Affirming its position as a destination for events of international stature

With its natural advantages, increasingly integrated tourism infrastructure, and experience in organizing large-scale events, Quang Ninh is gradually affirming its position as a leading destination for events of international stature. The diversity of major events in culture, arts, sports, entertainment... is creating opportunities for Quang Ninh to promote its image, attract visitors, and enhance its destination brand. In doing so, it continues to make its mark on the event tourism map of the region and the world. 

A safe, friendly and modern destination

In August, Quang Ninh became even more vibrant when the locality was selected as the starting point for the series of Miss World 2026 activities in Vietnam. The presence of contestants from many countries and territories, together with distinctive cultural experiences and modern tourism offerings in Quang Ninh, helped leave a positive impression of a safe, friendly, modern destination rich in identity.

Japan's representative, beauty queen Yui Kawana, said: I was truly impressed by the way Quang Ninh prepared for the Miss World 2026 contestants. Everything was organized with great care while still creating a comfortable feeling, from accommodation and transportation to the experiential activities during the first days of the competition. The contestants always received timely and thoughtful support, so we were able to fully enjoy our time here. I think that is very important when a locality hosts a major international event such as Miss World. Quang Ninh will certainly leave a beautiful impression in the contestants' hearts and become a destination that many international visitors wish to explore.

In recent years, Quang Ninh has also become a familiar meeting place for sports enthusiasts from Vietnam and abroad. Many tournaments are held annually or periodically, attracting large numbers of athletes and visitors. Notable events include running races such as VnExpress Marathon Amazing Hạ Long, Halong Bay Heritage Marathon, Aqua Warriors Halong Bay, Amata Run, and Yên Tử Heritage Marathon... In addition, events such as International Yoga Day, the Quang Ninh Open International Chess Tournament, and the 2026 Hạ Long International Dancesport Tournament... continue to help create a space for cultural and sports exchange, community connection, and promotion of Quang Ninh as a destination.

Assessing Quang Ninh's appeal, Mr. Hong Sun, Honorary Chairman of the Korean Chamber of Business in Vietnam (KOCHAM), said: I am particularly impressed by Quang Ninh's natural landscape and its transport and tourism infrastructure. The locality possesses many favorable conditions for organizing large-scale events. Among them, the Halong Bay Heritage Marathon is a notable event, especially for the Korean running community and investors, because the race harmoniously combines sports, culture and tourism. This is also a good opportunity to widely promote the image of Quang Ninh and Vietnam to visitors and international friends, thereby helping expand the Korean visitor market to Quang Ninh and Vietnam while strengthening exchanges and promoting the distinctive cultural values of the two countries.

At the beginning of August, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, FLC Group and the Organizing Committee of the World Amateur Golfers Championship (WAGC) coordinated to organize a signing ceremony for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), with a view to hosting the WAGC World Final 2027 in Quang Ninh.

According to Mr. Lê Ngọc Thanh, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, studying the possibility of hosting the WAGC World Final 2027 is aimed not only at successfully organizing an international sporting tournament, but also at taking a concrete step toward realizing a strategy for developing the sports economy in association with tourism, the event economy and the cultural industries; expanding international cooperation; and attracting high-quality tourists, investors and the global business community. This is also an opportunity for Quang Ninh to continue affirming its position as a destination for international events, helping promote the image of a dynamic, integrated, safe locality rich in identity.

Diversifying attractive tourism products for visitors

It is no coincidence that an increasing number of ministries, sectors, sports federations, and domestic and international organizations are choosing Quang Ninh as the venue for major events. In addition to its world-famous natural landscapes, the province possesses a modern transport infrastructure system with an integrated network of expressways, seaports, international passenger ports and airports, making connections and travel convenient. It also has a system of hotels, resorts, convention centers, sports halls and stadiums that have been professionally invested in to meet the requirements of hosting large-scale, professional and modern events.

Accordingly, the tourism sector is striving to invest in and call for investment to develop an ecosystem of luxury and ultra-luxury tourism products. Alongside existing high-end resorts, this year Quang Ninh has added hotel complexes bearing international brands such as Hyatt and InterContinental Halong Bay Resort... In addition, Quang Ninh's tourism products are becoming increasingly specialized and high-class, targeting high-spending visitors; many are breakthrough and creative products with distinctive identities, such as the “In Search of the Jade” live-action show at Vũng Đục Cave; VuiFest walking street; journeys exploring Hạ Long Bay and connecting to Lan Hạ Bay by luxury yacht; and tours exploring the pristine islands of Cô Tô... Fireworks and water music programs at Bãi Cháy Tourism Area have become highlights of Quang Ninh tourism this year.

Alongside completing and upgrading facilities and tourism products, agencies are also actively promoting tourism overseas; working and signing cooperation agreements with reputable domestic and international travel businesses; organizing visits for groups of international travel companies and media outlets to survey and report on Quang Ninh tourism; and developing tourism programs and product packages for visitors…, thereby offering tourists more choices when visiting Quang Ninh.

