(VOVWORLD) - Quang Ninh province has set a target of becoming a globally connected tourism center by 2030 and making tourism the spearhead of its economy. To its natural attractions and heritages the province is adding a profusion of innovative tourism products to transform itself into a premier destination for travelers.
Ha Long International Cruise Port welcomes large ships carrying thousands of passengers. (Photo: Vu Mien) |
Since the beginning of the year, Quang Ninh has welcomed 38 international cruise ships carrying approximately 49,000 visitors, up 25% from last year. It’s among the leading localities in Vietnam for tourist arrivals, thanks to its modern port system and growing diversity of tourism products that cater to market demand.
Tran Nguyen, a representative of Sun Group, said, “Businesses have joined forces, not only in promotion and in organizing fam trips (familiarization trips) and media trips, but also in connecting with airlines and refreshing tourism offerings.”
Nguyen took fireworks displays as one example. The Quang Hanh Yoko Onsen complex will offer Hilton to take over its management. This world-renowned brand will strengthen international confidence and position Quang Ninh as a high-end, four-season destination capable of sustainable development.
Foreign tourists go sightseeing on Ha Long Bay (Photo: Truong Giang) |
In addition to cruise tourism, Quang Ninh is emerging as a strong hub for MICE tourism—Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions—catering to large-scale organizations and associations with high-end service requirements. The shift of MICE demand toward Southeast Asia has opened up significant opportunities, with many international delegations choosing Ha Long and Bai Chay for combined business and leisure trips.
Le Thi Bich Hang, Director of Vietravel in Quang Ninh, said, “To attract more international visitors, Quang Ninh needs to further develop community-based tourism, as many travelers want to experience local life, customs, and daily practices. In addition, to serve large groups of 2,000 to 3,000 people, Quang Ninh still faces infrastructure constraints. As the province continues to address these needs, tourism businesses will have a solid foundation to market and tap into these large-scale visitor segments.”
Dinner cruises are one of the standout night tourism products of Quang Ninh province. (Photo: Truong Giang) |
Quang Ninh holds a favorable position with land borders, seaports, and an international airport, and is home to UNESCO-recognized World Heritage sites, including the Yen Tu–Vinh Nghiem–Con Son, Kiep Bac complex and the Ha Long Bay–Cat Ba Archipelago. These unique advantages provide growth momentum.
According to Nguyen Trung Khanh, Chairman of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, with its natural resources, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and modern infrastructure, Quang Ninh is well positioned to make a strong breakthrough.
“The focus will be on leveraging strengths such as entertainment, luxury resorts, and spiritual tourism to attract cultural and creative communities. The National Authority of Tourism stands ready to support the locality in building digital data platforms to promote the brands of both Quang Ninh and Vietnam,” said Khanh.
Nightlife activities not only attract visitors to the destination but also increase spending and extend the duration of stays. (Photo: Truong Giang) |
Quang Ninh is well on its way to welcome 20 million visitors, including 4.5 million international arrivals in 2025. By 2030, it envisions tourism as a sustainable spearhead industry in a leading national destination, targeting 26 million visitors, including 9 million foreign tourists.
Nguyen Lam Nguyen, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, said, “Quang Ninh province has mapped out multiple plans to develop cultural and sports institutions to attract visitors, particularly for conferences, performances, and sporting events. The province is also seeking strategic investors to build the infrastructure needed to serve tourism and the cultural industries, thereby contributing to overall socio-economic development.”
A panoramic view of the Con Son Monument, part of the world-recognized Yen Tu-Vinh Nghiem-Con Son, Kiep Bac Complex of Monuments and Landscapes (Photo: Thanh Nga) |
To achieve its goal of becoming an international tourism hub, Quang Ninh is not relying solely on its natural endowments. Instead, it is integrating resources, professionalizing services, and diversifying tourism offerings. The province is advancing to become one of the region’s top gateways for global tourism cooperation, while championing the concept of “Four-Season Tourism.”