At a regular press conference held on August 27, Ms. Nguyen Huyen Anh, Director of the Quang Ninh Department of Tourism, announced that the province has coordinated with tourism businesses to establish new air routes through Van Don International Airport. These include:

• Wuxi (Jiangsu, China) – Van Don, Quang Ninh: Scheduled to operate two flights per week starting in October 2024.

• Jeju (South Korea) – Van Don, Quang Ninh: Also set to commence in October 2024.

In addition, the province continues to collaborate with tourism enterprises to open other international routes from China and South Korea, as well as domestic routes from southern regions to Quang Ninh via Van Don International Airport.

Furthermore, Quang Ninh plans to launch new maritime tourism routes, including:

• Beihai City (Guangxi, China) – Ha Long City: Expected to begin operations in September 2024.

• Guangzhou City (China) – Ha Long City: Anticipated to start in August 2024.

According to the Quang Ninh Department of Tourism, in the first eight months of 2024, the province attracted 14.724 million visitors, achieving 122% compared to the same period in 2023. Total tourism revenue during this period is estimated at VND 34.338 trillion, reaching 143% of the same period in 2023. International visitors in August 2024 alone are estimated at 200,000, achieving 118% compared to the same period in 2023.

To meet the 2024 tourism goals, Quang Ninh will focus on developing both domestic and international tourism markets. From now until the end of the year, the province plans to organize 92 programs, events, and tourism promotion activities, including 17 at the national and provincial levels and 76 at the local level.

Notable upcoming events in the third and fourth quarters of 2024 include:

• Korea-Vietnam Grand Music Festival in Ha Long City

• VnExpress Marathon Amazing 2024

• Bay Triathlon 51.1 Tuan Chau – Ha Long 2024

• Special exhibitions commemorating the August Revolution and National Day (September 2)

• Thematic exhibition “Colors of Vietnam's Intangible Cultural Heritage” at Ha Long Bay World Natural Heritage Site

• Quang Ninh Culinary Festival 2024

Additionally, Ms. Nguyen Huyen Anh noted that the department will coordinate and organize survey programs for tourism businesses from the Chinese market to develop tourism products and programs through the Mong Cai and Hoanh Mo international border gates. Similar survey programs will be organized for businesses from the Indian market.

The province also plans to enhance tourism promotion both domestically and internationally by increasing visibility on platforms such as Amazinghalong and TikTok's Foodtour Quang Ninh. Events celebrating the 30th anniversary of Ha Long Bay's recognition as a World Heritage Site will be promoted through forums like EATOF in Tuv, Mongolia, and on member websites of EATOF.

In addition to the above efforts, Quang Ninh is also actively promoting tourism in key markets such as China, South Korea, and India, in alignment with national programs coordinated by the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism. The province is working with other localities such as Lao Cai, Hanoi, and Hai Phong to negotiate with Yunnan Province (China) on reopening cross-border tourism routes, including road and air connections linking Yunnan with various Vietnamese provinces and cities.

Moreover, Quang Ninh will continue implementing the content of Plan No. 39/KH-UBND issued by the Quang Ninh Provincial People's Committee on the development of local tourism products in 2024. The plan aims to boost tourism activities during the autumn and winter seasons across the province. It includes the launch of 35 new tourism products; research and development of new service offerings tied to the natural values of Ha Long Bay as a World Natural Heritage Site to enrich visitor experiences; and the introduction of a new journey connecting Ha Long Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay following the official announcement of new sightseeing routes in the two bays.

At the same event, Mr. Hoang Phi Truong, Vice Chairman of the Hai Ha District People's Committee, provided details about the upcoming Duong Hoa Tea Festival 2024. The festival will take place from September 14–15 at the tea fields in Hamlet 8, Quang Long Commune, Hai Ha District.

“The festival aims to introduce the history and development of the Duong Hoa tea brand to both local and international visitors. It also serves to promote the natural beauty of Hai Ha’s tea-growing regions while gradually building up agro-tourism and eco-tourism offerings focused on tea hills. Through this event, we hope to promote the cultural richness of Hai Ha, home to 13 ethnic groups, and attract greater media attention, travel agencies, and investors to the district,” Mr. Truong shared.

The Duong Hoa Tea Festival will feature a wide range of exciting activities, including: a tea hill cycling race; a synchronized folk dance performance amid the tea fields; tea brewing demonstrations and traditional costume showcases; a group marathon around the tea hills; a tea-picking contest; a photo exhibition titled “Beautiful Images of the Duong Hoa Tea Region”; the grand finale of Hai Ha’s second annual Singing Contest; and a workshop on “Potential for Developing Duong Hoa Tea Culture and Products.” There will also be a tea-infused culinary competition and various other vibrant sports events. All of these are expected to offer visitors memorable and meaningful experiences of Hai Ha’s land and people.

Currently, Hai Ha District has been officially recognized by Quang Ninh Province for two tourism routes and three tourism sites. The routes include:

• Route 1: Tran Hung Dao Temple – Hai Ha Pagoda – Bac Phong Sinh Border Gate;

• Route 2: Tran Hung Dao Temple – Hai Ha Pagoda – Cai Chien Island.

The three recognized sites are: Tran Hung Dao Temple – Hai Ha Pagoda, Bac Phong Sinh Border Gate, and Cai Chien Island.

The district is now focusing on developing key tourism offerings that are distinctive and tailored to local strengths, including:

• Cultural tourism and ethnic experiences with the Dao people in Quang Duc and Quang Son Communes;

• High-end coastal and island resort tourism combined with golf and ecological discovery on Cai Chien Island;

• Mountain lake resort tourism and weekend leisure at Truc Bai Son Lake (Quang Son Commune), featuring community-based cultural experiences.

— Source: Bao Dau Tu (Investment Newspaper) —