Ha Long has few visitors, the port is no longer crowded

According to Thanh Nien reporters, on April 30 and noon on May 1, on famous streets in Bai Chay Tourist Area (Ha Long City), restaurant staff had to go out to the street to welcome guests.

There are few customers in a place that is usually crowded these days.

PHOTO: LA NGHI HIEU

However, most restaurants are only operating at 50-70% capacity, and many businesses are sluggish. Seafood in tanks is still intact, and business is quiet.

Restaurant staff rushed out into the street to invite customers.

PHOTO: LA NGHI HIEU

Ms. Nguyen Thi Duong, owner of Hai Duong restaurant (Bai Chay ward, Ha Long city) said: "This year, there are very few customers, mainly because the tourism trend is shifting to the South. The restaurant only imports a moderate amount of seafood and still sells it at the same price as usual, but the number of customers is still much lower."

Having traveled to Ha Long many times, Nguyen Thien Tai (21 years old, from Vinh Phuc ) was also surprised when he first saw the city without traffic jams or having to queue for food during the holiday. "Everything is open, food is served quickly, prices are reasonable, but it is too quiet compared to previous years," he shared.

Many shops have excess space, business is not very vibrant.

PHOTO: LA NGHI HIEU

The same situation also occurred in many places in Quang Ninh province such as Mong Cai City, Dong Trieu City, Cam Pha City, where tourism activities were more bustling than usual. However, compared to previous holidays, business owners said that it was not as crowded.

This situation shows a less-than-expected holiday tourist season in Ha Long, which used to be considered the "hottest" destination in the North during long holidays.

Quang Ninh tourism industry announces beautiful numbers

According to the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Quang Ninh province, on April 30 - the first day of the holiday, the whole province welcomed about 165,000 visitors, reaching 111% compared to the same period in 2024; of which there were 65,000 overnight guests and about 23,000 international visitors. Total revenue from tourism is estimated at 454 billion VND.

Ha Long International Passenger Port is no longer crowded like this time of year in previous years.

PHOTO: LA NGHI HIEU

Some major tourist destinations are reported to have a high number of visitors such as Ha Long Bay welcoming nearly 16,400 visitors (of which 6,500 are international visitors), Sun World Ha Long welcoming about 15,000 visitors, Quang Ninh Museum 6,800 visitors, Yen Tu 3,600 visitors... These optimistic numbers are contrary to the actual records in the Bai Chay tourist center area as mentioned above.

Tourists prepare to board the ship to visit Ha Long Bay

PHOTO: LA NGHI HIEU

The difference between reports and reality has made many people question the statistical method and the way to evaluate the effectiveness of the tourism industry, when the Quang Ninh provincial government has issued many instructions to increase service quality, ensure safety, hygiene and list prices..., but the reality is not as expected.

The paradox between growth figures and the reality of lack of visitors also raises big questions for the Quang Ninh tourism industry about not only attracting visitors but also ensuring that they stay, spend and have positive experiences locally.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/ha-long-thua-khach-cang-tau-khong-con-chen-lan-185250501151033567.htm