Hai Phong news

Through the facilitation of the Hai Phong Department of Foreign Affairs, on 14 September 2026, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism held a working session with Gractor, a Korean company, to explore the potential application of artificial intelligence (AI) in providing information, assisting visitors and promoting smart tourism development in Hai Phong. Participants included leaders and representatives of specialised divisions under the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism; representatives of the Department of Foreign Affairs; and a delegation from Gractor and the Korea Energy Management System Association.Established in 2016, Gractor is a Korean company specialising in digital transformation and the application of AI and the Internet of Things (IoT). By integrating data platforms, cloud computing, AI and IoT, the company develops solutions for smart city management and operations across a range of areas, including urban infrastructure safety, transportation, digital living and security. Gractor has received recognition from the Korean Government through a number of awards in entrepreneurship, information technology, IoT, urban innovation and urban design.Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Tran Van Ngoc, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, highlighted the increasingly important role of artificial intelligence in socio-economic development. AI is now widely applied in public administration, manufacturing, education, healthcare, culture, communications and many other areas of daily life. In the tourism sector, the technology can help improve access to information, personalise visitor experiences, provide multilingual assistance and enhance the quality of services for tourists.Mr. Ngoc noted that the Republic of Korea is one of the countries with a high level of development in science, technology and artificial intelligence. Strengthening exchanges with Korean businesses and experts on AI applications in general, and the use of AI in tourism development in particular, is therefore of practical significance. Such cooperation can help Hai Phong gain access to new solutions and draw on relevant experience in line with the city’s orientation towards digital transformation and smart tourism development.At the meeting, Mr. Kim Young Shin, Director of Gractor and an expert with extensive experience in smart city design and development in the Republic of Korea, introduced the company’s capabilities and technology platforms, as well as its AI-powered tourism solution, “Everyone’s Festival.”“Everyone’s Festival” is being developed as a web-based AI assistant with multilingual capabilities, designed to provide visitors with information on destinations, festivals, events, amenities and other useful information throughout their journeys. The platform is also intended to answer frequently asked questions from tourists, thereby improving access to information and enhancing the efficiency of tourism service delivery.The application is expected to be launched in 2027. At this stage, Gractor seeks to introduce the concept, gain a better understanding of the practical needs of localities and gather feedback from relevant specialised agencies. Such input will provide a basis for the company to further refine the system and expand its database, functionalities and scope of services before the application is officially launched.Mr. Kim Young Shin, Director of Gractor, introduces the “Everyone’s Festival” applicationFollowing the presentation, representatives of specialised divisions under the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism expressed interest in the solution proposed by Gractor. Participants noted that an AI assistant could provide an additional and convenient information channel for visitors, particularly international tourists, while also supporting the promotion of Hai Phong’s destinations, festivals, events and distinctive tourism products.Representatives of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism also raised questions regarding requirements for technical infrastructure, databases, human resources and the scope of users. They also sought further clarification on investment costs, participation arrangements, as well as mechanisms for operating, managing and updating information on the platform. Gractor representatives indicated that the two sides could further explore opportunities for cooperation through Official Development Assistance (ODA) programmes and projects funded by the Korean Government.Concluding the meeting, Mr. Tran Van Ngoc expressed his hope that the AI platform would, in the future, provide tourists with comprehensive, accurate and easily accessible information. Beyond tourism, the application could also be explored for expansion into the fields of culture and sports, helping introduce the city’s heritage sites, festivals, cultural events, sporting activities and local life to residents as well as domestic and international visitors.The Deputy Director also proposed that the two sides explore the organisation of training and professional development programmes on AI applications in the Republic of Korea, or invite Gractor experts