Int’l seminar focuses on preserving Halong Bay

More than 150 foreign and Vietnamese scientists and managers discussed ways to preserve and promote the values of Halong Bay in the northern province of Quang Ninh on July 24.
Addressing the seminar, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Tuan Anh, pointed out that Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage, offers beautiful sightseeing and attracts millions of tourists, bringing in trillions of VND per year to the province.
However, Halong is facing major challenges in its course of development, Anh said, suggesting that Quang Ninh province should focus on the quality and efficiency of tourism and take responsibility for preserving and promoting the values of this precious natural attraction.
Secretary of the provincial Party Committee Tran Minh Chinh said Quang Ninh is integrating the development of Halong Bay tourism with its plan to boost sustainable economic growth and environmental protection.
The provincial and national strategies for tourism development until 2020, with a vision towards 2030, define Halong Bay as a key tourism destination that will attract great numbers of both domestic and foreign visitors, he added.
Chinh also emphasized that the province aims to develope a tourism trademark, explore for new tourist sites, promote environmental protection and raise public awareness of preserving Halong Bay.
Katherine Muller-Matin, UNESCO Chief Representative in Vietnam, said that the State and the private sector should join efforts to protect and advertise Halong Bay on a national and international scale.
According to reports from Quang Ninh province, Halong Bay receives an average of 2.5 million visitors each year, including one million foreigners. In recent years, Halong Bay and the surrounding areas have recently attracted over 40 foreign investment projects with total capital of more than US$1 billion.