Halong welcomes over 2 million international tourists

The northern border province of Quang Ninh has so far this year welcomed 6.4 million holidaymakers, including 2.2 foreigners, up 9 percent and 6 percent respectively.

Tourism services generated VND 4,000 billion in revenue, representing a year-on-year increase of 20 percent, the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism reported.
In the reviewed period, nearly 2.9 million visitors, including 1.2 million foreigners, chose Quang Ninh to stay during their holidays, up 20 and 15 percent respectively.

The number of visitors to cultural and historical sites rose 11 percent to 2.4 million. However, those to UNESCO-recognised Ha Long Bay fell 9 percent to 2.4 million.

The provincial tourism sector expects to have a busy year in early 2013 as many cruise ships are due to dock at Ha Long Bay from now until April 2013.

Ha Long Bay has been recognised twice by UNESCO for its natural and geological beauty.