to Hai Phong to share their expertise and provide guidance to relevant professional staff. He also instructed the Department’s specialised divisions to coordinate with the Korean side in establishing sector-specific working groups to serve as focal points for communication, identify practical needs, and study and propose concrete areas of cooperation in line with the functions and responsibilities of each division and the city’s actual conditions.Delegates attending the working sessionThe working session opened up opportunities for stronger connections between the city’s government agencies and Korean technology enterprises, contributing to the application of science and technology and the advancement of digital transformation in the promotion, management and development of Hai Phong’s tourism sector.Minh Trang

The Hai Phong City People's Committee has recently issued a directive instructing municipal Departments, boards, sectors, mass organizations, and the People's Committees of communes, wards, and special zones to focus on implementing Decision No. 2331/QD-BVHTTDL dated September 10, 2026, of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism regarding the Action Program for the Implementation of the Tourism System Master Plan for the 2021–2030 Period, with a Vision to 2045. This represents an important step toward concrete implementation of the national tourism development strategy, maximizing the island tourism potential and cultural heritage of the Port City.Hai Phong Doi Rong International Tourist Area (Photo source: DCST) Issuance Context and Directives of Hai Phong CityThe Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism issued Decision No. 2331/QD-BVHTTDL on September 10, 2026, approving the Action Program for the Implementation of the Tourism System Master Plan for the 2021–2030 Period, with a Vision to 2045. The Program was formulated based on Prime Minister's Decision No. 509/QD-TTg dated June 13, 2024, and Decision No. 374/QD-BVHTTDL dated February 28, 2026, of the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism approving adjustments to the Tourism System Master Plan, ensuring alignment with administrative reorganization requirements and new institutional regulations.Immediately following the issuance of Decision No. 2331/QD-BVHTTDL, the Office of the Hai Phong City People's Committee promptly communicated the guiding opinions of Vice Chairman Nguyen Minh Hung. The City People's Committee assigned specific duties to departments, agencies, and localities:Continuing Assigned Tasks: Municipal Departments, boards, sectors, mass organizations, and People's Committees of communes, wards, and special zones shall continue to strictly carry out assigned tasks under Official Dispatch No. 3457/VP-VX dated April 1, 2026, of the Office of the City People's Committee regarding the implementation of Decision No. 374/QD-BVHTTDL.Lead Responsibility of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism: The Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism shall take the lead, coordinating with Departments, agencies, mass organizations, and local People's Committees to review and execute tasks within their functions and authority.Integration into the Master Scheme for Tourism Development: The Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism shall identify municipal-level tasks and propose integrating them into the Implementation Plan for the Master Scheme on Tourism Development of Hai Phong City through 2030, with orientation to 2045, following its official approval. This requires clear assignment of lead agencies, coordinating bodies, deliverables, and completion deadlines, avoiding duplication with previously assigned tasks.Focal Point for Monitoring and Reporting: The Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism shall serve as the focal point for monitoring and summarizing progress, periodically reporting to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (via the Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism) before December 15 annually, and promptly reporting matters exceeding local authority to the City People's Committee.The city also requested that during the formulation of relevant plans, units must ensure integration and alignment with the Tourism System Master Plan, proactively proposing suitable land allocation to attract investment in tourism areas and connecting infrastructure, while actively budgeting and mobilizing legal resources.The enchanting Cat Ba Island (Photo source: DCST) Key Contents of the Action Program of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and TourismThe Action Program promulgated under Decision No. 2331/QD-BVHTTDL outlines strategic task groups and solutions:a) Institutions, Tourism Space, and Investment InfrastructureInstitutional Improvement: Reviewing and proposing amendments to the 2017 Law on Tourism; perfecting national standards and technical regulations; standardizing tourism human resources according to ASEAN occupational standards.Spatial Organization and Investment Development: Formulating master plans to attract investment in 10 recognized National Tourism Areas and potential locations; accelerating application dossiers for National