At the same time, the province is increasing the regular organization of many large-scale cultural, artistic and sporting activities, creating a strong impression on residents and visitors. A notable example is the annual Hạ Long Carnaval series, which has become a distinctive cultural and tourism brand of the province. More recently, large-scale art programs and music concerts attracting up to 50,000 people have not only created a vibrant, modern atmosphere for the destination but also demonstrated Quang Ninh's capacity to organize, manage and ensure safety at large-scale events with large crowds.

The professional and successful organization of international events is precisely how Quang Ninh brings its destination image closer to visitors, expands into new markets, and creates additional momentum for continuously renewed products and services, making an important contribution to the development of tourism in particular and the province's socio-economic development in general in the new period.

Mr. Maung Maung Lwin, Vice Chairman of the Southeast Asian Chess Federation and Chairman of the Myanmar Chess Federation: “Strengthening and expanding cooperation with sports federations to organize large-scale tournaments” I am very happy and honored to return to Quang Ninh במסגרת the 3rd Quang Ninh Open International Chess Tournament in 2026, serving as the tournament's Chief Arbiter. Following the positive impression left when Quang Ninh hosted chess at the 31st SEA Games in 2022, this return has continued to give me positive feelings. Quang Ninh is increasingly demonstrating its ability to professionally organize international sporting events, from competition conditions and facilities to welcoming and serving delegations. I am particularly impressed by the natural landscapes, distinctive cultural values, and friendliness and hospitality of the people of Quang Ninh. These are advantages that will enable the locality to continue attracting international tournaments. I hope that in the future Quang Ninh will organize more regional and international sporting events and expand cooperation with sports federations, thereby creating opportunities for athletes to interact and compete while helping promote Quang Ninh's image to international friends.

Miss Linda Górecká, Czech Republic: “All accommodation, service, security and safety conditions were thoughtfully and professionally prepared” The contestants and I had memorable days in Quang Ninh during the opening series of activities of the Miss World 2026 competition. We received a warm welcome, and all accommodation, service, security and safety conditions were thoughtfully and professionally prepared. Through the activities, I clearly sensed that Quang Ninh not only possesses beautiful natural landscapes but also has the capacity to organize large-scale international events. In particular, during the opening night of Miss World, although the weather took an unfavorable turn, the locality and the Organizing Committee responded proactively and flexibly, ensuring that the program took place successfully and left many beautiful impressions on the international contestants. I was truly impressed by Quang Ninh's professionalism, sense of responsibility and ability to respond quickly. I hope to have the opportunity to return here for cultural and international events, as well as on holidays, to continue exploring the beauty, culture and people of Quang Ninh.

Mr. Phạm Hải Quỳnh, Director of the Institute for Asian Tourism Development: "Build an ecosystem instead of chasing events" Prestigious, major international events are opportunities for Quang Ninh to elevate its destination. What matters is not the quantity but selecting events that can build the brand over the long term. Quang Ninh should clearly position its strongest product lines; focus on heritage, sea and islands, sports, creative culture and high-end resorts, avoiding scattered development without a clear focus. Alongside transport infrastructure, event spaces and accommodation systems, the province needs to invest more strongly in “soft infrastructure”: a stable event calendar announced early; effective coordination mechanisms among authorities, organizers and businesses; human resources with foreign-language abilities and international service skills; and civilized, safe and environmentally friendly services. An event creates growth momentum only when it is linked to experiential tours, night-time products, cuisine, shopping and accommodation. Visitors then do not simply watch and leave; they have more reasons to stay, spend and return, thereby creating long-term tourism value and brand value.

Associate Professor, PhD Nguyễn Trí, General Director of DHA Vietnam Company: "A destination's capacity is measured by its ability to operate" Through many editions of the International Marathon and other large-scale races, we have found that Quang Ninh has great appeal for major sporting events thanks to its unique heritage landscapes of sea, mountains and urban areas. However, scenery is only an initial advantage. The decisive factors are integrated tourism infrastructure and diverse services; coordination and support from the authorities and local community play a key role. The Halong Bay Heritage Marathon has once again been recognized by World Athletics with the World Label, acknowledging Quang Ninh's efforts to meet international standards. It also confirms the capacity to organize large-scale, safe events and provide a good experience for athletes and visitors. Looking beyond a single sporting event, we can see Quang Ninh's broader potential. When participants stay overnight, explore heritage sites, use services and share their experiences of the destination, the event moves beyond the framework of a specialized competition to become an effective tourism promotion channel. What needs to continue is maintaining this professionalism across all types of events, so that Quang Ninh is recognized not only for its distinctive landscapes but also for its capacity to organize large-scale international activities.