Tourist arrivals to the northern province of Quang Ninh hit 6.6 million in the first five months of 2018, an increase of 26 per cent from the same period last year.

A view of Ha Long Bay in the northern province of Quang Ninh. (Photo: Internet)

Of the number, 2.17 million were foreigners, up 12 per cent year on year.

The province’s January-May revenue from tourism exceeded VND 11 trillion (USD 484 million), up 32 per cent year on year.

In May, Quang Ninh hosted a series of tourism activities as part of the National Tourism Year 2018 – Ha Long – Quang Ninh, including Miss Ha Long 2018, art programme “Hello Ha Long 2018” and the cultural, sports and tourism week in Co To island.

A number of cultural and entertainment events also took place in Quan Lan and Minh Chau Islands alongside a cross-country cycling tour from Sa Vi Cape in Mong Cai, Quang Ninh to the southernmost province of Ca Mau, a street festival and a tennis tournament in Mong Cai.

The province has stepped up communications campaigns to promote the National Tourism Year 2018 in Ha Long, Quang Ninh and taken actions to improve services of local travel agencies and tour guides.

Quang Ninh has a coastline of more than 250 kilometres and some 2,000 islets, two-thirds of the total in Vietnam. The spectacular stretch of coast connects the UNESCO-recognised World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay with majestic natural scenery, Bai Tu Long Bay, Van Don and Co To islands and Tra Co beach with Cat Ba National Park in the northern port city of Hai Phong.

This year, Quang Ninh expects to welcome 12 million visitors, including five million foreigners to earn VND 22 trillion (USD 968 million) in revenue. It is hosting the National Tourism Year 2018, themed “Ha Long – Heritage, Wonder, Friendly Destination.”

Last year, the province received a total of 9.87 million travellers, including 4.28 million international holidaymakers./.

VNF/VNA