Tourism Area designation; attracting investment in growth poles and tourism centers. Hai Phong, alongside Hanoi, Quang Ninh, Ninh Binh, and others, belongs to the key tourism development driver area.Transportation Connectivity: Reviewing and synchronizing connections across road, rail, inland waterway, maritime, and air transport to tourism centers and National Tourism Areas.b) Tourism Products and Market PromotionProduct Diversification: Developing high-end island tourism, eco-resorts, cultural heritage, and urban tourism linked with the night-time economy; MICE, wellness, and eco-tourism within world biosphere reserves and protected areas.Promotion & Marketing: Accelerating the campaign "Vietnam - A Safe, Friendly, and Attractive Destination"; launching marketing campaigns in key target markets (Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, Europe, North America, India, the Middle East); developing digital marketing and a network of tourism promotion offices.c) Digital Transformation, Human Resources, and Green TourismDigital Transformation: Building a smart tourism ecosystem and digital tourism applications; completing the National Tourism Database with synchronized connectivity from central to local levels.Human Resource Development: Training high-quality human resources, fostering skills in AI, Big Data, and IoT applications; strengthening linkages between educational institutions and tourism enterprises.Green & Sustainable Tourism: Implementing green tourism criteria sets; achieving 100% single-use plastic-free accommodations and coastal tourism areas by 2030; operating circular economy models, ensuring compliant waste treatment, and formulating climate change adaptation plans.d) National Defense and SecurityPlanning and infrastructure investment processes for coastal, island, and border tourism areas must consult the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Public Security to ensure the integration of socio-economic development with national defense and security. Strategic Significance for Hai Phong's Tourism DevelopmentThe implementation of Decision No. 2331/QD-BVHTTDL holds profound purpose and strategic significance for Hai Phong: (1) Localizing National Planning: Translating the orientations of the National Tourism System Master Plan for the 2021–2030 period, with a vision to 2045, into local practice, ensuring consistency and synchronization from central to grassroots levels; (2) Clear Assignment of Responsibilities: Defining clear lead agencies, coordinating bodies, outputs, and completion timelines for each department, sector, and locality; (3) Resource Mobilization: Creating a favorable environment to mobilize state budget funds and attract private investment and strategic investors into island tourism infrastructure.The strategic significance is expected to bring the following benefits to Hai Phong: (1) Help Hai Phong maximize the potential of the Cat Ba - Ha Long Bay World Natural Heritage Site, Do Son and Bach Long Vi to form high-class island and sea tourism products; (2) Apply green tourism criteria, reducing plastic waste, and deploying digital technologies will propel Hai Phong's tourism industry toward modern and sustainable growth; (3) Reaffirm Hai Phong's role as a key tourism growth pole in Northern Vietnam, helping transform tourism into a spearhead economic sector and elevating the foreign relations standing of the Port City.The City People's Committee is determined to direct all levels and sectors to successfully execute the Action Program, driving Hai Phong's tourism toward breakthrough growth in the new period!

2019 Con Son – Kiep Bac Autumn Festival (Image collected)The traditional Con Son - Kiep Bac Festival is an annual festival in Hai Phong, inscribed by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2012 [98]. The 2026 Autumn Festival holds profound political, historical, and humanistic significance, directly associated with two major commemorative milestones: the 726th anniversary of the passing of the National Hero Tran Hung Dao and the 584th anniversary of the passing of the National Hero and World Cultural Celebrity Nguyen Trai.Overview of Con Son Pagoda (Image collected)Overview of Kiep Bac Temple (Image collected)Particularly, the historic highlight of this year's festival is the official announcement of the brand identity for the "Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son, Kiep Bac" complex of monuments and landscapes as a World Heritage Site. This serves as a golden opportunity for Hai Phong to widely introduce and promote the outstanding global values of the heritage complex. At the same time, it will strongly boost regional socio-economic linkages, tourism, and services in the coastal estuary area in a highly sustainable manner.To match the world-class stature of the heritage site, this year's festival organization has been planned systematically with outstanding new elements:Announcement of the World Heritage Brand Identity: Solemnly organized on the evening of September 25, 2026 (the 15th day of the 8th lunar month), integrated with the Commemoration of Saint Tran and the Opening of the Kiep Bac Temple Festival.Comprehensive Landscape Upgrades: Stepping up visual