Illustrative image (Source: VNA) Hanoi (VNA)– The annual Vietnam Seas and Islands Week 2018 will take place in the northernprovince of Quang Ninh in June in response to World Oceans Day (June 8),announced the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
A gala night isslated for June 1 in Ha Long city of the province, including art performancesand a seminar on youth’s role in sustainable development and protection of thecountry’s seas and islands sovereignty, along with the launch of a contest tocompose songs for national seas and islands protection.
Meanwhile, thelaunching ceremony will be held on June 2 morning in Cam Pha city. The ceremonyand concurrent activities in Truong Sa archipelago, Quang Ninh, Quang Tri andBac Lieu provinces will be broadcast live. Major beach clean-ups will becarried out afterwards.
The Vietnam Seaand Islands Week aims to raise public awareness of the importance of seas andislands in national building and protection, encouraging organisations andindividuals to take action to protect marine resources and the environment forthe country’s growth and seas and islands sovereignty.
Coastal and seaareas are expected to contribute 53-55 percent to national gross domesticproduct by 2020 as set by the 4th meeting of the 10th Party Central Committeeon 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
