This initiative is part of the Quang Ninh Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism's 2025 tourism stimulus campaign.
Hundreds of accommodation providers, restaurants, and tourist boats across the province are participating, offering complimentary Sapphire Ha Long beer and fried squid to patrons.
Upon check-in, each guest will receive a can of beer. Diners at participating restaurants will also receive a serving of Ha Long fried squid. Additional benefits include a 20% discount on the second night's stay and a complimentary seafood meal on the third night.
This marks the first time Quang Ninh has featured its core culinary specialties as the centerpiece of a stimulus campaign. Ha Long fried squid is more than just a dish; it's a source of local pride, handcrafted from fresh, hand-pounded squid, resulting in a uniquely chewy texture. Sapphire beer, meanwhile, is a brand synonymous with the heritage bay city.
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Fried squid is a specialty dish in Ha Long. Photo: Tam Anh |
Fried squid is a specialty dish in Ha Long. Photo: Tam Anh
This campaign comes as the province's tourism sector strives to achieve its ambitious goal: 20 million visitors in 2025, including 3 million international tourists, generating 55,000 billion VND in revenue.
According to the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, Quang Ninh welcomed 16.2 million tourists in the first 8 months of 2025, a 10% increase compared to the same period in 2024. International arrivals reached 2.94 million, up 23% year-on-year. Total tourism revenue reached 41,380 billion VND, marking a 21% increase.
Despite these encouraging figures, the 20 million visitor target for 2025 remains a challenge, particularly with the autumn-winter period traditionally considered the off-season for coastal tourism.
Nguyen Lan Nguyen, Deputy Director of the Tourism Department, stated that the stimulus program aims not only to attract more visitors but also to address seasonality. "We want to change the perception that Ha Long is only beautiful in the summer. By enriching the visitor experience through cuisine and unique festivals, Quang Ninh will become a year-round destination," Nguyen said.
The combination of accommodation discounts and culinary gifts is expected to encourage tourists to spend more and stay longer, rather than just making short trips.
Nguyen The Hue, President of the Quang Ninh Tourism Association, expressed strong support for the program. "The cost of the gifts is relatively small compared to the marketing impact and customer satisfaction they generate. This is a smart approach to promoting local culture and differentiating Quang Ninh from other destinations," Hue commented.
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Ha Long Bay with its majestic limestone mountains and blue sea. |
In addition to culinary attractions, Quang Ninh is hosting a series of events and festivals in Ha Long, including the nightly Halo Bay Show, a multimedia performance combining water, music, and light. Every weekend, the night sky will be illuminated by artistic firework displays.
From 30/10 to 2/11, the 2025 Quang Ninh Culinary Festival will feature hundreds of stalls showcasing local and regional specialties. November will see the "Dragon Bay Takes Off" Kite and Paragliding Festival and the provincial Ethnic Culture and Sports Festival.
With comprehensive investments ranging from preferential policies to new tourism products, Quang Ninh aims to become one of Vietnam's leading tourism hubs.
Le Tan
