The Northern Tourism Industry Comes Together to Aid Flood Recovery Efforts

Accommodations, travel businesses, and tourism associations in Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Thai Nguyen, Ha Giang, Cao Bang, Lao Cai, and Phu Tho are actively supporting local communities in recovering from the aftermath of Storm Yagi with various initiatives.

In Lao Cai, the Department of Tourism has been facilitating the swift and timely delivery of essential goods by philanthropists to receiving centers in the province. They have also been coordinating temporary accommodation for volunteer groups. Mr. Tran Son Binh, Deputy Director of the Lao Cai Department of Tourism, shared that many tourism service businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and transportation companies, have joined hands to support volunteer groups by offering complimentary accommodations, meals, and beverages.

“Members of the Lao Cai Tourism Association have provided substantial financial and material support, and the Association has actively collaborated with local authorities,” Mr. Binh added. “The Department of Tourism has also connected with sponsors who have and will continue to provide essential goods and supplies to affected areas such as Bao Yen and Bac Ha.”

In Sa Pa alone, most hotels, restaurants, and community homestays have mobilized their resources to cook and provide meals to residents, flood prevention forces, and volunteers. According to Ms. Hoang Thi Vuong, Head of the Culture and Information Division of Sa Pa town, “Initially, 12 accommodation and restaurant facilities supported free meals and accommodations for residents and tourists in Sa Pa. Now, more than 100 establishments have proactively offered various forms of assistance.”

In Phu Tho, the Phu Tho Tourism Association has launched a call for support from its members, partners, and philanthropists. They are working in collaboration with the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Phu Tho province, the Phu Tho Tourism Information and Promotion Center, and travel companies to receive relief goods and welcome volunteer groups from Hanoi, Danang, and Ho Chi Minh City. Together, they strive to provide the best support not only for Phu Tho but also for other affected areas if feasible.

“For now, we are focusing our efforts on supporting areas within Phu Tho province, especially Ha Hoa district, which has endured significant damage,” said Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Lan, Vice Chairman of the Phu Tho Tourism Association. “It is crucial to assist residents in rebuilding and stabilizing their lives after the floods. We are currently waiting for the water to recede so we can access the houses and work with local authorities to ensure our support reaches those who need it most.”

In Ninh Binh, a volunteer group from Bai Dinh Pagoda and Tam Chuc Pagoda, in coordination with the Ninh Binh Provincial Youth Union, is engaged in relief efforts for flood-affected communities in various provinces. Xuan Truong Enterprise has mobilized boatmen and volunteers to deliver essential goods, life jackets, and dozens of boats to flooded areas in Ninh Binh and several other localities, including Yen Bai, Lao Cai, Bac Giang, Lang Son, and Tuyen Quang. Previously, the company also provided financial support to the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Ninh Binh province and the districts of Nho Quan and Gia Vien.

In Hanoi, the UNESCO Hanoi Travel Club, the Hoan Kiem District Tourism Association, and numerous tourism businesses, including Trang An Travel, Vietfoot Travel, Mustgo Travel, and Wondertour, have either donated or directly organized relief missions to flood-stricken localities. These groups will be dispatched in different directions to Thai Nguyen, Tuyen Quang, Yen Bai, and Lao Cai.

Mr. Pham Duy Nghia, Director of Ban Chan Viet Travel Company, shared that after their recent charitable trip to Yen Bai, Hanoi-based travel companies will continue their support in Tuyen Quang and Lao Cai. “During our previous trip, we witnessed firsthand the hardships faced by the local people,” he said. “We are currently appealing for additional support in the form of life jackets, ready-to-eat meals, bottled water, various lighting equipment, baby diapers, sanitary pads, and medications as we prepare for our upcoming journey.”

In Thai Nguyen, Mr. Do Trong Hiep, Chairman of the Thai Nguyen Tourism Association, stated that the association has appealed to philanthropists to assist flood-affected residents in overcoming their difficulties and quickly stabilizing their lives. “In the previous days, some hotels in Thai Nguyen provided free accommodations for locals and tourists. Now that the situation has improved, the Thai Nguyen Tourism Association has launched a fundraising campaign to purchase essential goods and will organize a delegation to deliver them directly to the flood-affected communities,” he added.

In Ha Giang, the Ha Giang Tourism Promotion Center reported that numerous accommodation facilities offered free stays to residents, tourists, and volunteer groups during the storm and floods. These include De Chia Campsite (Meo Vac district); Maison Teahouse Bungalow and De Chia Kingdom (Ha Giang city); Huan Hien stilt house (Quang Binh district); Hoa Da Hotel, Hanh Phuc homestay, and Danh homestay (Dong Van district); and Ly Hong Thu homestay (Quan Ba district), among others.