(VOVworld) – Being one of the most important international border gates in the north of Vietnam, Mong Cai city in Quang Ninh province has great potential for the development of border travel. The tourist potential is fully and effectively exploited in this area.

In recent years, the number of tourists to Mong Cai has considerably increased, especially since working hours of the Mong Cai border gate were extended. In the first 5 months of this year, Mong Cai city welcomed over 350,000 tourists. Pham Thi Oanh, Deputy Head of Mong Cai city’s Department for Culture and Information, said the city is responsible for managing visitors using border passports. Since October 2013, 17 enterprises belonging to the 849 Travel Club in Mong Cai have been in charge of visitors. The club operates under the Ministry of Public Security’s regulation on the organization and management of Chinese citizens using visa issued by China to visit Vietnam.

In August, 2014, Mong Cai city introduced 3 tourist routes and 12 tourist destinations and decided to make Sa Vi cape and Tra Co beach more attractive to domestic and foreign tourists. Ms. Oanh said: “The city will create favorable conditions for enterprises to boost the travel business through Mong Cai border gate, in line with the current Tourism Law”.  

In May this year 4 tourism companies, including Mong Cai tourism and service joint stock company, Phuc Son tourism and trade company, Vinh Thinh tourism, export and import company and Hai Lam Sa tourism limited company of the Mong Cai Tourism Association organized tours for Chinese visitors. In two weeks in May, the Mong Cai Tourism Association organized tours for more than 2,200 Chinese visitors while the 849 Travel Club had 1,700 customers. A representative from a Chinese tourist agency, said: “The travel agencies work very effectively and provide quick procedures. The services are much better now”.

Tra Co beach.

Tourists to Mong Cai are offered package tours to attractive tourist destinations such as the city center, Tra Co beach, Tra Co church, shopping and art performances. Ms. Vu Thi Huong Giang, from Mong Cai Tourism and Service joint stock company, said: “It is essential to create a competitive tourism business environment and gradually put an end to short-term tourism operation. The tourist potential of Mong Cai need to be properly exploited”.

Improving the tourism environment through connecting interesting destinations and promoting local specialties will help Mong Cai city create a strong impression on visitors and further exploit its great potential attractions.