The requirement was made by Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam while attending a virtual conference to review the operation of cultural, sports and tourism sector in 2021 and devise tasks for 2022.

The COVID-19 pandemic severely affected all activities of the sector in 2021, as the cultural, art and sport activities were forced to be postponed or cancelled and the domestic and international tourism markets saw a sharp decline.

Accordingly, the sector has made efforts to flexibly adapt to the pandemic’s situation and timely proposed and implement new policies. The activities were organised via digital platform and social networks, contributing to serving and encouraging people to overcome the difficulties and challenges.

At the conference (Photo: MINH KHANH)

Speaking at the conference, Deputy PM Vu Duc Dam praised the contributions made by the cultural, sports and tourism sector to the country’s development.

He urged for the application of technological advances in tourism management as well as for the preservation and promotion of heritages, artifacts and treasures associated with specific stories.

He stressed four breakthrough stages that the sector should implement in 2021 including regulations, institutions, human resources, and digital transformation.

Specifically, it is crucial to focus on the tasks in the Cultural Development Strategy until 2030, the Government’s action plan to implement the Resolution of the 13th Party Congress, the Resolutions of the National Assembly and Government on socio-economic development from 2021-2025, and the Government’s Resolution on a number of tasks and solutions for socio-economic development in 2022.

Regarding culture and family, Deputy PM Dam required the successful organisation of cultural and sport events, festivals, and art performances in accordance with regulations on epidemic prevention.

In terms of sports, the sector needs to continue the movement entitled “the whole people practice physical training following the great Uncle Ho’s example” as well as successfully organise the national and international festivals and tournaments, especially SEA Games 31.

For tourism, Deputy PM Dam asked the sector to recover and develop tourism activities in adaptation to the pandemic situation. The country strives to serve about 65 million tourists, including 5 million international visitors.