Increase attractiveness to the Chinese market.

Amidst increasingly fierce competition among regional destinations to attract international tourists, Quang Ninh has demonstrated innovative thinking by continuously implementing promotional activities in the Chinese market. Going beyond mere image promotion, Quang Ninh is proactively approaching key tourist source centers, selecting appropriate market segments, and gradually shaping its market according to a long-term development strategy.

Chinese tourists tour Ha Long Bay from Ha Long International Cruise Port.

As one of the key localities participating in the "Vietnam-China Tourism Cooperation Year 2026-2027," Quang Ninh is proactively promoting activities to expand its tourist market and strengthen cross-border cultural and tourism exchanges. According to the province's assessment, China continues to be a key international market with rapid recovery potential, large scale, and a direct impact on Quang Ninh's tourism growth in the coming period.

According to the Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Nguyen Viet Dung, to effectively utilize this influx of tourists, the Department has proposed to the National Tourism Administration to promptly implement a high-level tourism cooperation plan between the two countries. At the same time, the department has also proposed that the Government and relevant ministries and agencies study a pilot mechanism allowing Chinese tourists to use travel permits and self-driving vehicles to enter Quang Ninh. If approved, this would be an important policy expansion, creating more appeal for tourists traveling by land and contributing to an increase in the number of visitors through international border gates in the area.

Since the beginning of the year, Quang Ninh has continuously worked with various units to develop tourist sources from traditional markets. In early April, the provincial delegation carried out a series of tourism promotion activities in Beijing and Shanghai (China). While previously, tourism promotion activities mainly focused on showcasing scenic beauty, heritage sites, or infrastructure, Quang Ninh is now concentrating more on telling the "product story" with the "One Journey, Two Heritages" itinerary, connecting cultural, natural, and resort experiences. This approach aligns with the new tourism trends of Chinese tourists, especially the middle-class and young groups who have a high demand for unique experiences.

According to experts, the Chinese tourist market has undergone significant changes after the Covid-19 pandemic. Tourists no longer prioritize cheap, fast-paced tours with lots of shopping as before, but are more interested in service quality, personalization, and experiencing local culture. Therefore, Quang Ninh's greatest advantage lies not only in Ha Long Bay, but also in its ability to create a diverse range of experiences, from beach and island resorts, border tourism, to cultural and spiritual tourism, culinary experiences, entertainment, and high-end resorts.

During discussions with the Chinese side, both sides agreed to promote short-day tours across border crossings with the goal of optimizing procedures and making things easier for travel businesses. More importantly, border tourism will help create a steady flow of tourists throughout the year instead of relying too heavily on peak seasons.

Tourists experience horseback riding at Yen Tu.

In the coming period, to develop the Chinese tourist market, Quang Ninh will focus on innovating its promotional activities towards a professional and modern approach. The province will increase participation in international tourism fairs and forums in China; organize programs connecting travel businesses from both sides; and welcome famtrip and presstrip delegations to survey the province's tourism products. Along with this, it will strengthen cooperation with Chinese localities in developing cross-border tourism. Cultural exchanges, trade promotion, and tour route linkages between Quang Ninh and Guangxi and other localities in China will continue to be maintained and expanded. This is an important basis for forming multi-route tourism products, increasing connectivity and extending the length of stay for tourists.

Tourism businesses in the province have also proactively improved the quality of their services to meet the needs of this group of tourists. Many accommodations, restaurants, and shopping areas have added bilingual signage, trained staff fluent in Chinese, and diversified products to suit the tastes of tourists. Some travel agencies have developed specialized tours for Chinese tourists with experiences in culture, cuisine, relaxation, and shopping.

Mr. Nguyen Ha Hai, Chairman of the Board of Directors of THK Tourism and Trade Service Joint Stock Company (Ha Long Ward), said: "We are developing tours combining experiences in Cam Pha, Quang Hanh, and Van Don with a focus on wellness and health tourism. Many 5-day/4-night and 6-day/5-night tours incorporate golf, luxury yachting, hot spring bathing, and art performances, becoming a popular choice for MICE groups and high-income tourists. The 'Heritage Journey' trend of Ha Long - Yen Tu is also being expanded to increase cultural and spiritual elements, catering to the tastes of Chinese tourists."

Besides the advantages, developing the Chinese tourist market also poses many new demands. Tourists are increasingly interested in service quality, professionalism, and personalized experiences. Therefore, Quang Ninh's tourism industry has determined that it needs to continue improving the quality of human resources, strengthening tourism environment management, controlling prices, and ensuring security and safety for tourists. At the same time, the province focuses on building an image of a civilized, friendly, modern, and attractive destination.

Hoang Quynh

Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/tang-suc-hut-with-thi-truong-trung-quoc-3409477.html