VietNamNet Bridge – Quang Binh Province is working with relevant agencies over a number of programs to bring tourists back to the north-central province after mass fish deaths along the central coast more than one month ago.

A foreigner visits Son Doong Cave in Quang Binh Province. Quang Binh is working with relevant agencies over a number of programs to bring back tourists to the north-central province after mass fish deaths along the central coast more than one month ago – Photo: Nguyen Tam

The provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism told a press conference on Wednesday that Quang Binh has launched the Week of Beach Vacation at Nhat Le, Bao Ninh and other beaches. The program, which features water motorbikes and paragliding, is expected to attract around 10,000 tourists by May 30 when it concludes.

To promote local specialties, the Quang Binh Travel Association will organize a food festival at Nhat Le Beach on May 28-30 for visitors to taste dishes at over 30 booths manned by local restaurants and hotels.

The local tourism sector will launch a series of new tours, including adventures to Va and Nuoc Nut caves, Sinh Ton (Survival) Valley and 6,000-meter-long Toi (Dark) Cave and a pilgrimage tour to the ancient pagoda of Hoang Phuc.

Admission fees for Phong Nha, Tien Son and Thien Duong caves have been knocked 30% off for visitors until December 31. Fare discounts will also apply to train services between Hanoi and Quang Binh, coaches and taxi cabs in the province.

Many local tour operators, hotels and restaurants have registered to offer discounts of 10-40%, which can be seen on the websites of the government, Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, information and promotion center and tourism association of Quang Binh.

Apart from domestic tourists, Quang Binh has plans to promote tourism in foreign countries, including Japan, South Korea, Thailand, the U.S. and European countries.

According to Quang Binh’s Department of Natural Resources and Environment, the waters at Quang Phu, Quang Tho, Da Nhay, Nhat Le and Hai Ninh beaches are safe for tourists but they are still reluctant to swim though mass fish deaths occurred more than one month ago.

Arrivals have tumbled over the past month though now is the peak season for tourists.

The tourism department of Quang Binh said visitor arrivals have fallen by 100,000 and hotel room occupancy has slid by 34% compared to last year’s same period. The decline has caused huge losses and affected 4,000 employees in the sector.

Bao Uyen

SGT