(VNF)- The number of tourists to the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai, home to much-loved Sapa resort town, in the first six month surged by nearly 30 percent over the same period last year.

The increase is recorded between January to June after the Noi Bai-Lao Cai expressway opened last year.

Lu Van Khuyen, Head of the culture-information department in Sa Pa district, said hotels and rooms for rent in Sa Pa town, Bac Ha market, and Lao Cai have operated with full capacity.

Farm produce and specialties in popular destinations quickly sell out thanks to the influx of vacationers.

Bac Ha market, for example, saw a year-on-year rise of 20-30 percent in the number of visitors.

Night market sessions are now open during weekends to meet burgeoning tourist demand.

The Bac Ha district administration also kicked off promotion programs and offered ecological tourism activities along the Chay River.

According to Trinh Xuan Truong, Chair of the Sa Pa district’s People’s Committee, the tourism sector had predicted the surge and worked out plans to cope with the tourist boom, but their preparation remains inadequate.

To make the most of the expressway connecting Hanoi with Lao Cai province, local authorities are planning to enhance infrastructure and services, expand areas meant for fruit cultivation and animal livestock, and ensure food hygiene and safety, among other plans.

An integral component of the Kunming-Lao Cai- Hanoi- Hai Phong road corridor, the Noi Bai- Lao Cai highway is a vital part of a cooperation program between Vietnam, and its neighbors of Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar and China./.

by VNF