Illustrative image (Source: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – The annual Vietnam Seas and Islands Week 2018 will take place in the northern province of Quang Ninh in June in response to World Oceans Day (June 8), announced the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
A gala night is slated for June 1 in Ha Long city of the province, including art performances and a seminar on youth’s role in sustainable development and protection of the country’s seas and islands sovereignty, along with the launch of a contest to compose songs for national seas and islands protection.
Meanwhile, the launching ceremony will be held on June 2 morning in Cam Pha city. The ceremony and concurrent activities in Truong Sa archipelago, Quang Ninh, Quang Tri and Bac Lieu provinces will be broadcast live. Major beach clean-ups will be carried out afterwards.
The Vietnam Sea and Islands Week aims to raise public awareness of the importance of seas and islands in national building and protection, encouraging organisations and individuals to take action to protect marine resources and the environment for the country’s growth and seas and islands sovereignty.
Coastal and sea areas are expected to contribute 53-55 percent to national gross domestic product by 2020 as set by the 4th meeting of the 10th Party Central Committee on the Vietnam Strategy on the Sea.
With stunning landscapes, clear turquoise sea and spectacular limestone pillars together with tourism investment projects, Quang Ninh boasts huge potential to develop tourism.
The province has a coastline of more than 250 kilometres and 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.
Along with the renowned Ha Long Bay, Quan Lan, Minh Chau, Ngoc Vung, Dai beaches and in Van Don island district and Tra Co and Vinh Thuc in Mong Cai city have grown in stature among tourists thanks to their breathtaking sea and coral reef.
In 2017, Quang Ninh welcomed almost 10 million tourists, over 4 million of whom were foreigners. The province aims to attract more than 12 million visitors this year, including 5 million foreigners.
By 2020, Quang Ninh aims to welcome between 15-16 million tourists, including 7 million foreigners, and rake in 30-40 trillion VND (1.3-1.7 billion USD) in revenue. The tourism sector is expected to contribute 14-15 percent to the gross regional domestic product.-VNA
