Seabourn Encore and Silver Whisper cruise ships dock at Hạ Long International Cruise Port. VNA/VNS Photo

QUẢNG NINH – The northern province of Quảng Ninh, home to UNESCO-recognised Hạ Long Bay, is expected to welcome 11 luxury cruise ships with nearly 16,000 international visitors in the first month of 2025.

The figures represent the growing role of cruise tourism in local economic development.

According to the provincial Tourism Department, the inaugural ship, Silver Dawn, carrying around 600 passengers, will arrive on the first day of the Lunar New Year (January 29).

Phạm Văn Hiệp, Director of Hạ Long International Cruise Port, said that not only during the Tết holiday, but also throughout the year, the port always works to improve its service quality, noting it has made detailed plans to enhance infrastructure and ensure safety for cruises and tourists.

According to the UN World Tourism Organisation (UN Tourism), cruise tourism generates 40 per cent more revenue than air or land travel. Hạ Long is projected to see a steady annual growth of 15 to 20 per cent in cruise arrivals, with expectations to host 70 cruise ships and nearly 90,000 passengers this year, a 30 per cent increase from 2024.

Recent arrivals include Seabourn Encore and Silver Whisper, bringing nearly 1,000 European and American tourists. — VNA/VNS