With the pandemic situation basically under control, province authorities have been drawing up plans to revive the tourism industry, which has been severely hit by the fourth wave of Covid-19.

Under a pilot plan, Mui Ne, famous for its beaches, fishing villages and water sports, will only allow domestic tourists, including foreigners living in Vietnam, who have been fully vaccinated against Covid or have recovered from the disease.

Visitors aged under 18 must furnish a negative Covid test certificate obtained within 48 hours before arrival.

At facilities offering tourist services, all employees who have to make frequent contact with them are required to be fully immunized at least 14 days prior to resuming work while those with less frequent contact have to get at least one shot and furnish a negative Covid certificate.

To speed up the reopening plan, health authorities would vaccinate 2,900 people working in resorts and tourist areas in Phan Thiet Town, home to Mui Ne, between September 24 and 26, Bui The Nhan, director of the province Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said as cited by Thanh Nien newspaper.

Binh Thuan has had over 3,000 Covid cases in the fourth wave that began in April. Phan Thiet Town was placed under lockdown for a while.

Over 80 percent of tourist facilities in Mui Ne have been closed since March last year as Vietnam shut its borders and canceled all international flights.

Other popular tourist spots Quang Ninh, Vung Tau and Nha Trang plan to reopen in November.