Dozens of floats adorned with shimmering, colorful lights from the Carnival of Lights parade on Friday evening drew thousands of enthusiasts as part of the Nha Trang Sea Tourism Festival 2024 held in Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province, south-central Vietnam.

The motorcade traversed Nha Trang City’s central roads, converging at April 2 Square where lively dancers and DJs engaged with the audience, transforming the square into a dazzling stage.

The energetic music and captivating dancers in elaborate costumes, characteristic of street carnivals, infused Nha Trang with a vibrant and celebratory ambiance.

Entertainers parade on the street during the Carnival of Lights as part of the Nha Trang Sea Tourism Festival 2024 held in Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province, south-central Vietnam, June 14, 2024. Photo: Tran Hoai / Tuoi Tre

The Nha Trang Sea Tourism Festival 2024, themed ‘Nha Trang Bay - Sparkling Pearl,’ commenced in the south-central coastal city on Thursday evening. 

This event, the second of its kind, aims to celebrate the beauty of Nha Trang Bay, showcasing its potential and strengths to attract more tourists, domestic and international investors, thereby contributing to the socio-economic development of the region.

Colorful floats parade on the street during the Carnival of Lights as part of the Nha Trang Sea Tourism Festival 2024 held in Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province, south-central Vietnam, June 14, 2024. Photo: Tran Hoai / Tuoi Tre

The four-day extravaganza includes highlights such as a 200-pavilion fair exhibiting tourism products and local cuisine. 

Organizers anticipate this year’s festival will attract between 350,000 to 400,000 visitors.

Colorful floats parade on the street during the Carnival of Lights as part of the Nha Trang Sea Tourism Festival 2024 held in Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province, south-central Vietnam, June 14, 2024. Photo: Tran Hoai / Tuoi Tre

At the opening ceremony, Nguyen Trung Khanh, director of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, emphasized the pivotal role of tourism as a vital economic sector fostering cooperation, cultural exchange, and international integration. 

He highlighted Vietnam’s remarkable progress in tourism, positioning it prominently on the global tourism map and earning recognition through prestigious international awards.

Colorful floats parade on the street during the Carnival of Lights as part of the Nha Trang Sea Tourism Festival 2024 held in Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province, south-central Vietnam, June 14, 2024. Photo: Tran Hoai / Tuoi Tre

In the first five months of this year, the Southeast Asian country welcomed approximately 7.6 million international visitors and hosted 52.5 million domestic tourists, generating an estimated revenue of VND352 trillion (US$13.83 billion).

Of numerous Vietnamese destinations, Nha Trang is emerging as a favored coastal destination for both domestic and international travelers, serving as a gateway to the south-central coast and central highlands regions. 

Colorful floats parade on the street during the Carnival of Lights as part of the Nha Trang Sea Tourism Festival 2024 held in Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province, south-central Vietnam, June 14, 2024. Photo: Tran Hoai / Tuoi Tre

It is also increasingly recognized for hosting international events.

Dinh Van Thieu, deputy chairman of the People’s Committee of Khanh Hoa Province, emphasized in his opening remarks that the festival, featuring a rich tapestry of cultural and sports activities, underscores the provincial administration’s commitment to preserving and promoting the local cultural heritage.

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