ABSTRACT
As a country, Vietnam has done well in managing its national COVID-19 infections. Even though, the country was hit by three waves of infections, the Vietnamese government has been quick to respond. They mitigated its spread, contained the virus, and have enjoyed >2 months of being COVIDfree. However, despite the prompt and efficient efforts by the government, COVID-19 infections have left an indelible mark on the hospitality and tourism industry in Vietnam resulting in new innovative processes to ensure business survivability. Many hotels have streamlined their operations, reduced their manpower, and leveraged on technology. Restaurants and food providers have reduced their dine-in capacity, stopped buffet offerings, and capitalized on food delivery. Vietnamese airline carriers now take greater measures in their safety and cleaning practices. These efforts have ensured the sustainability of Vietnamese hospitality and tourism businesses during this time of global pandemic. As many economies continue to struggle with the control of the COVID-19 virus, Vietnam, having combated and won the fight against COVID-19, is ready to apply not only what it has learnt from this episode, but also new and innovative processes of work in a post-COVID world, making this the new hospitality business norm.
