Quang Ninh: Tourist arrivals pick up 26 percent in first five months
Tourist arrivals to the northern province of Quang Ninh hit 6.6 million in the first five months of 2018, an increase of 26 percent from the same period last year.
A view of Ha Long Bay in the northern province of Quang Ninh. (Photo: VNA)
Quang Ninh (VNA) – Tourist arrivals to thenorthern province of Quang Ninh hit 6.6 million in the first five months of2018, an increase of 26 percent from the same period last year.
Of the number, 2.17 million were foreigners, up 12percent year on year.
The province’s January-May revenue from tourism exceeded11 trillion VND (484 million USD), up 32 percent year on year.
In May, Quang Ninh hosted a series of tourism activitiesas part of the National Tourism Year 2018 – Ha Long – Quang Ninh, includingMiss Ha Long 2018, art programme “Hello Ha Long 2018” and the cultural, sportsand tourism week in Co To island.
A number ofcultural and entertainment events also took place in Quan Lan and Minh ChauIslands alongside a cross-country cycling tour from Sa Vi Cape in Mong Cai,Quang Ninh to the southernmost province of Ca Mau, a street festival and atennis tournament in Mong Cai.
The provincehas stepped up communications campaigns to promote the National Tourism Year2018 in Ha Long, Quang Ninh and taken actions to improve services of localtravel agencies and tour guides.
Quang Ninh hasa coastline of more than 250 kilometres and some 2,000 islets, two-thirds ofthe total in Vietnam. The spectacular stretch of coast connects theUNESCO-recognised World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay with majestic naturalscenery, Bai Tu Long Bay, Van Don and Co To islands and Tra Co beach with CatBa National Park in the northern port city of Hai Phong.
This year,Quang Ninh expects to welcome 12 million visitors, including five millionforeigners to earn 22 trillion VND (968 million USD) in revenue. It is hostingthe National Tourism Year 2018, themed “Ha Long – Heritage, Wonder, FriendlyDestination.”
Last year, theprovince received a total of 9.87million travellers, including 4.28 million international holidaymakers.-VNA
The tourism sector in the northern coastal province of Quang Ninh has been growing at a fast pace in recent years, establishing its important role in the province’s economy and moving towards sustainability.
Endowed with natural advantages for sea and island tourism, the northeastern province of Quang Ninh is working to promote its tourism brand abroad and become an international tourism hub by 2030.
The increasing numbers of visitor to northeastern Quang Ninh province’s Ha Long city in recent years creates excellent opportunities for investment deals, especially in boutique shophouses – a real estate model combining mini hotels and shophouses.
The northeastern province of Quang Ninh will host a number of activities in response to the Vietnam Sea and Island Week, which is scheduled to kick off in the locality on May 31.
A recent report, City Pulse 2025, by Gensler Research Institute, ranked HCM City among the world’s top cities for resident retention, placing it second globally. This underscores the city's reputation as a liveable, dynamic urban centre, an image that supports efforts to attract investors, experts, and MICE travellers.
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.
A view of Ha Long Bay in the northern province of Quang Ninh. (Photo: VNA)
