The five-star cruise ship Costa Serena brought 3,500 Chinese tourists to Ha Long Bay, signaling the start of the peak international tourism season in Quang Ninh.
The five-star cruise ship Costa Serena brought nearly 3,500 Chinese tourists to Ha Long Bay in Vietnam's Quang Ninh Province on Monday, marking the start of the peak international tourism season in the region. The tourists, divided into smaller groups, explored popular attractions in Ha Long before returning to the ship in the evening to continue their journey.
The Costa Serena, owned by Costa Cruises, is one of the largest cruise ships to dock in Ha Long this year. The Italian-operated ship, which is over 290 meters long and 35.5 meters wide, offers an array of amenities, including swimming pools, restaurants, a water park, a gym, and various entertainment facilities. Though the ship has visited Vietnam multiple times, this was its first stop in Ha Long.
Growing Cruise Tourism in Ha Long
Cruise tourism in Ha Long is on the rise after the Covid-19 pandemic, with industry experts noting a steady recovery. Ha Long Bay is set to welcome around 60-70 cruise ships in 2024, bringing an estimated 70,000 passengers. The influx of cruise passengers is expected to bolster the local tourism sector, contributing to the region's recovery and growth.
In the two weeks following Typhoon Yagi, which hit in early September, Ha Long Bay received nearly 40,000 visitors, with approximately 90% being international tourists, particularly from South Korea, India, Europe, and America.
Despite the disruption caused by the typhoon, Quang Ninh remains committed to achieving its ambitious goal of welcoming 19 million tourists in 2024, including 3.5 million international visitors.
