The three provinces have joined hands since 2006 to deploy a so-called World Heritage Triangle project with the aim of promoting their UNESCO-recognised heritage sites as One destination.

At the meeting, held for the third time in Ha Long city, Quang Ninh province, Vice Chairwoman of the host province’s People’s Committee Vu Thi Thu Thuy said the meeting provides an occasion for the provinces to share effective, sustainable and responsible tourism models, create cross-border package tours to increase the flow of tourists at the heritage triangle of Ha Long Bay–Luang Prabang–Ban Chiang.

Tourism education and training is another focus of co-operation in the new agreement, as are the participation of their tourism businesses in fairs, exhibitions, festivals, culture, sports events and Famtrip programmes.

Udon Thani province will design a joint logo for the Heritage Triangle, while tourism associations and television stations of the three provinces will co-operate in joint tourism promotion activities.

Vice Governor of Luang Prabang province Kanman Chanhthalangsy said he hopes the tourism co-operation will boost income and improve life of locals.

According to Vice Governor of Udon Thani Suchai Butsara, the signing of the tourism co-operation deal among the three provinces would help tap the potential of the world heritage triangle.

In 2015, the numbers of visitors to the three provinces all increased. Quang Ninh welcomed 7.7 million tourists, including 2.6 million international visitors. The numbers for Luang Prabang was 600,000 and 400,000, respectively, and for Udon Thani, 3.2 million and 140,000.

Nearly 6 million tourists arrived in Quang Ninh in the first six months of this year with 1.9 million being international tourists.