VietNamNet Bridge – The northern port city of Hai Phong plans to focus on promoting the tourism potential of the Cat Ba archipelago, which is renowned for its diversity of tourism products.

Lan Ha Bay in eastern part of Cat Ba Island (Photo: VNA)

This initiative is part of the master plan on sustainable tourism development of the Cat Ba archipelago, which is adjacent to the World Heritage Ha Long Bay, until 2025 approved by the provincial People’s Committee.

The plan aims to zone off key tourism sites to promote their respective potentials and key products.

Director of the city’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Doan Duy Linh highlighted the significant role of the archipelago in the socio-economic development of Cat Hai District and Hai Phong City.

The locality will invest in improving service quality and conduct publicity campaigns to promote the Cat Ba archipelago in domestic and international markets, Linh said.

Infrastructure facilities will also be developed to connect the site with neighbouring vicinities and international destinations. Additional services will be offered to lure tourists, including homestays, sports, cuisine tourism packages and resorts, he added.

The Cat Ba archipelago has been considered part of the national Ha Long – Cat Ba tourism complex in the strategy for national tourism development through 2030, according to Linh.

The site, which has been recognised a National Park, a National Marine Reserve and a World Biosphere Reserve, features ecotourism services that distinguish it from Ha Long Bay and other sea and island tourism destinations such as Bach Long Vy, Co To, Cu Lao Cham, Phu Quy, Con Dao or Phu Quoc.

It is home to some 3,800 flora and fauna species, including 81 endangered ones listed in the Red Books of Vietnam and the world, such as the “Vooc Cat Ba” primate (scientifically known as Trachypithecus poliocephalus), “Son Duong” gazelle (chamois), “Kim Giao” tree (pedocarpus fleurgi) and “Thach sung mi Cat Ba” gecko (Goniurosaurus cabaensis).

Tourists will also discover rich ecosystems in the tropical and flooded forests on limestone mountains like the Kim Giao forest, Ao Ech (Frog pond) in the Cat Ba National Park, sea diving in Tai Keo or Ba Rang islands in the Cat Ba preserved site.

Its traditional festivals are also attractive offerings, such as the Cat Ba – Cat Hai fishing villages festival on March 31 and the boat racing festival on the 21st of the first lunar month in Cat Hai town, among others.

VNA