Vietnam a key destination for Royal Caribbean cruises: exec

Vietnam and the UNESCO-recognized Ha Long Bay are important stops for Royal Caribbean cruises, said Wendy Yamazaki, regional vice president, government relations (Asia) of Royal Caribbean Group.

Vietnam is one of the three favorite destinations in Asia, along with Thailand and Singapore, Yamazaki said at a meeting with Quang Ninh’s Chairman Cao Tuong Huy on Friday as the Celebrity Solstice cruise ship docked in Ha Long Bay.

Yamazaki highly spoke of Quang Ninh’s efforts to boost cruise tourism, including the construction of the first exclusive cruise ship quay in Vietnam.

She also expressed hope to increase cooperation with the northern province by introducing more attractive cruise tourism offers that suit the diverse demands of international tourists, particularly high-spending travelers.

The executive suggested the provincial government further loosen visa requirements, expand its visa exemption policy, and increase the application of technology in processing immigration procedures.

For his part, Huy noted that the Vietnamese government and Quang Ninh pay great attention to boosting cruise tourism, which has been present in the province since the 1990s, and have created favorable conditions to lure more cruise tourists.

He proposed Royal Caribbean make Ha Long Bay one of its regular stops and advise the local government on how to turn this attraction into a major cruise tourism hub like Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan and South Korea.

Launched in 1969, Royal Caribbean sails itineraries to over 270 destinations in more than 60 countries on six continents, including Ha Long Bay and several stops in Vietnam.