship funds, and other charitable initiatives. To enhance the position of member businesses, the Association worked closely with the city’s reward and recognition council and central authorities to honor outstanding members who created jobs, contributed to the budget, innovated technology, and ensured sustainable business development.

Mr. Mai Xuan Thang, Standing Vice Chairman of the Hai Phong Tourism Association, shared, "With a spirit of solidarity, dynamism, creativity, and high unity within the Executive Board, along with the support of the tourism business community, the Association has fulfilled its role well, representing and protecting the legitimate rights and interests of its member businesses. The Association has effectively supported the tourism sector and acted as a crucial bridge between government agencies and tourism businesses. Through this, the position, role, and prestige of the Association in society have been confirmed, and the stature of the business community has been raised, contributing significantly to the city's economic development."

"Despite the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, which severely affected tourism businesses, with many businesses closing or halting operations, the solidarity and determination of the leaders of member companies, the support of the Association, and the involvement of the Party, government, and local authorities helped many businesses overcome the crisis and continue to develop. Especially, the Association has implemented many timely and effective solutions, innovated operational methods, and proposed policies to relevant authorities to support the development of tourism businesses. As a result, the number of members in the Association has been steadily increasing. Additionally, the Association is always attentive to its members, offering support during difficult times and at social events, strengthening the bond between members and the Association," Mr. Thang added.