The northern province aims to attract 22 million tourists, including 5.2 million foreigners, in 2026.

The northern coastal province of Quang Ninh on January 1
welcomed its first cruise ship of the year, carrying 3,016 passengers, mostly
from the UK, the US, Australia, Canada and Spain, according to a report from
the Vietnam News Agency.

The Celebrity Solstice, flying the Maltese flag, docked at
the local Ha Long international passenger port on the morning of December 31,
2025, and is scheduled to depart on the evening of January 1.

 The vessel began its
voyage from a port in Thailand, and after Ha Long, its next destination will be
Hong Kong (China).

At the welcoming ceremony on January 1, Secretary of the
provincial Party Committee Quan Minh Cuong presented flowers and extended New
Year greetings to the cruise passengers.

Mr. Cuong stressed that Quang Ninh aims to develop into one
of the country’s leading tourism hubs, serving as a gateway for tourism
cooperation and connectivity with the region and the world, following a green
growth and circular economy approach.

Mr. Alfonso Delgado, a tourist from Madrid, Spain, shared
that the visit is a memorable way to begin the New Year, with the breathtaking
scenery of Ha Long Bay, fresh air and pleasant weather. He said Vietnam is a
beautiful country with friendly people and diverse, distinctive cuisine, and
expressed his hope to return in the future.

A group of tourists from Mexico also expressed their delight
and strong impression of the warm welcome from Quang Ninh, noting the beauty of
Ha Long Bay. For them, the New Year’s trip is highly memorable and impressive.

In 2025, thanks to its modern and well-connected
infrastructure, outstanding natural landscapes and rich local culture, Quang
Ninh welcomed more than 60 cruise ships to Ha Long, carrying over 90,000
international visitors.

Although the province set a target of 20 million tourist
arrivals, including 4.5 million foreigners, it exceeded expectations by
welcoming over 21 million, generating estimated tourism revenue of VND 57–58
trillion  ($2.16–2.2 billion) through
demand-stimulus campaigns, new tourism products, and cultural, sports and
culinary events.

This year, it expects to welcome more than 70 international
cruise ships with over 100,000 passengers to Ha Long. It also aims to attract
22 million tourists, including 5.2 million foreigners, and earn around VND65
trillion in tourism revenue.

VNA-Van Nguyen