Agricultural and rural tourism is emerging as a new development direction as visitors increasingly favour farm visits, hands-on experiences such as farm visits and purchasing agricultural products on site. With a strong foundation in new rural development programme and a diverse OCOP product ecosystem, Quang Ninh has advantages to develop models that combine production with services, thereby enhancing value of agricultural products and creating more sustainable livelihoods for local communities.
A key prerequisite for agricultural tourism is adequate rural infrastructure, a clean environment and well-organised service spaces. Quang Ninh holds a significant advantage, having completed its new rural development programme in 2024, with all communes meeting the required standards. Improvements in transportation infrastructure, rural landscapes and living conditions have paved the way for production areas to develop into destinations offering experiential activities and on-site sales.
One approach widely adopted by localities is the organisation of seasonal events to create highlights for promoting and consuming agricultural products. The 2025, Van Don Orange Festival is a notable example. Now in its third year, the festival aims to honour the orange-growing profession, promote the local brand and expand market access. Key activities include competitions linked to orange cultivation, such as “Rural Market” booth decoration competition, speed and technique orange-picking contests, creative orange basket arrangements, and the “Check-in – Creative Photography with Van Don Oranges” activity. Through these activities, visitors are encouraged not only to explore, but also to shop, enjoy and consume products directly at the locality.
Quang Ninh currently has 437 OCOP products rated three stars or higher. Many of these products are associated with specific localities to enhance brand recognition and are integrated into retail outlets, promotional activities and experiential tours. Notable products include Ban Sen oranges (Van Don), golden camellia tea (Ba Che), arrowroot vermicelli (Binh Lieu), custard apples (Dong Trieu), tea (Hai Ha), guava (Hoanh Bo)... These products help reinforce regional identity while expanding shopping and experiential opportunities for visitors.
By Le Nam
