A view of Ha Long Bay. — VNA/VNS Photo Nguyen Dan

HA NOI (Biz Hub) — A conference on tourism cooperation among north-eastern provinces and cities will be held at Ha Long City from June 12 to 16.

Around 300 delegates from ministries and associations and the representatives of leading tourism companies will attend one of the largest events to promote tourism cooperation among Quang Ninh Province, Hai Phong, Bac Ninh, Bac Giang, as well as Hai Duong, Hung Yen, Lang Son, and HCM City.

Apart from tourism associations among localities, the conference will also focus on shortcomings as well as solutions to strengthen and develop tourism in each province.

In addition, matters such as building product chains, promoting tourism, training human resources, and developing information systems will also be discussed at the event.

The eight areas will also sign a cooperation agreement to develop and promote tourism products, improve human resources, call for investments, and strengthen the management of tourism.

Speaking at a press conference in Ha Long City yesterday, Ha Quang Long, director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sport and Tourism, said the conference aims to attract domestic tourists in the southern region. Quang Ninh Province will act as a bridge connecting the northern provinces and southern localities to advertise their products.

Long said they will conduct a survey on new tourism sites such as Co To Island, Van Don Island, as well as tourism shopping centres.

"Quang Ninh Province attracts around 7 million visitors a year, with 10-15 per cent annual growth rate. However, the number of domestic tourists has been low at 7 per cent and they mostly came from the northern region," he elaborated.

He added that while HCM City has taken the lead in promoting tourism, most tourists come to Quang Ninh Province through popular travel agencies in the city.

"The conference will offer a chance to northern provinces to learn how to promote tourism," he added. — VNS