Affirming its position as a destination for international-scale events

Leveraging its natural advantages, increasingly synchronized tourism infrastructure, and experience in hosting large-scale events, Quang Ninh is gradually affirming its position as a leading destination for international-scale events. The diversity of major events spanning culture, arts, sports, entertainment, and more is opening up opportunities for Quang Ninh to promote its image, attract visitors, and elevate its destination brand. Through this, it continually establishes its mark on the regional and global event tourism map. 

A safe, friendly, and modern destination

In August, Quang Ninh became even more vibrant as it was chosen as the starting point for a series of activities of Miss World 2026 in Vietnam. The presence of beauty queens from numerous countries and territories, along with unique cultural experiences and modern tourism in Quang Ninh, contributed to leaving fine impressions of a safe, friendly, modern, and culturally rich destination.

The representative of Japan, Miss Yui Kawana, shared: "I am truly impressed by how Quang Ninh prepared for the Miss World 2026 contestants. Everything was meticulously organized yet felt very comfortable, from accommodations and transportation to experiential activities during the first days of the pageant. The contestants always received timely and thoughtful support, allowing us to fully enjoy our time here. I think that is crucial when a locality hosts a major international event like Miss World. Quang Ninh will certainly leave a wonderful impression on the contestants and is a destination that many international travelers would love to explore."

In recent years, Quang Ninh has also become a familiar rendezvous for domestic and international sports enthusiasts. Numerous tournaments are held annually or periodically, attracting a large number of athletes and tourists. Notable running events include VnExpress Marathon Amazing Ha Long, Halong Bay Heritage Marathon, Aqua Warriors Halong Bay, Amata Run, Yen Tu Heritage Marathon, and more. Alongside these, events such as International Yoga Day, the Quang Ninh Open International Chess Tournament, and the Ha Long 2026 International Dancesport Championship continue to foster spaces for cultural and sports exchanges, connecting communities and promoting the image of Quang Ninh as a destination.

Assessing the appeal of Quang Ninh, Mr. Hong Sun, Honorary Chairman of the Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Vietnam (KOCHAM), stated: "I am particularly impressed with the natural landscape and the transportation and tourism infrastructure of Quang Ninh. The locality brings together many favorable conditions to host large-scale events. Among them, the Halong Bay Heritage Marathon is a noteworthy event, especially for the Korean runner community and investors, as the race harmoniously combines sports, culture, and tourism. This is also a great opportunity to widely promote the image of Quang Ninh and Vietnam to international visitors and friends, thereby contributing to expanding the Korean tourist market to Quang Ninh and Vietnam, while strengthening exchanges and promoting the distinctive cultural values of both countries."

In early August, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, FLC Group, and the Organizing Committee of the World Amateur Golfers Championship (WAGC) jointly held a signing ceremony for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aiming to host the WAGC World Final in 2027 in Quang Ninh.

According to Mr. Le Ngoc Thanh, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, exploring the hosting of the WAGC World Final in 2027 not only aims to successfully organize an international sporting event, but also serves as a concrete step toward realizing the strategy of developing a sports economy linked with tourism, the event economy, and cultural industries; expanding international cooperation, and attracting high-spending tourists, investors, and the global business community. It also presents an opportunity for Quang Ninh to continue asserting its stature as a destination for international events, contributing to promoting the image of a dynamic, integrated, safe, and culturally distinctive locality.

Diversifying tourism products to attract visitors

It is no coincidence that more and more ministries, sectors, sports federations, and domestic and international organizations choose Quang Ninh to host major events. In addition to the advantage of world-renowned natural landscapes, the province boasts a modern transport infrastructure system with a synchronized network of expressways, seaports, international cruise ports, and an airport, making connectivity and travel highly convenient. Alongside this is a well-invested network of hotels, resorts, convention centers, sports arenas, and stadiums that meet the demands for hosting large-scale, professional, and modern events.

Accordingly, the tourism sector has strived to invest and attract investment to build an ecosystem of luxury and ultra-luxury tourism products. Alongside existing high-class resorts, this year Quang Ninh welcomed additional international-brand hotel complexes, such as Hyatt and InterContinental Halong Bay Resort. Furthermore, Quang Ninh's tourism products have become increasingly specialized and upscale, catering to high-spending visitors; many breakthrough and creative products feature unique signatures, such as the live-action performance "In Search of the Jade Footprints" at Vung Duc Cave, VuiFest pedestrian street, luxury cruise itineraries connecting Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay, and tours exploring pristine islands in Co To. Fireworks displays and musical fountain shows in the Bai Chay tourist area have also become highlights of Quang Ninh tourism this year.

In parallel with upgrading and perfecting facilities and tourism products, relevant agencies and businesses have actively stepped up promotional and marketing campaigns abroad; engaged and signed cooperation agreements with prestigious domestic and international travel companies; organized famtrips and press trips for international media to survey and publicize Quang Ninh tourism; and designed diverse travel itineraries and product packages for visitors, thereby offering travelers numerous choices when visiting Quang Ninh.