decorations, including banners, banderols, flowers, and ornamental plants along major streets and throughout the monument areas under appropriate themes, creating an impressive festival atmosphere worthy of an international heritage site.Digital Technology Integration: The Department of Science and Technology collaborates to build a QR code system integrated into the "Smart Hai Phong" application. This will provide digital maps, spatial layouts, festival programs, and introductions to local OCOP products, dining, and accommodation options for residents and tourists.The festival will officially take place over 10 days, from September 25, 2026, to October 4, 2026 (corresponding to the 15th to the 24th day of the 8th lunar month) across two key monument zones: At the Kiep Bac Temple Monument Zone:September 20: Organizing the traditional Opening Ceremony.September 25: Launching the 10-day Festival of Culture, Tourism, and Trade Promotion on the Southern Dyke Stage This is accompanied by a continuous 9-day traditional water puppetry performance. On the same evening (from 20:00 to 21:05), the Solemn Commemoration of the 726th Anniversary of National Hero Tran Hung Dao’s passing, the Opening of the Autumn Festival, and the Announcement of the World Heritage Brand Identity will be grandly staged at Parking Lot No. 1 of Kiep Bac Temple, expecting to welcome 2,000 delegates. This is followed by the sacred Seal-Opening Ceremony of Kiep Bac Temple from 22:00 to 24:00.September 27: Performance of the Mediumship Art taking place over 3 days.September 28: The Peace Praying Ceremony and a sparkling Lantern Festival on the historic Luc Dau River.September 30: The Foot Procession the sacrificial offering ceremony, and the Death Anniversary Commemoration of Saint Tran at Kiep Bac Temple and Mam Xoi Mountain.October 4: Closing of the Festival of Culture, Tourism, and Trade Promotion. At the Con Son Pagoda Monument Zone:September 25: From 07:00 to 10:00, the incense offering ceremony at Con Son Pagoda, the Literature Procession, and the Commemoration of the 584th Anniversary of Nguyen Trai’s passing will take place solemnly at the courtyard of the Nguyen Trai Temple.From September 25 to October 3: Diverse cultural, artistic, and traditional folk games will be continuously held to serve pilgrims and tourists.To ensure the festival is safe, economical, and solemn, the City People's Committee established an Organizing Committee led by Mr. Nguyen Minh Hung, Vice Chairman of the City People's Committee, supported by four specialized sub-committees. Public order, traffic flow, and fire prevention and control are tightly coordinated by the City Police and the Military Command.Additionally, the Culture, Tourism, and Trade Promotion Week will gather 21 units and enterprises to exhibit and introduce typical agricultural and OCOP products of Hai Phong and its neighboring regions, such as Hoang Giang green bean cakes, Ha Tien clam and worm specialties, Cat Hai mangrove forest honey, and New Generation organic rice. This serves as vivid material to honor the "Scent and Flavor of Xuyen Dong" and bring the "Heritage Autumn Colors" closer to tourists, creating a strong driving force for the cultural industry and night economy of the dynamic Port City in its new breakthrough journey./.

On June 3, 2026, Vice Chairman of the Hai Phong City People’s Committee, Nguyen Minh Hùng, led a high-level field survey to evaluate state management of tourism and the development of tourism infrastructure in Thuy Nguyen Ward. The mission focused on two strategic "growth poles"—Vu Yen Island and the historic Hoang Dieu Port—to realize the city's 2030 vision of becoming a high-quality international tourism hub.A corner of Vu Yen pedestrian street (Source: Collected)Vu Yen Island: The New Engine of Urban and Luxury TourismDuring the survey, Vice Chairman Nguyen Minh Hùng highlighted Vu Yen Island as a location of immense potential, boasting modern infrastructure and a vast land bank suitable for becoming a center for entertainment, resorts, and luxury services. The area is currently managed by Vingroup and features high-end amenities such as a golf course, a European-style walking street, the Royal Academy of Horse Racing, and the VinWonders theme park.According to reports from the management board, Vu Yen has seen spectacular growth. In the first five months of 2026 alone, the site attracted over 3.5 million visitors. This includes 700,000 visitors to VinWonders and over 1 million to the Vincom Mega Mall. The walking street has quickly become a premier destination for locals and tourists alike. To capitalize on this momentum, the city plans to organize large-scale events, such as the Miss Vietnam finale at the central square, which is expected to accommodate 15,000 attendees.Hoang Dieu Port: Preserving Heritage While Connecting the FutureHoang Dieu Port-A place preserving the historical memories of the ‘Port City’ (Source: Collected)A key highlight of the survey was the strategic evaluation of Hoang Dieu Port. With a history stretching over a century, this area is seen as the "soul" of the Port City. Vice Chairman Hùng emphasized that the port should not just be seen as an old industrial site but as a "resource