With its natural advantages, increasingly integrated tourism infrastructure, and experience organizing large-scale events, Quang Ninh is gradually affirming its position as a leading destination for world-class international events. The diversity of major events spanning culture, arts, sports, and 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 regional and global event tourism map.
A safe, welcoming, modern destination
In August, Quang Ninh became even more vibrant when it was selected as the starting point for a 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 create a positive impression of a safe, welcoming, modern destination rich in cultural identity.
Japan's representative, beauty queen Yui Kawana, said: I was truly impressed by how Quang Ninh prepared for the Miss World 2026 contestants. Everything was very well organized while still feeling comfortable, from our accommodation and transportation to the activities we experienced during the first days of the competition. The contestants always received prompt and thoughtful assistance, so we were able to make the most of our time here. I think that is very important when a locality hosts a major international event like Miss World. Quang Ninh will certainly leave a lasting impression on the contestants and become a destination many international visitors will want to explore.
In recent years, Quang Ninh has also become a familiar gathering place for sports enthusiasts from Vietnam and abroad. Many competitions are held annually or periodically, attracting large numbers of athletes and visitors. Notable running events include VnExpress Marathon Amazing Ha Long, Halong Bay Heritage Marathon, Aqua Warriors Halong Bay, Amata Run, and Yen Tu Heritage Marathon. Other events, such as International Yoga Day, the Quang Ninh International Open Chess Tournament, and the 2026 Ha Long International Dancesport Competition, also continue to create opportunities for cultural and sporting exchange, connect communities, and promote Quang Ninh as a destination.
Commenting on Quang Ninh's appeal, Mr. Hong Sun, Honorary Chairman of the Korea Chamber of Business in Vietnam (KOCHAM), said: I am especially impressed by Quang Ninh's natural scenery and its transport and tourism infrastructure. The province has many favorable conditions for hosting large-scale events. Among them, the Halong Bay Heritage Marathon is a noteworthy event, particularly for the running community and Korean investors, because it brings together sport, culture, and tourism in a harmonious way. It is also an excellent opportunity to widely promote the image of Quang Ninh and Vietnam to visitors and international friends, helping expand the Korean visitor market to Quang Ninh and Vietnam while strengthening exchanges and promoting the distinctive cultural values of both countries.
Earlier in August, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, FLC Group, and the World Amateur Golfers Championship (WAGC) Organizing Committee jointly held a signing ceremony for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), with the aim of hosting the 2027 WAGC World Final in Quang Ninh.
According to Mr. Le Ngoc Thanh, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, exploring the possibility of hosting the 2027 WAGC World Final is not only about successfully staging an international sporting competition; it is also a concrete step toward realizing a strategy for developing the sports economy in conjunction with tourism, the events economy, and the cultural industries. It will expand international cooperation and attract high-value tourists, investors, and the global business community. This is also an opportunity for Quang Ninh to further affirm its position as a destination for international events, helping promote the image of a dynamic, globally connected, safe province rich in cultural identity.
Diversifying tourism products to attract visitors
It is no coincidence that an increasing number of ministries, sports federations, and domestic and international organizations are choosing Quang Ninh to host major events. In addition to its world-famous natural scenery, the province boasts a modern transport infrastructure network of expressways, seaports, international passenger ports, and an airport, all well integrated to make connections and travel convenient. It also has a system of hotels, resorts, convention centers, sports arenas, and stadiums developed to a high standard, meeting the requirements for hosting large-scale events professionally and to modern standards.
Accordingly, the tourism sector is working to invest in and attract investment to develop an ecosystem of upscale and ultra-luxury tourism products. Alongside its existing high-end resorts, Quang Ninh has welcomed international hotel brands this year, including Hyatt and InterContinental Halong Bay Resort. In addition, the province's tourism products are becoming increasingly specialized and upscale, targeting high-spending visitors. Many are innovative and distinctive, such as the “In Search of the Pearl” live-action show at Vung Duc Cave; VuiFest pedestrian street; luxury cruise itineraries linking Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay; and tours exploring the unspoiled islands of Co To. Fireworks and water-music shows at Bai Chay Tourist Area have become highlights of Quang Ninh tourism this year.
Alongside improving and upgrading facilities and tourism products, organizations are actively stepping up overseas promotion and marketing programs; working with and signing cooperation agreements with reputable domestic and international travel businesses; welcoming delegations of travel companies and international journalists on study visits to report on Quang Ninh tourism; and developing tour programs and product packages for visitors. These efforts give travelers more options when visiting Quang Ninh.
