Ha Long tourism in 2008

Over 2.65 million visitors came to Ha Long Bay in 2008, an increase of 48.8 percent over 2007. Of those 1.71 million were foreign visitors, a 67.6 percent increase, the Bay’s management board has said.

The management board organized a vote to nominate Ha Long as of one the seven natural wonders of the world. The voting took place at Hoang Gia (royal) International Park and Bai Chay Tourist Wharf attracting over 18,000 votes.
The reduction of littering, throwing mud into the sea, begging, and using dynamite to catch fish have been a priority for local authorities.
Houseboats and ships operating on the sea were managed well to ensure security for tourists, the board said.
At present, there are 595 houseboats with 2,168 people on the bay, 90 percent of people have signed a pledge to protect Ha Long.
The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism has officially announced the first ‘99 tours’ with 50 percent discounts for package tours on the morning of January 4.
These 99 tours focus on potential tourism markets such as China, France, western countries and Russia.
The promotional tours on the program to attract international tourists and stimulate domestic tourism in 2009 has brought the participation of 37 international travel companies, 61 hotels, many restaurants and transport firms.
Promotional tours for domestic tourists will be announced next week.
The same morning, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism also made the promotional website http://www.promotours.gov.vn/ public.

(Source: SGGP)