of industrial and urban culture".The city’s vision is to transform Hoang Dieu Port into a major waterway tourism hub. Plans include the development of yacht berths, passenger terminals, and an "open-air museum" that preserves the architectural and historical identity of Hai Phong. This hub will serve as the gateway connecting the historical city center to new developments like Vu Yen Island and the world-renowned Cat Ba Archipelago.Developing a Multi-Dimensional Tourism EcosystemThe city leadership has issued specific directives to various departments to create a seamless and diverse tourism experience:Waterway and River Tourism: The city will focus on developing tours along the Cam, Bach Dang, and Ruot Lon rivers. These routes will connect historical sites like Bach Dang Giang and Con Son - Kiếp Bạc with modern resorts.Infrastructure Connectivity: The Department of Construction is tasked with improving road and waterway links, including the parking systems and bridge lighting for the Nguyen Trai and Hoang Van Thụ bridges, to create a stunning "river landscape" at night."Music City" Integration: In line with the city's orientation to become a "City of Music," Vu Yen’s central square and walking streets will function as an "urban stage" for regular art, sports, and cultural performances.Digital Transformation and Global PromotionTo reach international audiences, Hai Phong is prioritizing Digital Transformation in tourism. The Department of Science and Technology and the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism are developing digital maps, QR codes, and bilingual (English-Vietnamese) publications to guide domestic and foreign visitors.The Department of Foreign Affairs has been specifically tasked with integrating these new tourism products into the working programs of international delegations, diplomatic agencies, and foreign business associations. This "People-to-People Diplomacy" approach aims to promote Hai Phong's image as a dynamic, safe, and hospitable destination to global investors and travelers.A Commitment to Green and Sustainable TourismSustainability remains at the core of Hai Phong’s development strategy. The city has directed the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development to oversee environmental protection standards, ensuring that high-density areas like golf courses and yacht berths adhere to "Green Tourism" criteria. This includes managing wastewater, waste, noise, and lighting to preserve the natural beauty of the riverside landscape.Expected Results: A Global Connecting CityThe comprehensive survey and the subsequent directives from Vice Chairman Nguyen Minh Hùng represent a firm commitment to "Constructive Government". By facilitating investors like Vingroup while maintaining strict state oversight, the city expects to create a highly competitive tourism sector.The ultimate goal is to create a "continuous tourism chain" that takes visitors on a journey from the city’s historic past at Hoang Dieu Port to its modern and future-oriented entertainment hubs at Vu Yen. With these strategic moves, Hai Phong is well on its way to becoming a "Global Connecting City," attracting millions of high-spending international tourists and solidifying its position on the world tourism map.

Guided by the strategic orientation of Resolution No. 59-NQ/TW (issued on January 24, 2025, by the Politburo) and the specific implementation roadmap of Plan No. 316/KH-UBND (dated November 12, 2025, by the City People’s Council), Hai Phong city is undergoing a profound transformation. By positioning culture, sports, and tourism as key pillars of its global identity, the "Port City" aims to become a leading hub in Northern Vietnam for international exchange and sustainable development by 2030.Elevating Global Competitiveness through HeritageThe centerpiece of Hai Phong’s international integration is the enhancement of its global tourism competitiveness, particularly through its UNESCO-recognized sites. The global appeal of the Cat Ba Archipelago World Natural Heritage has seen a monumental surge. Since its recognition, Cat Ba has benefited from a "global brand effect," resulting in a 115% increase in visitors during the first quarter of 2024 alone.Hai Phong’s competitive edge lies in its "dual resource" model: the majestic biodiversity of Cat Ba (appealing to Western markets interested in eco-tourism and adventure) and the deep historical roots of cultural sites like Con Son – Kiep Bac (attracting Asian and domestic markets interested in spiritual and experiential tourism). To maintain this edge, the city has pioneered "Green Tourism," implementing plastic-free campaigns in Lan Ha Bay and transitioning to eco-friendly aquaculture models.Cultural Diplomacy and Global PresenceInternational integration under Plan 316 is not limited to domestic efforts; it involves bringing Hai Phong to the world. A significant milestone was the city’s participation in the 38th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF 2025). For the first time, Hai Phong represented Vietnam with an official cinema booth, showcasing images of Cat Ba and local heritage to a global audience of producers and directors. This initiative exceeded its goals, opening