click to beginMore than 150 foreign and Vietnamese scientists and managers
discussed ways to preserve and promote the values of Halong Bay in the
northern province of Quang Ninh on July 24.
Addressing the seminar, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang
Tuan Anh, pointed out that Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage,
offers beautiful sightseeing and attracts millions of tourists, bringing
in trillions of VND per year to the province.
However, Halong is facing major challenges in its course of development,
Anh said, suggesting that Quang Ninh province should focus on the
quality and efficiency of tourism and take responsibility for preserving
and promoting the values of this precious natural attraction.
Secretary of the provincial Party Committee Tran Minh Chinh said Quang
Ninh is integrating the development of Halong Bay tourism with its plan
to boost sustainable economic growth and environmental protection.
The provincial and national strategies for tourism development until
2020, with a vision towards 2030, define Halong Bay as a key tourism
destination that will attract great numbers of both domestic and foreign
visitors, he added.
Chinh also emphasized that the province aims to develope a tourism
trademark, explore for new tourist sites, promote environmental
protection and raise public awareness of preserving Halong Bay.
Katherine Muller-Matin, UNESCO Chief Representative in Vietnam, said
that the State and the private sector should join efforts to protect and
advertise Halong Bay on a national and international scale.
According to reports from Quang Ninh province, Halong Bay receives an
average of 2.5 million visitors each year, including one million
foreigners. In recent years, Halong Bay and the surrounding areas have
recently attracted over 40 foreign investment projects with total
capital of more than US$1 billion.
