Of them, 80 percent are foreign visitors. Streets, restaurants, hotels, especially in Bai Chay area, are decorated with banners wishing a Happy New Year. In big hotels such as Ha Long Plaza, Grand Ha Long and Novotel, traditional games, art performances and fashion shows were organised, attracting many tourists.

Joining other international cruise ships which regularly bring foreign tourists to Ha Long Bay, in late 2010, the Ha Long-Fangchenggang cruise officially reopened after a long interruption, reaffirming position of the northern province of Quang Ninh in sea tourism.

In 2010, Quang Ninh province received 5.4 million visitors, up by 12 percent against the previous year, of which, the number of foreign visitors increased by 2.2 million, up by 10 percent compared to 2009. Turnover from tourist activities reached VND2,900 billion, showing a year-on-year increase of 11 percent. The number of visitors from major tourist markets rose: China (by 10 percent), Taiwan (by 65 percent), Japan (by 40 percent) and the Republic of Korea (by 22 percent).

In 2011, Quang Ninh’s tourism industry set a target of welcoming 5.4 million visitors, including 2.5 million foreigners, and achieving a turnover of VND3,000 billion.

Source: VOV