HCMC – The HCMC Department of Tourism has proposed adding large-scale travel firms affected by Covid-19 to the list of firms being offered zero-interest loans to pay the salaries of their employees.
In its recent report on the Covid-19 prevention and control situation, apart from agreeing with a draft report prepared by the HCMC Department of Planning and Investment on credit support policies for firms affected by the coronavirus pandemic, the municipal department proposed supporting tour operators with over 200 workers in taking out loans with a 0% interest rate.
Due to the impact of the health crisis, 90%-95% of a total of 1,000 firms active in the travel industry in the city have suspended their operations, while their employees have been on unpaid leave for the past few months. Many travel firms with over 200 employees, which are struggling to maintain their operations are also facing financial difficulties, Tuoi Tre Online reported.
Regarding solutions to boost tourism in the city, the municipal Department of Tourism proposed offering free entry at four tourist sites—the HCMC War Remnants Museum, the Vietnam History Museum, the HCMC Museum and the Cu Chi Tunnels—and offering financial support to these sites to pay salaries.
Moreover, the municipal Department of Tourism proposed that the HCMC Department of Planning and Investment work with other relevant agencies to consult the HCMC government over reducing water bills for lodging and dining facilities that serve tourists, Nguoi Lao Dong Online reported.
By Dao Loan
