Dining services will no longer be permitted in caves in Ha Long Bay, the UNESCO-recognised heritage site in the northern Quang Ninh province, Chairman of Ha Long City People’s Committee Pham Hong Ha announced on September 8.
Accordingly, travel agents and dining service providers must end such service before October 30.
The People’s Committee of Quang Ninh province has instructed Ha Long City to coordinate with departments, sectors and relevant localities to review plans and projects relating to Ha Long Bay as well as bay management regulations, and to propose tourism products on the bay while ensuring public order, environmental protection, and abiding to the UNESCO’s Convention on protecting cultural and natural heritage and Vietnam’s laws.
Dining and art performing services in Trong Cave have been licensed since 2006, however similar services began to be offered recently in other caves such as Dong Tien, Tien Ong, Co, Trinh Nu, causing negative impacts on the world-recognized site.
The decision is expected to preserve the natural heritage site while minimizing activities that could harm the bay’s landscape and environment.
Chairman Pham Hong Ha also revealed the city’s plan to end dining service on tourist vessels in order to protect the world heritage site.