Promoting a green economy , digital economy, and heritage economy is a long-term and sustainable goal that Ha Long City is striving for. In this context, tourism development is a key priority, aiming to transform Ha Long into an international tourism hub and a leading national tourism destination.
The past year was a memorable one for tourism in Ha Long City, with a series of major cultural, sports , and tourism events organized, attracting thousands of visitors. Among them, the Carnaval festival stands out – an event that has become synonymous with Ha Long City. This was also the first time the festival was performed in a live theatrical format on the sea, using the most modern technology. More than 5,000 locals and tourists came to admire the synchronized performance on the sand and sea by 2,000 professional and amateur performers along with hundreds of boats and ships, creating a perfect Ha Long Carnaval heritage dance.
Furthermore, guided by the "Ha Long - City of Festivals" project, a series of large-scale and attractive events have made a deep impression on tourists, such as: the Fun Wheels Festival Ha Long 2024; the Ha Long Sailing, Paragliding, and Jet Skiing Festival 2024; the Ha Long Hot Air Balloon Festival 2024; and various running events held continuously along the Heritage site's shores. In addition, many businesses have organized music programs at Sun Hill, the Lighthouse complex, Lulalu Coffee, and Harmony Hill, featuring famous singers to boost tourism.
In 2024, the city also proactively developed seven new tourism products, including: the Lighthouse entertainment complex; a cruise ship and restaurant combined with wedding services in Ha Long Bay; high-class accommodation products; the "Memories of the Past" market; the Diamond entertainment complex (Tuan Chau); a community tourism model; and the Bai Chay pedestrian and culinary street. In addition, the city facilitated and encouraged organizations and individuals to invest in and develop new products such as: the VuiFest pedestrian and culinary street; the Memories Market at the Ha Long International Cruise Port; and new high-class accommodation ships and restaurants coming into operation…
Besides exploiting the strengths of Ha Long Bay and island tours, the city has developed tourism products in the northern mountainous communes such as Ky Thuong and Dong Son to create diverse choices for tourists. Mr. Nguyen Dinh Long, Deputy Director of Saigontourist Travel Service Co., Ltd. branch in Quang Ninh, said: Community-based tourism models, cultural and agricultural tourism, and rural tourism are being invested in very systematically, creating an attraction for tourists, especially international visitors. In addition, the city has proactively connected with travel companies, providing information on ecotourism, agricultural tourism, and community-based tourism products at the tourist information counter of Ha Long International Cruise Port to promote them to tourists. Many tour groups have given positive feedback after experiencing these products. They were surprised to learn about the unique ethnic culture of the area and expressed a desire to return to explore other destinations in Ha Long.
Keeping pace with the digital transformation trend, the city's tourism industry has taken proactive measures. Attaching QR codes to all 18 tourist destinations; working with technology solution companies to research and develop tourism information websites and digitize some destinations. Simultaneously, strengthening supervision and inspection, and resolutely handling certain issues such as: tours to deserted islands, night squid fishing, street vending… to ensure a safe and friendly tourism business environment and build a tourist destination. With the efforts of the government and tourism businesses, in 2024, Ha Long City is expected to welcome approximately 10.6 million tourists, a 22% increase compared to the same period in 2023, including 2.7 million international tourists, nearly double the number in 2023. Total revenue from tourism activities is projected at 23,320 billion VND. By 2025, the city aims to welcome 11.5 million tourists, including 3 million international tourists. Total revenue from tourism activities reached 26,500 billion VND.
Taking the development orientation of a green economy, digital economy, and heritage economy of Ha Long City as its guiding principle, the tourism industry focuses on building diverse solutions. In particular, with Ha Long Bay as the center, it aims to both preserve and promote heritage values while connecting and expanding to neighboring tourism satellites. According to Mr. Nguyen Thanh Tuan, Head of the Culture and Information Department, the city will continue to implement projects to build Ha Long into a "City of Flowers" and a "City of Festivals"; organize 18 key tourism, cultural, sports, and commercial programs, events, and activities to attract tourists; and introduce 10 new tourism products. At the same time, it will exploit and promote the value of the national cultural identity of the Northern region; prioritize the development of unique and highly competitive tourism products and services, especially cultural and entertainment industry products; and night-time sightseeing tours along the shores of Ha Long Bay. Simultaneously, investment will be made in improving supporting infrastructure for tourism and services such as: restrooms, public parking lots, transportation within the city, and connections between tourist areas and attractions. The city will strengthen the promotion and advertising of tourism through mass media and social media platforms, as well as promote linkages between the tourism industry and other sectors, and between Ha Long and localities within and outside the province.
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