According to Tran Van Ngoan, an official of the provincial Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Ha Long Bay, twice recognised by UNESCO as a world natural heritage, is one of the must-see destinations whenever visitors come to Quang Ninh as it boasts rich biodiversity along with great historical and cultural values. 

Covering a multitude of limestone islands and islets in various sizes and shapes, the bay was voted as one of the seven new wonders of the world in 2011, he said, adding that the annual Ha Long Carnival is also a magnet to local and foreign tourists. 

In addition to famous bays such as Ha Long and Bai Tu Long, Quang Ninh is home to many hot and mineral springs, cultural and historical relic sites, unique architectural works, traditional festivals and craft villages. 

The province also possesses a geographic position favourable for its marine tourism development as it is an international integration gateway of the northern key economic region as well as forms part of the “Two corridors, one economic belt” cooperation between Viet Nam and China, and the Tonkin Gulf Economic Corridor.

With the goal of successfully implementing the Viet Nam Marine Strategy by 2020, Quang Ninh has focused on building its sea and island tourism brand, especially honouring the value of Ha Long Bay, Ngoan said. 

It has also increased investment in developing primitive islands such as Co To and Van Don in order to offer new experiences to visitors. 

The province has planned to promote its green growth with a view to luring more domestic and foreign investors by forming a special economic zone with hi-end tourism services and international-standard trade and financial centres in Van Don island district. 

In 2013, the province served 7.5 million holidaymakers, a year-on-year rise of 7 percent, and earned 5 trillion VND (235 million USD) from tourism. 

It expects to welcome over 8.4 million tourists by the end of this year, including 3 million abroad.