Mr. Ho An Phong, Director of the Department of Tourism said total number of tourists to Quang Binh in 2017 was estimated to reach 3.3 million, rose by 70.9% against the same period last year, including 100,000 foreigners, an increase of nearly 120% from the similar period last year.

Total turnover from tourists was an estimation of VND3,706.3 billion, grew by 64.7% against the same period; turnover from tourism sector was estimated to reach VND621.37 billion, up 53.6% from the same period last year. VND144.29 billion was contributed to State budget, increased by 33% from the same period last year.

In the beginning days of April, 2016, Quang Binh was one of four central provinces where were heavily damaged by the marine environmental incidents. The Department of Culture, Sport and Tourism in close coordination with the functional agencies discussed solutions to stabilise tourism activities, actively develop advantages of ecological tourism, adventure tourism, historical - cultural tourism and spiritual tourism.

Remarkably, many tourism promotion activities were organised in many countries such as Thailand, Japan, South Korea, China, America, Germany, France...

After the marine environmental incidents, one of highlights of Quang Binh tourism was the program entitled "Quang Binh in the heart of Hanoi" organised in mid-March of 2017. The event attracted thousands of hanoian people, more than 700 travel companies and domestic and foreign tourists. An art program named "Quang Binh in the songs" was also successfully organised with a series of activities such as tourism connection conference, photo exhibition "Quang Binh - the Asia's most attractive destination", popularisation of destinations; a program to discover "Quang Binh - the kingdom of the world's caves", etc.

At the same time, the launching of the blockbuster movie with the cost of nearly $200 million, "Kong: Skull Island" with spectacular scenes in two communes of Tan Hoa and Trung Hoa (Minh Hoa district) were widely known on the domestic and world media.

In 2017, Quang Binh also successfully organised the cave festival named "Kingdom of caves - Magnificent and Legendary” with many activities of tourism, culture and arts from June 16 to 25, aiming to honor grandiose and mysterious caves of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park; and promote historical and spiritual values of heritages and the potentials and strengths of Quang Binh tourism. The event attracted the participation of nearly 100,000 and brought many interesting experiences for tourists.

In addition, Quang Binh was selected to organise the national costume of Miss Grand International 2017 with the attendance of 76 countries and territories. Through the contest, many tourism promotion activities were organised such as discovery of Thien Duong cave, Chay river - Dark cave, visiting Dong Hoi city, interesting experiences in Quang Phu sand dune, exploring trade villages and social activities.

Tourism promotion activities at abroad has also seen many positive changes. The tourism sector has actively coordinated with the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Chiang Mai Tourism Association, Department of Culture, Sport and Tourism of many provinces and cities to popularise the images and destinations of Quang Binh tourism in Thailand, England, Japan, America and Australia.
In the beginning of 2017, the Quang Binh Department of Tourism has launched Quang Binh tourism website in English version (quangbinhtourism.com) with the professional supports from domestic and foreign experts; promoted Quang Binh tourism on TripAdvisor - the world's largest tourism website, the television channels of VTV1, VTV4 and VTV6 and broadcast the trailer 30s on Quang Binh tourism on VTV channel; edited and issued new publications on Quang Binh tourism; coordinated and create conditions for film crews to shoot scenes on the land and people of Quang Binh.

It is believed that with the advantages and potential for tourism development and the efforts of the whole Party Committee, authority and people, Quang Binh tourism will become a key economic sector and an attractive destination of domestic and foreign tourists.

By Nhu Y
(Source: Quang Binh Portal)