At the same time, the province is stepping up the regular organization of numerous large-scale cultural, artistic, and sporting activities, making a strong impression on residents and visitors. A notable example is the annual Ha Long Carnaval, which has become a distinctive cultural and tourism brand for the province. More recently, large-scale artistic programs and music concerts attracting up to 50,000 people have not only created a vibrant, modern atmosphere at the destination, but also demonstrated Quang Ninh's ability to organize and manage large events and ensure the safety of large crowds.
Professionally and successfully hosting international events is how Quang Ninh brings its destination image closer to visitors, explores new markets, and generates fresh momentum for continually evolving products and services. This makes an important contribution to advancing tourism in particular and the province's socioeconomic development as a whole in this new era.
Mr. Maung Maung Lwin, Vice President of the ASEAN Chess Confederation and President of the Myanmar Chess Federation: “Expanding cooperation with sports federations to host large-scale tournaments” I am very pleased and honored to return to Quang Ninh for the 3rd Quang Ninh International Open Chess Tournament, 2026, in my role as the tournament's chief arbiter. After the wonderful impression made when Quang Ninh hosted chess at the 2022 SEA Games, my return this time has once again been a positive experience. Quang Ninh is increasingly demonstrating its ability to professionally organize international sporting events, from playing conditions and facilities to welcoming and serving delegations. I am especially impressed by the natural scenery, distinctive cultural values, and the friendliness and hospitality of Quang Ninh's people. These are advantages that will help the province continue to attract international competitions. I hope Quang Ninh will host more regional and international sporting events in the future and expand its cooperation with sports federations, creating opportunities for athletes to meet and compete while helping promote Quang Ninh to friends around the world. |
Miss Linda Górecká, Czech Republic: “Accommodation, services, security, and safety were all prepared with care and professionalism” The other contestants and I had unforgettable days in Quang Ninh during the opening activities of the Miss World 2026 competition. We received a warm welcome, and everything related to accommodation, services, security, and safety was prepared with care and professionalism. Through these activities, I could clearly see that Quang Ninh not only boasts stunning natural scenery but also has the capacity to organize large-scale international events. In particular, on the opening night of Miss World, despite unfavorable weather, the local authorities and Organizing Committee responded proactively and flexibly, ensuring the program went ahead successfully and left the international contestants with many wonderful memories. I was truly impressed by Quang Ninh's professionalism, sense of responsibility, and ability to respond quickly. I hope to return for cultural and international events, as well as on holiday, so I can continue discovering the beauty, culture, and people of Quang Ninh. |
Mr. Pham Hai Quynh, Director of the Asian Tourism Development Institute: “Build an ecosystem instead of chasing events” Reputable, high-profile international events are an opportunity for Quang Ninh to elevate its destination brand. What matters is not the number of events, but choosing those that can build the brand for the long term. Quang Ninh should clearly position its strongest product segments, focusing on heritage, islands and beaches, sports, creative culture, and premium resorts, while avoiding scattered development without a clear focus. Alongside transport infrastructure, event venues, and accommodation facilities, the province needs to invest more heavily in “soft infrastructure”: a stable event calendar published well in advance; effective coordination between local authorities, organizers, and businesses; staff with foreign-language skills and international service expertise; and civil, safe, environmentally friendly services. Events only drive growth when they are linked to experiential tours, nighttime offerings, cuisine, shopping, and accommodation. Then visitors have more reasons not only to attend and leave, but also to stay longer, spend, and return, creating lasting tourism value and a strong destination brand. |
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Tri, CEO of DHA Vietnam: “A destination's capability is measured by how well it operates” After many editions of the International Marathon and other large-scale competitions, we have seen that Quang Ninh is highly appealing for major sporting events, thanks to its distinctive landscapes of sea, mountains, and heritage-rich urban areas. However, scenery is only an initial advantage. The decisive factors are integrated tourism infrastructure and diverse services, while coordination and support from local authorities and communities play a key role. The Halong Bay Heritage Marathon continues to be awarded the World Athletics Label, recognizing Quang Ninh's efforts to meet international standards. It also affirms the province's ability to organize large-scale events safely and provide athletes and visitors with a positive experience. One sporting event offers a glimpse into Quang Ninh's broader potential. When participants stay overnight, explore heritage sites, use local services, and share their experiences of the destination, the event goes beyond the bounds of a sporting competition to become an effective tourism promotion channel. The next step is to maintain this professionalism across all types of events, so that Quang Ninh is recognized not only for its distinctive scenery, but also for its capacity to organize large-scale international activities. |