Additionally, the province has ramped up the frequent organization of major cultural, artistic, and sporting activities, leaving a lasting impression on residents and tourists. Typical is the annual Ha Long Carnaval series, which has become a distinctive cultural and tourism hallmark of the province. More recently, large-scale art shows and music concerts attracting up to 50,000 attendees have not only created a vibrant, modern vibe for the destination, but also demonstrated Quang Ninh's capacity to organize, manage, and guarantee safety for massive crowds and large-scale events.

Professionally and successfully hosting international events is the very way Quang Ninh brings its destination image closer to visitors, opens up new markets, and provides fresh impetus for continuous innovation of products and services, making a vital contribution to driving the development of the tourism industry in particular and the province's socio-economic growth in general in the new era.

Mr. Maung Maung Lwin, Vice President of the ASEAN Chess Confederation, President of the Myanmar Chess Federation: “Strengthening and expanding cooperation with sports federations to organize large-scale tournaments” "I am very pleased and honored to return to Quang Ninh for the 3rd Quang Ninh Open International Chess Tournament in 2026 as the Chief Arbiter of the tournament. Following the great impressions from when Quang Ninh hosted the chess event at the 31st SEA Games in 2022, this return continues to bring me positive feelings. Quang Ninh is increasingly demonstrating its ability to organize professional international sporting events, from competition conditions and facilities to hospitality and reception for participating delegations. I am particularly impressed with the natural landscape, distinctive cultural values, and the friendliness and hospitality of Quang Ninh's people. These are advantages for the locality to continue attracting international tournaments. I hope that in the coming time, Quang Ninh will organize more regional and international sporting events and expand cooperation with sports federations, thereby creating opportunities for athletes to exchange and compete while contributing to promoting the image of Quang Ninh to international friends."

Miss Linda Górecká, Czech Republic: “All conditions regarding accommodation, services, security, and safety were prepared thoughtfully and professionally” "The contestants and I spent memorable days in Quang Ninh during the opening activities of the Miss World 2026 pageant. We received a warm welcome, and all conditions regarding accommodation, services, security, and safety were thoroughly and professionally prepared. Through the activities, I clearly felt that Quang Ninh not only possesses breathtaking natural landscapes but also has the capacity to organize large-scale international events. In particular, on the opening night of Miss World, despite unfavorable weather developments, the locality and the Organizing Committee handled the situation proactively and flexibly to ensure the program took place successfully, leaving many beautiful impressions on the international contestants. I was truly impressed by Quang Ninh's professionalism, sense of responsibility, and swift response. I hope to have the opportunity to return here for cultural and international events, as well as vacation trips to continue exploring the beauty, culture, and people of Quang Ninh."

Mr. Pham Hai Quynh, Director of the Asian Tourism Development Institute: "Building an ecosystem rather than merely chasing events" "Prestigious, high-profile international events are opportunities for Quang Ninh to elevate its destination stature. What matters is not quantity, but selecting events that can build long-term brand value. Quang Ninh should clearly position its core product lines, focusing on heritage, seas and islands, sports, creative culture, and luxury retreats, while avoiding fragmented, unfocused development. Besides transport infrastructure, event venues, and accommodation networks, the province needs to invest more heavily in 'soft infrastructure': a stable, early-announced event calendar; an effective coordination mechanism among authorities, organizers, and businesses; a workforce proficient in foreign languages and international hospitality skills; and civilized, safe, and environmentally friendly services. Events only generate growth momentum when linked with experiential tours, night tourism products, culinary offerings, shopping, and accommodations. Only then will visitors not simply watch and leave, but have more reasons to stay longer, spend more, and return, thereby creating enduring tourism value and brand equity."

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Tri, General Director of DHA Vietnam: "Destination capacity is measured by operational capability" "Through multiple seasons of the International Marathon and other large-scale tournaments, we have observed that Quang Ninh holds immense appeal for major sporting events thanks to its unique seascapes, mountain landscapes, and urban heritage. However, scenery is only the initial advantage. The decisive factor is synchronized tourism infrastructure and diverse services; coordination and support from local authorities and the community play a key role. The Halong Bay Heritage International Marathon continues to be recognized with a World Athletics Label, acknowledging Quang Ninh's efforts to meet international standards while confirming its capability to organize large-scale, safe events that deliver great experiences for athletes and visitors. Looking beyond a single sports tournament, one can see the broader potential of Quang Ninh. When participants stay, explore heritage, use services, and share their experiences of the destination, the event transcends the scope of a professional competition to become an effective tourism promotional channel. What must be maintained is that same professionalism across all types of events, so that Quang Ninh is recognized not only for its spectacular landscapes, but also for its capacity to host large-scale international activities."