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QUANG NINH IN FOCUS
to erase begging and other activities
that affect the tourism landscape.
Tour operators claim that Halong
Bay’s environment has been polluted
with rubbish and oil, despite efforts by
local authorities to clean the waters.
“In this regard, I think the authori-
ties and businesses can join hands to
make Halong cleaner and recreate an
environment that is suitable for sustain-
able development,” says Luc.
Over the last few years, Phoenix
Cruises have organised tours to collect
rubbish on the bay and its staff and
guests have committed to not throwing
rubbish on voyages.
Le Phuong Nhi, marketing manager
of Indochina Sails, one of the biggest
fleets on Halong Bay, claims Quang
Ninh in general and Halong Bay in par-
ticular can develop in a sustainable way
if the authorities enact policies to pro-
tect the natural environment and pre-
serve cultural values.
In this regard, in addition to Halong
Bay, the tourism authorities are looking
to preserve the historial complex of the
Tran Dynasty in Dong Trieu town and
the holy pagoga mountain of Yen Tu to
develop them into attractions.
Long says the province will also
look to carry out more promotion cam-
paigns to attract tourists. Last year, it
held the European tourist week and
more recently the sakura festival, with
the aim to lure well-heeled travellers
from Europe and Japan.
Despite the economic difficulties,
the province also just held its annual
Halong Carnaval, the biggest tourism
event in the province, and one that the
authorities hope will introduce the prov-
ince’s coulourful culture to the world.
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timeout
T
he Ha Long Carnaval 2013,
hosted by Quang Ninh Prov-
ince People’s Committee, is
more than just an annual party
- it is the ultimate showcase of Quang
Ninh’s distinctive culture.
Halong Carnaval 2013 is part of
a chain of events set to commemo-
rate 50 years since the foundation
of Quang Ninh province. It will wel-
come local and international visitors
to discover Halong Bay, one of the
world’s wonders, alongside other
provincial attractions.
Themed ‘Quang Ninh’s colours –
converge and spread,’ the event was
divided into three parts: the opening
ceremony; art performances; and a
parade. The event kicked of at 8pm
on April 27 and was broadcast live on
VTV1, VTV4 and QTV.
This year, the event spread along
Hoang Quoc Viet Road, Hung Thang
ward and a huge stage was watched
by 7,000 seated spectators.
One of the important features
which has made the festival unique
over the years and contributed to cul-
tivating Halong Carvanal’s brand val-
ues is the special street parade pro-
ceedings with an array of appealing
and vivid performances, decorated
cars, dances and also traditional per-
formances by Quang Ninh’s diverse
ethnic groups.
This year was no exception, with
the participation of over 5,000 actors
and actresses, models, beauty queens
and dancers. Representatives from
13 provincial locations, plus those
from the coal sector, the provincial
Buddhist Association, and the Quang
Ninh College of Art, Culture and Tour-
ism all attended.
International art troupes from
China, the Republic of Korea and Laos
performed together with professional
entertainers from Quang Ninh. The
carvanal parade also included six dec-
orated cars showcasing Quang Ninh’s
distinctive tourism attractions.
Moreover, on April 28, a seaside
volleyball tournament took place
at Tuan Chau international resort,
hosted by Au Lac Company Limited.
The competition attracted 12 teams
from nations including India, China,
New Zealand, Thailand, Hong Kong
and Vietnam.
From April 28 to May 1 stunning
laser shows, cultural and art perfor-
mances were jointly hosted by Quang
Ninh Department of Culture, Sports
and Tourism, Halong City and the pro-
vincial Communist Youth Party Com-
mittee in Halong city’s square
Besides all this, a broad range of
cultural, sports and tourism activities
took place throughout April.
The Unique Halong Carnaval