MCST Minister Nguyen Van Hung has submitted a report to the National Assembly, giving answers to inquiries raised at the seventh session. Development of night-time tourism on a trial basis is one of the issues mentioned in the report.

Hung cited several night-time tourism products attracting domestic and foreign tourists, such as Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature) night tour called ‘Tinh hoa dao hoc’ (the quintessence of Eastern study), ‘Dem Hanoi – Diem cham cua nhung xuc cam’ (Hanoi Night - Touching Point of Emotions) and real-life show ‘Tinh hoa Bac bo’ (the essence of the North) in Hanoi; ‘Pho dem du thuyen Ha Long’ (Ha Long Cruise Night Street) in Quang Ninh; night tour on Hoa Lu ancient street in Ninh Binh; and ‘Quan 1 – Sac mau dem’ (District 1- the colors of the night) in HCM City.

In addition, cultural activities, performances of arts and street music, sketching, calligraphy, zumba and modern dance have been organized. The stalls displaying and introducing OCOP (one commune one product), street food are popular with domestic and foreign travelers.

However, Hung said Vietnam still lacks policies to encourage night-time tourism and attract investors. Night-time tours remain similar, mostly on walking streets, shopping areas, night food courses, and night markets, and include some street art performances.

Meanwhile, the space reserved for night-time tourism and the awareness of night-time tourism remain limited. Localities don’t have strategies and plans for a night-time economy. There is no regime for shopping and entertainment services at night.

Hung said that his ministry is going to cooperate with cities and provinces to deploy the night-time tourism model in 12 major localities.

Agencies will define the areas subject to night-time tourism development and build models that have potential.

In addition, technical issues, such as security, the time for services, policies for laborers working at night, and employment of security guards are needed.

Regarding the management of tourism activities at night, MCST develops night-time tourism under the form of walking streets, night-time markets, flexible night-time tourism spaces and entertainment complexes.

Hung said advertisement and tourism promotion campaigns will mostly target travelers who stay in Vietnam for many days, have a high spending level, and use high-quality products.

Tran Thuong