Quang Ninh prepares for National Tourism Year 2018
The National Tourism Year 2018 is an opportunity for the northern province of Quang Ninh to promote its image to international friends, said Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Duc Long.
Ha Long Bay, the World Heritage site in Quang Ninh province (Photo: VNA)
Quang Ninh (VNA) –♎ The National Tourism Year 2018 is anopportunity for the northern province of Quang Ninh to promote its image tointernational friends, said Chairman of the provincial People’s CommitteeNguyen Duc Long.
The province, which is home to the World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay,will host the National Tourism Year 2018 themed “Ha Long-Heritage, Wonder,Friendly Destination”. About 100 events will be held during the year by QuangNinh province, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and otherlocalities. Deputy Director of the Quang Ninh Tourism Department Trinh Dang Thanhsaid that as the host, the province will arrange a series of cultural, sportsand tourism programmes. Highlights of the event will include the opening ceremony and CarnavalHa Long 2018 in Ha Long city, which is scheduled for April 28 next year. Meanwhile, the closing programme will be held in January 2019 incombination with the opening of the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2019 and the Ha Long -FLC 2019 open golf tournament.
Quang Ninh will accelerate procedures for the early launch of a hydroplane service to Co To Island in summer 2018. The province will also reviewaccommodation facilities across the province to meet tourists’ demand insummer. As the main venue of many activities during the National Tourism Year, HaLong City has stepped up various projects such as improving urbaninfrastructure and lighting system. The city is working hard to complete theconstruction of several drainage systems and road upgrade by early of 2018 toserve the national tourism event. The province attracted more than 8.6 million tourists in the first tenmonths of 2017, including nearly 3.4 million foreigners, year-on-year jumps of18 percent and 21 percent, respectively. By 2020, Quang Ninh aims to welcome 15-16 million tourists, includingseven million foreigners, and rake in 30-40 trillion VND (1.3-1.7 billion USD)in revenue. The tourism sector is expected to contribute 14-15 percent to thegross regional domestic product (GRDP).-VNA
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on September 22 announced the theme and activities of the National Tourism Year 2018, which will be hosted by the north-eastern province of Quang Ninh.
The northeastern border province of Quang Ninh attracted more than 8.6 million tourists in the first ten months of 2017, including nearly 3.4 million foreigners, year-on-year jumps of 18 percent and 21 percent, respectively.
Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh has instructed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) to coordinate with other ministries, agencies and localities to effectively implement policies and directives from the Party, Government, and Prime Minister on tourism development.
Da Nang's appeal stems from its numerous outstanding tourist attractions, particularly My Khe Beach, Sun World Ba Na Hills resort, and the ancient town of Hoi An. Additionally, Da Nang tourism is renowned for its affordability, especially attractive to young travellers and couples, according to Chosun Ilbo.
With new direct flights from major Indian cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru, Vietnam is becoming an increasingly compelling destination for Indian tourists seeking a quick, emotionally rich four-day escape that blends luxury, culture, and natural wonder.
By source market, China continued to lead with 3.1 million visitors, equivalent to 25.5% of all foreign arrivals. The Republic of Korea followed with 2.5 million, or 20.7%. Other major markets included Taiwan (China) with 737,000, the US with 522,000, and Japan with 380,000.
Khanh Hoa has welcomed 16 international cruises so far this year, with more than 19,000 tourists disembarking to explore the province’s scenic landscapes and renowned cultural, religious, and artistic landmarks, as well as to enjoy local cuisine and sightseeing tours.
According to local plans, fireworks shows will be held at multiple locations, with Ha Long Bay as the focal point. More than mere entertainment, these displays are part of a strategic cultural tourism product aimed at strengthening the region’s brand.
Chatbot and virtual assistants support itinerary consultation and tour bookings, and provide around-the-clock response across multiple platforms while AI advertising applications have been used to optimise budgets and target the right customers. AI has been also employed to analyse customer data, enabling the delivery of personalised tour recommendations.
Many Vietnamese regions possess favourable conditions, including natural landscapes, climate, and rich cultural identities, to host sport events that integrate with cultural and tourism experiences.
Dubbed the “land of ancient towers”, Khanh Hoa boasts a rich Cham legacy through architectural masterpieces like the Po Nagar, Hoa Lai, Po Klong Garai, and Po Rome towers.
Vietnam’s e-visa system is now seen as one of the most efficient, convenient, and transparent in the region. Fully online registration, no paperwork or interviews, and fast and flexible processing time have improved foreigners’ entry experience, creating a competitive advantage over countries clinging to complicated and costly visa procedures.
Sunset Town unfolded like a living fairytale. Every street and hidden corner recalls iconic European landmarks – from Venice’s San Marco Bell Tower and Paris’s Arc de Triomphe to Almafi-style squares and cobblestone paths reminiscent of southern Italy.
Its natural advantages have made Mui Ne a magnet for enthusiasts of kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). These activities not only diversify the local tourism offerings but also contribute to the area’s long-term development strategy focused on sustainability.
In July alone, the city welcomed 695,930 international arrivals, surging 75.3% year-on-year. For the seven-month period, international visitors totalled 4.5 million, up 48% year-on-year.
Welcoming the crew on the morning of July 30, Dang Dong Ha, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, emphasised that the film offers a valuable opportunity to promote Quang Tri’s tourism potential, particularly to Indian visitors, but also to a broader global audience.
With a proactive and creative approach, Hanoi is positioning itself as one of Southeast Asia’s most compelling destinations where tradition meets innovation, and every visit offers a blend of the familiar and the new.
Fostering linkage among regional localities and restructuring the tourism sector towards professionalism are among measures to boost the “smokeless industry” of the Mekong Delta.
Ha Long Bay, the World Heritage site in Quang Ninh province (Photo: VNA) 
