Quang Ninh Welcomes the First Cruise Visitors of 2026

Early in the morning of 1 January, at Ha Long International Cruise Port in Bai Chay Ward, Quang Ninh welcomed the first cruise ship visitors of the New Year 2026.

Mr Quan Minh Cuong, Secretary of the Quang Ninh Provincial Party Committee, together with representatives of relevant departments and agencies, welcomed the visitors, presented flowers, and extended New Year greetings to the first cruise ship passengers arriving in Hạ Long for the 2026 New Year holiday.

The cruise ship Celebrity Solstice, flying the Maltese flag and carrying 3,016 passengers—mostly from the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Canada and Spain—arrived at Hạ Long International Cruise Port at 10:30 a.m. on 31 December 2025 and is scheduled to depart this evening (1 January 2026). The vessel began its voyage from a port in Thailand, and following its call at Hạ Long International Cruise Port, its next destination will be Hong Kong (China).

At the event, Quang Minh Cuong, Secretary of the Quang Ninh Provincial Party Committee, emphasised that the province is orienting its development towards becoming one of the country’s leading tourism centres, serving as a gateway for tourism cooperation and connectivity with the region and the international community. This development is guided by principles of green growth, a circular economy, and the promotion of “four-season tourism” in Quang Ninh.

In parallel, the province is organising tourism development space and investing in tourism infrastructure to strengthen connectivity within the province, across regions, nationally and internationally. A modern and integrated infrastructure system is being developed to underpin tourism growth and increase international visitor arrivals to Quang Ninh. Tourism is identified as a spearhead economic sector and a key driver of rapid and sustainable socio-economic development, while ensuring effective conservation of cultural, historical and traditional values, unique ecosystems, and environmental protection.

In 2025, Quang Ninh welcomed more than 60 cruise ship calls to Hạ Long, bringing over 90,000 international visitors. Although the province initially set a target of welcoming 20 million visitors in 2025, including 4.5 million international arrivals, it exceeded expectations by receiving over 21 million visitors, with tourism revenue estimated at VND 57–58 trillion. These results were driven by tourism stimulus campaigns, new tourism products, and a wide range of cultural, sporting and culinary events.

In 2026, Quang Ninh expects to receive more than 70 international cruise ship calls, carrying over 100,000 passengers to Hạ Long. The province has set a target of attracting 22 million visitors, including 5.2 million international arrivals, with total tourism revenue projected at approximately VND 65 trillion.

To achieve its 2026 targets, Quang Ninh’s tourism sector will continue to focus on market development, strengthening international cooperation, and enhancing tourism promotion and marketing. The province will also prioritise improving service quality and attracting investment in high-quality tourism and service projects, green and sustainable tourism, and the development of golf courses in accordance with approved planning.

HuyHoang