3:26:37 PM | 7/8/2005
The Ha Long Tourism Festival 2005 was kicked off on April 23 at the Tuan Chau international tourist island in northern Quang Ninh province to mark 10 years after Ha Long Bay was awarded the World Natural Heritage title by UNESCO.
So far, Ha Long Bay has been honored twice for its beauty and geomorphic values and is seeking a third recognition for its bio-diversity.
According to the Chairman of the provincial People's Committee Vu Nguyen Nhiem, during the period, Quang Ninh province has issued a number of open policies, attracting an increasing number of foreign and domestic investors who are contributing to the rapid growth of the tourist industry.
In the coming time, local authorities will focus on enhancing the overall planning for the tourism sector, diversifying tourism products and developing human resources and targeting a strong and sustainable tourism growth.
In the first quarter this year, the northern coastal province reported an on-year increase in tourists of 33 per cent in the first three months of this year with foreign arrivals up 26 per cent and occupation rates up 28 per cent.
The province is expected to welcome 3.1 million visitors and earn over VND1.3 trillion (US$82.8 million) this year.
Vietnam & World Economy
Vietnamese