doors for international co-productions and positioning the city as a potential filming location for global projects.Furthermore, Hai Phong has strengthened regional ties through the 2026 Spring Meeting with Guangxi, China. This collaboration focuses on substantial results: signing Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) for cross-border tours, road and sea connectivity, and learning from Guangxi’s advanced models of digital transformation in heritage management.Sports as a Gateway for IntegrationHai Phong has successfully utilized international sporting events to affirm its professional organizational capacity and modern infrastructure. The Hai Phong Rowing Training Center was selected to host the 2025 Asian Rowing Championship, the largest event of its kind in Asia. This follows the city's successful hosting of events for SEA Games 31 and the 2024 Southeast Asian Rowing and Canoeing Championship. By hosting continental-level competitions, Hai Phong effectively promotes its image to hundreds of international athletes and millions of viewers, fostering a reputation as a world-class sports destination.Digital Transformation: The Bridge to 2030A core component of the integration strategy is the digitalization of cultural and historical values. Hai Phong is investing in cutting-edge technologies to make its heritage accessible to a global audience 24/7. Key initiatives include:Digital Museums and 3D Virtual Tours: Utilizing 3D scanning for iconic landmarks such as the City Opera House and Hang Kenh Communal House.Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): Implementing AR at heritage sites to allow visitors to see reconstructed historical scenes or simulated traditional festivals through their smartphones.The "Super App" for Tourism: A unified mobile platform providing festival schedules, ticket booking, and AI Chatbots to support international travelers in multiple languages.Heritage Big Data: Establishing a cloud-based database for all ancient books, inscriptions, and cultural documents, ensuring long-term preservation and research capabilities.The Pursuit of UNESCO Recognition and Cultural IndustriesHai Phong is actively working on several high-profile dossiers for UNESCO recognition, seeing these as vital for its international status. These include:Cheo Art of the Red River Delta: Collaborating with neighboring provinces to complete the scientific dossier for official submission.Nguyen Binh Khiem (Trạng Trình): Aiming for UNESCO recognition for the 450th anniversary of his passing in 2035. The city is currently translating his works into Japanese, Korean, and other languages to build international support.Tue Tinh (Great Physician): Preparing a dossier for the 700th anniversary of his birth in 2030, with strong community support fostered during traditional festivals.Parallel to these dossiers, the city is developing its cultural industries, aiming for these sectors to contribute 9% of the GRDP by 2045. A major goal for the 2026–2030 period is to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) as a "City of Music". The recent opening of the Hoa Phượng Theater with 1,300 seats and plans for a dedicated Music Industry Center are concrete steps toward this ambitious vision.Strategic Connectivity and the Foodtour PhenomenonIntegration requires accessibility. Hai Phong has aggressively expanded its aviation network, with Vietnam Airlines launching four new domestic routes in early 2026 (connecting Cat Bi to Cam Ranh, Phu Quoc, Can Tho, and Buon Ma Thuot). Internationally, direct flights to Bangkok, Thailand, have increased regional exchange and investment. To support future growth, the city is fast-tracking the construction of Passenger Terminal T2 at Cat Bi International Airport.Culturally, the "Hai Phong Foodtour" has become a viral marketing success, attracting massive waves of young domestic and international tourists. This "organic" magnet has proven highly effective in boosting local consumption and lodging services without requiring massive marketing budgets.Challenges and the Roadmap AheadDespite significant progress, Hai Phong faces critical bottlenecks. Infrastructure limitations, such as ferry congestion at the gateway to Cat Ba, remain a "fatal weakness" during peak seasons. The threat of "overtourism" also poses a risk to the integrity of pristine natural and historical sites. Furthermore, the city lacks specialized human resources in advanced fields like VR/AR management and international cultural administration.To address these, the roadmap toward 2030 prioritizes: (1) Infrastructure Solutions: Investing in high-capacity ferries, parking systems, and cable cars to relieve pressure on Cat Ba; (2) Sustainable Regulation: Controlling the capacity of core heritage zones and promoting off-season tourism (such as winter health retreats and MICE tourism); (3) Talent Attraction: Implementing "red carpet" policies to attract artists, directors, and technology experts to work in the city's cultural sectors.By 2030, through the resolute execution of Plan 316 and the vision of Resolution 59, Hai Phong aims to be not just a logistics powerhouse, but a vibrant, digitally-advanced, and culturally rich global destination.

