Not only focusing on sightseeing and relaxation, Quang Ninh is developing sports tourism to diversify products, extend stays and increase the attractiveness of destinations, according to Quang Ninh Electronic Information Portal.
In recent years, the locality has gradually built tourism products associated with sports through many events such as Ha Long Marathon, Yen Tu Ultra Trail, Yen Tu Heritage Marathon, Aqua Warriors Halong Bay, along with golf, sea sports, trekking and outdoor health training activities.
When organized methodically, the events not only promote the local image but also promote the demand for accommodation, dining, shopping and experiences of tourists.
A diverse resource system is the foundation for Quang Ninh to develop sports tourism, diversify products, extend stays and enhance destination competitiveness, aiming to become a sports tourism center of Vietnam.
Quang Ninh also possesses many favorable conditions such as the Ha Long Bay World Natural Heritage, Yen Tu spiritual - ecological space, Van Don - Co To - Bai Tu Long islands, coastal roads, Binh Lieu mountains and a synchronous transportation system, accommodation, resorts, golf courses, ports and entertainment areas. This is the foundation for developing types such as jogging, beach swimming, kayaking, SUP, golf, cycling, trekking, sea sports and extreme sports.
According to experts, the value of sports tourism lies not only in the number of athletes participating but also in the number of accompanying guests. Each event can create additional needs for accommodation, cuisine, sightseeing, shopping and service experience if effectively connected.
Reality has been recorded through the Aqua Warriors Halong Bay 2026 - Camel Cup held in April, attracting 2,000 domestic and international athletes to compete in swimming, cycling and running events.
From August 21 to 23, Yen Tu Ultra Trail 2026 will continue to expand the sports tourism space from the sea and islands to the mountains and forests and cultural heritage. Next, on November 22, Ha Long Heritage International Marathon 2026 will return, continuing to attract the domestic and international runner community.
To make sports tourism a product that retains tourists, Quang Ninh needs to build a service chain before, during and after each event. After completing the competition, tourists can continue to relax, recover their health, enjoy cuisine, experience night tourism, visit the bay, buy OCOP products and explore local culture.
Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, Director of the Institute of Tourism Economics, said that Quang Ninh has advantages in resources, infrastructure and investment environment to develop sports tourism. However, the locality needs to remove bottlenecks in mechanisms, infrastructure, human resources, and at the same time position this as a key product associated with planning, public-private partnerships and digital transformation.
With an annual event system, attractive products, suitable infrastructure and professional organization, sports tourism is expected to help Quang Ninh attract visitors year-round, increase spending and enhance the destination brand.
