Promoting sports tourism during the summer

Beyond being a venue for vibrant sporting events, Quang Ninh is becoming an ideal destination for tourists who want to combine competition with exploration. Athletes and their families can not only compete but also enjoy the natural beauty and experience the local culture.

According to experts, sports tourism, also known as "sports tourism," is a prominent trend in Vietnam, especially during the summer. With the need for fitness combined with exploration, many people choose a trip that combines leisure and exercise. Not only young people who love an active lifestyle, but also families and international tourists are enthusiastically participating in events such as marathons, aquathlons, and triathlons at popular tourist destinations.

With its scenic advantages, Ha Long, Quang Ninh is becoming an attractive destination for athletes who want to both compete and enjoy a tourist experience.

This trend offers a holistic experience: health training and cultural connection. Several localities have successfully organized combined sports events. For example, the Moc Chau Marathon attracted thousands of athletes from 40 countries amidst the mountainous landscape. In Da Nang , a triathlon scheduled for May 2025 will feature 3,500 athletes from 70 countries, transforming the central coast into an international sports and tourism destination.

Quang Ninh, with its diverse topography and numerous beautiful landscapes, has taken advantage of this to host many large-scale events. Last April, the Aqua Warriors Halong Bay 2025 competition impressed with its swimming, cycling, and running races along the stunning routes of Halong Bay. At the same time, the Yen Tu mountain climbing competition attracted over 2,000 athletes from nearly 30 provinces and cities. They not only conquered the climbs to Hoa Yen Pagoda and Dong Pagoda but also enjoyed the fresh air of this sacred Buddhist site.

"It was great to conquer the race while exploring Yen Tu. Next time, I'll invite more friends and family to join the run and trip," shared Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong Gam, a tourist from Hanoi.

In early June, Ha Long continued to welcome thousands of athletes participating in the VnExpress Marathon 2025. They not only competed but also combined the event with a relaxing family vacation, contributing to increased accommodation and consumption in the area. Similarly, in the third quarter, Van Don district will organize the Aqua Warriors Van Don 2025 – a competition featuring swimming and running amidst the pristine natural beauty of the islands.

Hon Gai beach, located on the shores of the heritage site of Ha Long Bay, is a popular location for many organizations to hold sporting events and activities for athletes and tourists.

This promises to be a highlight that will boost outdoor sports tourism in the region. In November, the Halong Bay Heritage Marathon – one of the 50 most beautiful running routes in the world – will return. More than just a sporting event, it will also be a large-scale cultural and tourism festival, attracting a large number of international athletes.

In addition, Quang Ninh will also organize many diverse sports events during the summer and the third quarter of 2025. In June, the World Grandmaster Chess Tournament will take place at the Provincial Planning, Fair and Exhibition Center, featuring international players. At the same time, Dong Trieu City will host the Cuong Anh Cup Sports Dance Competition, bringing together clubs from across the country to compete in three categories: group dance, Latin, and Standard.

In Ha Long, the third quarter was vibrant with the Quang Ninh Open Sports Dance Competition, ranging from Zumba and Shuffle Dance to Hip-hop and Yoga; the National U23 Fencing Championship; the Quang Ninh Open Badminton Club Championship; and the provincial open age-group Chess and Xiangqi tournaments, attracting many promising young athletes.

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Tung, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, shared: "Besides professional aspects, sports competitions help promote tourism and scenic spots of the province. Organizing these tournaments well is a very effective channel for showcasing and promoting tourism."

The athletes not only conquered the Halong Bay Heritage Marathon 2024 but also spent time traveling and exploring the local scenery with friends and family afterward.

According to assessments, sports tourism offers a double benefit: it improves health and boosts the local economy thanks to increased visitor numbers, longer stays, and higher spending. More importantly, it's an opportunity for Quang Ninh to showcase its image, culture, and people to the international community in a dynamic, positive, and sustainable way.

With the growing preference for nature experiences, physical activity, and connection, sports tourism will continue to be a key driver for Quang Ninh's development of high-quality tourism with unique products.

Source: https://baobinhphuoc.com.vn/news/20/173699/thuc-day-du-lich-the-thao-dip-he