Nestled in the Gulf of Tonkin, the Cat Ba Archipelago, often referred to as the "Emerald Island," is rapidly transforming into a premier international destination. With its breathtaking blend of ancient forests and crystalline waters, Cat Ba is no longer just a weekend retreat but a symbol of sustainable development and the harmonious coexistence of humanity and nature.Photo: A view of Cat Ba Island (Source: http://Cathai.haiphong.gov.vn)A New Global StatureCat Ba’s allure has reached new heights following its recognition by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage site, an honor shared with the neighboring Ha Long Bay. This international status has significantly enhanced the island's competitive edge on the global tourism map. The archipelago’s incredible biodiversity, most notably the rare Cat Ba Langur, has even captured the attention of international media, featuring prominently in documentaries by Belgian television.Statistically, the island’s popularity is booming. In 2025, Cat Ba welcomed over 4.5 million visitors, with a notably increasing proportion of international travelers. By the first half of 2026, the island continued its strong momentum, serving over 2.5 million guests, including more than 583,000 international tourists. This surge generated an impressive revenue of over 2,771 billion VND from accommodation and dining services alone.The "Green" Strategic ShiftPhoto: A Cat Ba Island – Cross Road (Source: http://Cathai.haiphong.gov.vn)Moving away from mass tourism, Cat Ba is resolutely implementing a green tourism strategy, prioritizing ecological conservation and the quality of the visitor experience. A cornerstone of this "greening" process is the decisive reduction of aquaculture cages in the bays to restore the pristine beauty and water quality of the heritage site.Hai Phong City has officially issued a Green Tourism Criteria set to provide a clear roadmap for businesses and residents. Today, tourism establishments on the island have actively committed to eliminating single-use plastics—a move highly praised by international travelers. Visitors like Anna Müller from Germany have expressed delight at the feeling of living amidst pure nature, free from noise and plastic waste.Diverse Experiences: From Deep Forests to Silver SeasCat Ba offers unique four-season experiences for every type of traveler. Adventure seekers can challenge themselves with trekking tours through the National Park or join marathons and sports events organized on the island. For those who prefer vertical challenges, Butterfly Valley has been described by National Geographic Traveller as a "paradise for climbers," featuring dramatic limestone cliffs and winding caves.Viet Hai Village serves as a model for community-based green transition. In this tranquil village, the traditional landscape is meticulously preserved, and motor vehicles are strictly limited. Visitors can explore the area by electric car, bicycle, or on foot to fully inhale the fresh, unpolluted air.Beyond its scenic bays and turquoise beaches, Cat Ba is enhancing its nightlife, cultural festivals, and culinary scene. Local delicacies, such as the famous "Grilled Cat Ba Squid with Salt and Chili," remain a top choice for food enthusiasts.Smart Infrastructure and Seamless ConnectivityTo meet the standards of a modern international destination, the Cat Hai district has accelerated its digital transformation. A network of 58 free Wi-Fi hotspots has been installed and operated in public areas, including piers, squares, parks, and administrative centers. This infrastructure allows tourists to easily access digital utilities, look up information, and share their experiences in real-time.Furthermore, a green transportation roadmap is being prioritized. The use of cable cars and electric vehicles is encouraged to reduce the burden on road infrastructure and lower carbon emissions, ensuring the "Emerald Island" remains green and clean.Accessibility to Cat Ba is also set for a future revolution. The city is fast-tracking the Hanoi – Quang Ninh High-Speed Railway Project, which includes a section through Hai Phong. Once completed in 2028, this project will further streamline the journey for domestic and international visitors traveling from the capital.Towards a National Tourism Area in 2026With synchronized solutions ranging from administrative reform to infrastructure investment, Cat Ba is on track to officially become a National Tourism Area by 2026. Local authorities are committed to standing alongside businesses and residents, fostering an environment where every citizen acts as a "green tourism ambassador"—hospitable, safe, and civilized.Cat Ba invites you not just to visit, but to participate in a journey of preserving the world’s most precious heritage values. Come and feel the vitality of the ancient forests, the vastness of the sea, and the warmth of the people on the "Emerald Island".