Maritime tourists flock to central region

Almost 2,700 foreign tourists aboard cruise ship Diamond Princess of Bermuda explored Nha Trang bay, one of the most beautiful bays in the world, in the central province of Khanh Hoa on Mar. 20.
The tourists coming from 40 countries and territories also enjoyed their four-hour stay ashore with shopping activities, local special dishes and visits to popular tourist sites in Nha Trang city before heading to Hong Kong on the same day.
The provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism is working on a plan to develop handicrafts products as another draw to maritime visitors.
The city is expected to receive the German cruise ship Columbus on its second visit to Vietnam this year.
On March 20, the ship with 550 tourists and crewmen aboard docked at Tien Sa port in the central city of Da Nang. During its four-day trip, the ship will also visit HCM City.
Since the beginning of the year, Nha Trang city has welcomed 16 cruise ships carrying over 18,000 foreign visitors. It has set the yearly target of receiving over 30 cruise liners and 35,000 maritime tourists.