Silver Dawn brings first foreign visitors to Quang Ninh on lunar New Year’s Day

During their one-day stay, visitors from Europe and America explored the scenic beauty of UNESCO-recognised world heritage site Ha Long Bay, enjoyed local cuisine, and toured several cultural landmarks in Quang Ninh.

Pham Duc An, head of the provincial government, and other local leaders warmly welcomed the visitors and gave them lucky red envelopes, fresh flowers, and heartfelt New Year greetings.

Among the visitors, Fiona and Andrew, an Australian couple, were particularly surprised by the traditional welcome from local authorities.

“I’m very touched by the warm welcome. I had visited once before by road, but this time I have chosen to explore by sea, and I absolutely love the landscape here,” said Fiona.

“We’ve traveled to many places around the world, but the port here is large and beautiful. We’re really excited to begin this new journey. We love Ha Long,” said Andrew, his wife.

Welcoming the first visitors of the year has become a tradition in Quang Ninh, marking the beginning of the new year for the local tourism industry while showcasing the allure of Ha Long Bay.

According to Nguyen Huyen Anh, director of the Quang Ninh Department of Tourism, during the Lunar New Year period, the province is expected to welcome thousands of international tourists, signaling a promising year ahead for local tourism.

“The arrival of Silver Dawn and other luxury cruise ships this time is a positive sign for the tourism industry, and we are optimistic about achieving our goal of attracting 20 million visitors this year, including 4.5 million international tourists,” said Anh.

Quang Ninh, home to the world-famous Ha Long Bay, continues to attract global visitors with its stunning natural landscapes, rich heritage, and excellent hospitality services. The arrival of Silver Dawn on New Year’s Day signals a positive outlook for the province’s tourism industry in 2025.