The Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) held a press conference in Hanoi on July 17 to announce the event, which aims to seek out measures to preserve and promote the values of the World Heritage Site to develop tourism in a sustainable manner.

VNAT General Director Nguyen Van Tuan said ever since it was recognised as a world natural heritage 18 years ago, Ha Long Bay has become one of the country's most visited tourist spots.

The bay was also recently voted as one of the seven new wonders of the world, he added.

Tuan said the VNAT and Quang Ninh are working together on advertising campaigns and a series of promotions to spotlight Ha Long Bay and make it one of the leading tourist destinations on earth.

According to the organising board, the seminar will focus on defining the important role of Ha Long Bay and its position in the country's tourist industry as well as current development trends, opportunities and challenges.

They will also put forward proposals to ensure the site is preserved for future generations and examine existing management procedures.

To date, the organising board has received 20 reports from regional and international academics, researchers and business managers.

In 2011, Ha Long Bay welcomed over 5.5 million tourists, half of them from overseas.