Revitalizing heritage tourism

Immediately after the Covid-19 pandemic, thanks to the province's policies and decisions to stimulate and support tourism, the tourism and service sector has experienced a strong recovery, continuing to affirm its position as a key economic sector prioritized for development in Quang Ninh. Continuing this growth momentum, in the first seven months of 2024, tourism continued to achieve impressive results, welcoming 13 million visitors. Among these, the attractive destination of Ha Long Bay was visited and experienced by the majority of tourists, making a strong contribution to the growth of Quang Ninh's tourism industry.

While Quang Ninh province welcomed over 15 million tourists in 2023, including approximately 2 million international visitors, the province's tourism sector has seen strong growth. In the first seven months of 2024, the total number of tourists reached nearly 13 million, with over 2.2 million international visitors, generating an estimated tourism revenue of over 29,300 billion VND. With these impressive results, Quang Ninh has decided to adjust its tourism target for the entire year of 2024 to 19 million domestic and international visitors, an increase of 2 million compared to the initial plan. To achieve this goal, the province has directed relevant departments, agencies, and localities to implement comprehensive solutions to innovate tourism products, improve service quality, strengthen tourism promotion, and especially organize cultural, sports , and entertainment events to strongly attract tourists.

Tourists explore the caves in Ha Long Bay.

To increase the attractiveness of Ha Long Bay, a World Heritage Site and natural wonder, to tourists, the Quang Ninh Provincial People's Committee issued Decision No. 2119/QD-UBND announcing the tour itineraries for Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay. These include eight tour itineraries for Ha Long Bay: Itinerary 1: Port - Thien Cung Cave - Dau Go Cave - Cho Da Island - Ba Hang Cave, Dinh Huong Island - Trong Mai Island. Itinerary 2: Port - Soi Sim Beach - Ti Top Island - Sung Sot Cave - Tung Sau Bay - Me Cung Cave - Bo Nau Cave - Luon Cave - Trong Cave - Trinh Nu Cave - Dong Tien Lake. Itinerary 3: Port - Cua Van Floating Cultural Center - Tien Ong Cave - Ba Ham Lake - Ba Men Temple - Ang Du - Bamboo Forest. Itinerary 4: Cruise port - Grass Cave (Thien Canh Son) - Thay Cave - Cap La Cave - Vong Vieng - Tung Ang Eco-tourism Area - Cong Do Island - Hon Xep Park. Itinerary 5: Cruise port - Thien Cung Cave - Dau Go Cave - Cho Da Island - Ba Hang - Dinh Huong Island - Trong Mai Island - Gia Luan Wharf (Cat Ba - Hai Phong). Itinerary 6: Cruise port - Chan Voi Island - Ba Cua Bay - Tung Lam Island - Cap Bai Island (the final point of the itinerary adjacent to Gia Luan, Lan Ha Bay, Hai Phong). Itinerary 7: Ha Long Bay tour according to itineraries 1-2-3-4 (only applicable for exploration cruises). Itinerary 8: Tuan Chau International Cruise Port - Ha Long International Cruise Port - Nam Cau Trang Port.

In addition, there are 3 itineraries connecting Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay, including: Itinerary 1: Attractions on Route 4 in Ha Long Bay (Port - Co Cave (Thien Canh Son) - Thay Cave - Cap La Cave - Vong Vieng - Tung Ang Eco-tourism Area - Cong Do Island - Hon Xep Park) and Van Don (Thang Loi Island - Ngoc Vung Island - Quan Lan Island - Minh Chau Island). Itinerary 2: Attractions on Route 4 in Ha Long Bay - Van Don (Ban Sen Island - Nha Tro Cave). Itinerary 3: Attractions on Route 4 in Ha Long Bay - Cam Pha (Hon Dua Island - Vung Duc - Ong Cu Island - Reu Island - Cua Ong).

The announcement of tourist itineraries in Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay serves as a basis for guiding the development of new and diverse tourist destinations and products, thereby increasing the attractiveness of Quang Ninh tourism, especially to international tourists.

In addition to focusing on developing new tourism products for Ha Long Bay, to realize the goal of welcoming 19 million visitors, from now until the end of the year, Quang Ninh will also concentrate on developing the domestic and international tourism markets; continue to organize over 90 programs, events, and activities to stimulate tourism in the province; and continue to introduce 37 new tourism products.

The last months of the year will be the peak season for international tourists visiting Quang Ninh. The province has directed relevant departments, agencies, and localities to strengthen connections with traditional tourist markets such as Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan (China), and Europe, while also aiming to attract MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourists – large-scale conferences and seminars with high spending power. These are tourist groups who enjoy visiting and exploring Ha Long Bay with its stunning natural scenery and diverse experiences on the heritage bay.

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