Cat Hai district's economy mainly relied on exploitation and aquaculture as well as artisanal merchandise in the past. Since then, the district’s economic structure has changed significantly as tourism services have gradually replaced fishery. The adjustment means that the rate of aquaculture has sunk low in the district’s economic distribution.

Tourism is currently identified as a crucial economic sector, bringing the highest budget revenue to the Cat Hai district. Tourism plays a leading role in the district's economy, occupying 78%. The locality has also made efforts to improve the quality of tourism services with civilization and profession to attract more and more tourists.

Tourism is a sustainable development direction and an area that the Cat Hai district has focused on investing in. By the end of August this year, Cat Ba tourism welcomed over 21 million visitors. Now that the Cat Ba archipelago is a World Natural Heritage recognized by UNESCO as an extended heritage area of Ha Long Bay, Cat Ba tourism is gaining new development opportunities.