Quang Ninh: After storm number 3, Ha Long is ready to welcome tourists back

On September 13, Ha Long Bay officially "opened" for tourist boats to resume normal operations.

This is good news for the tourism industry in Ha Long, Quang Ninh province, after nearly a week of being devastated by storm No. 3 (Yagi). Life in general and the tourism industry in particular have gradually returned to normal in the "city on the edge of heritage."

The 7-day and night peak campaign to overcome the consequences of storm No. 3 launched by the city government has been effective. With the spirit of solidarity and unity, the people and the city's functional forces have proactively and actively cleaned up the environment and beautified the urban area.

Head of the Propaganda Department of Ha Long City Party Committee Phan Thi Hai Huong said that immediately after the storm passed, the city's leaders quickly and actively directed localities and called on people and businesses to overcome the consequences.

Up to now, the pace of life has gradually returned. The good news is that many tourist groups have chosen Ha Long as their destination, especially international tourists. With a proactive spirit, determination and love for the city, Ha Long hopes that every business and citizen will join hands to build a more beautiful city.

To return soon, right after storm No. 3 passed, cruise ship owners in Ha Long Bay focused on maintenance, repair, and ensuring safe facilities to restore operations as soon as possible. Almost all 180 cruise, sightseeing, and accommodation ships here were ready to welcome guests back from September 13 when the province allowed ships to operate to transport tourists to visit Ha Long Bay.

Mr. Nguyen Quang Kha, Captain of the Green Bay 9468, was excited to hear the news of welcoming guests again. Mr. Kha did not think that everything could return so quickly. That was thanks to the consensus and determination of businesses and the government in overcoming the consequences of the historic storm. Despite the difficulties, Mr. Kha always believes that the number of tourists will soon increase again.

Mr. Ngo Van Nam, Vice President of the Ha Long Tourist Boat Association, said he had never witnessed such a big storm that caused such serious consequences to the boats. The association has directed the boats to prepare equipment, technical safety, and resources to ensure the best quality of service for tourists.

In addition, tourism service businesses in Ha Long city are gradually ensuring facilities and human resources to welcome tourists back.

Immediately after the storm passed, many tourist groups, especially international tourists, came to Ha Long City. Typically, on September 10, after a short interruption of operations due to super typhoon Yagi, Ha Long International Passenger Port reopened to welcome international visitors to visit the bay.

There have been nearly 70 ships with more than 1,500 passengers from countries such as China, Korea, etc. traveling from Hanoi to Ha Long. However, to ensure absolute safety for tourism activities on the bay, after September 10, passenger reception activities at this port have been temporarily suspended to conduct safety checks on the bay.

Ms. Elizabeth Dickerson, an American tourist, shared that her group of 31 people traveled from Ho Chi Minh City through Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue. On the way, the group heard about the storm that devastated Ha Long City. The group members were very impressed to see that each citizen tried to protect and clean up the city; the hotels still ensured all the good conditions for the group's stay.

Mr. Nguyen Thai Hung, General Director of Saigon-Ha Long Hotel, said that tourists in general, especially foreign tourists, shared the difficulties and losses caused by natural disasters. However, they always put safety first, so the hotel quickly took all measures to meet that requirement.

On September 12, the Ha Long City Party Committee met and worked with representatives of local businesses, including tourism businesses, to find solutions to remove difficulties in tax policies; restructure debt repayment terms; consider exempting and reducing loan interest; continue to provide loans to restore production and business after the storm according to current regulations...

With the mindset of an international tourist city, Ha Long has weathered the storm, ready to welcome tourists back, continuing to achieve the goal of welcoming over 9.5 million visitors this year.