Linking tourism across Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago

Strengthening governance and preserving heritage values

At the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, currently taking place in Busan, the Republic of Korea, representatives of Hai Phong and Quang Ninh have discussed key measures related to the protection of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago.

Accordingly, since the site was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2023, Hai Phong and Quang Ninh have gradually established coordination mechanisms to ensure unified management of the shared heritage area.

The two localities are finalizing a world heritage management plan, heritage protection regulations and coordination mechanisms covering tourist boat management, environmental protection, data sharing, scientific research and visitor carrying-capacity control at tourist attractions.

For Hai Phong, the Cat Ba Archipelago is not only a major marine tourism center but also home to a unique forest–marine ecosystem with many rare species of flora and fauna. Therefore, all development plans place conservation at the core, targeting sustainable exploitation of the site's heritage values.

According to Vu Huu Vung, Vice Chairman of the Cat Hai Special Zone People's Committee, close cooperation with Quang Ninh is aimed not only at implementing UNESCO's recommendations but also at building a modern governance model for the entire heritage area.

The special zone will continue to strengthen tourism management, environmental protection, biodiversity conservation and public awareness to support Cat Ba's green and sustainable development.

Developing green tourism and destinations through linkages

Alongside improvements in governance, the connection of tourism products between Hai Phong and Quang Ninh is creating new opportunities for the entire heritage area. In late April, the two localities officially operated a sea tourism route linking Ha Long and Lan Ha Bays, together with four shared sightseeing routes.

The interconnected routes provide visitors with more travel options, encourage longer stays and help distribute tourist flows more evenly, reducing pressure on heavily visited areas.

During the first three months of operation, the interconnected routes served more than 4,500 visitors. Once stable, the "Two Destinations – One Journey" model is expected to welcome between 5,000 and 6,000 visitors a day, with more than 50 overnight cruise vessels in regular operation, creating new development momentum for both Hai Phong and Quang Ninh.

According to Nguyen Thanh Trung, Director of Aroma Vietnam Travel Company, the unified management mechanism has made it easier for his company to organize tours, reduce administrative procedures and develop new tourism products. More importantly, it enables the heritage area to be promoted under a unified image, enhancing its appeal to both domestic and international visitors.

Stronger cooperation between Hai Phong and Quang Ninh will not only fulfill commitments made to UNESCO but also provide a foundation for developing a heritage-based economy and building a high-quality center for eco-tourism, resort tourism and marine tourism.

With the joint efforts of authorities, businesses and local communities to protect the heritage site, Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago will continue to promote its values while strengthening its position as one of the leading tourism destinations of Vietnam and the region.

BAO NAM