Cat Ba stops kayaking activities on the bay

The People's Committee of Cat Hai district ( Hai Phong city) has just announced the suspension of kayaking services on bays in Cat Ba archipelago.

According to the announcement of the People's Committee of Cat Hai district (Hai Phong city), from November 15, 2024, businesses, organizations and individuals must stop organizing kayaking services on bays in Cat Ba archipelago until they ensure the conditions according to the provisions of law.

The reason for stopping this activity, the People's Committee of Cat Hai district said that in the past, kayaking activities on bays in Cat Ba archipelago were spontaneous, did not ensure operating conditions according to the law, and potentially caused risks to the safety of tourists and security and order in bays in Cat Ba archipelago.

Along with that, Cat Hai District People's Committee requested Cat Ba National Park to complete the dossier, request the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Hai Phong to soon appraise and submit to Hai Phong City People's Committee for approval the tourism, ecological resort and entertainment project for the water surface in three areas: Cua Cai - Minh Tu, Van Ta, Ba Dinh.

Receiving this information, tourism businesses are struggling because this is the peak season for welcoming international visitors. Besides, kayaking is an activity that this type of tourist loves when coming to Lan Ha Bay.

According to Mr. Pham Ha - CEO of Lux Group, when receiving the notice from the People's Committee of Cat Hai district, the business immediately notified tourists. However, for international visitors, they had booked tours a month to several months in advance.

The sudden announcement of the closure of kayaking services has disappointed visitors. Kayaking is a highlight activity to attract visitors, especially those using overnight boat services on the bay.

"The sudden announcement to stop kayaking activities also affects the image and reputation of the destination in the eyes of international tourists," Mr. Ha shared.

A representative of a travel agency in Hanoi confided: "For picky customers, they will think that we are selling dog meat under a sheep's head. The cruise product itself is quite boring because most of the time tourists are on the cruise, so there need to be additional activities.

The suspension of kayaking activities on the bays of Cat Ba archipelago makes this destination less attractive, possibly leading to a shift of international visitors' interest to other destinations."