Tourism infrastructure: Identifying key areas for investment

(Baonghean) - The policy of developing tourism into a spearhead economic sector was directed by the Politburo by issuing Resolution No. 08-NQ/TW dated January 16, 2017. That has had a positive impact on promoting localities in the province to increase infrastructure investment for this sector. Along with the budget, the mobilization of social resources is focused.

People of Khe Ran village (Bong Khe - Con Cuong) clean up on the weekend to welcome tourists. Photo: Tuong Vi

Identifying tourism as a breakthrough, investment in tourism infrastructure has been promoted by localities in the province with solutions to integrate budget sources with attracting resources from businesses and business households. Besides the coastal city of Cua Lo, which has been "methodically" invested with the active participation of the State, businesses and business households, some localities have also prioritized tourism development.

Yen Thanh rice district has identified that in the period of 2016 - 2020, there will be 9 tourism projects formed with a total investment of 350 billion VND from enterprises combined with the budget, mainly from investment capital from enterprises. In particular, the Ve Vung Dam Eco-tourism Complex in Dong Thanh commune was remembered by Bac A Group to invest over 200 billion VND. 9 tourism projects in Yen Thanh district are connected in the direction of spiritual eco-tourism associated with 522 historical sites, pagodas, temples, Truc Lam Zen Monasteries, and attractive landscapes. Therefore, investment resources for infrastructure are decisive in the restoration, construction, and preservation of works, architecture, and accommodation areas... At the same time, the district advocates developing more homestay models with craft villages, farms, and sustainable family farms.

Dien Chau district is also emerging with a model of connecting coastal resort tourism with eco-tourism in the midland region. While in the coastal area, the system of hotels and motels is invested in and built by businesses and households in the communes of Dien Trung, Dien Thanh, Dien Hong, Dien Yen, Dien Hai... with 12 hotels, 49 motels, a total of over 1,200 rooms; more than 200 restaurants, in Dien Lam commune, Muong Thanh Safari tourist area is identified as the largest eco-tourism area in the Central region with an investment of over 2,500 billion VND (currently over 600 billion VND has been invested). Dien Chau also builds tours and routes connecting key tourist destinations such as Nam Dan, Thanh Chuong, Cua Lo or with natural eco-tourism in Con Cuong district and mountainous districts.

To make tourism a spearhead economic sector, Con Cuong district also identified key investment areas, combined with investment capital from domestic and foreign enterprises. The district's strengths can exploit tourism in the direction of serving tourists to explore beautiful, pristine natural landscapes such as Khe Kem waterfall, Khe Nuoc Moc, Pha Lai dam, Song Giang cruise or explore the primeval forest with rich flora and fauna of Pu Mat National Park. At the same time, bring tourists back to the village, experience life with ethnic minorities such as visiting brocade weaving villages, making rice wine, and enjoying culinary specialties with many local products.

Building a bridge to serve tourists in Pu Mat National Park. Photo: Ba Hau

Ms. Kha Thi Tim - Vice Chairman of Con Cuong District People's Committee added: To serve tourism development as well as attract investment in this field, the district has promoted upgrading and expanding traffic routes from the town to Mon Son - Pha Lai, Khe Kem waterfall, Yen Thanh brocade craft village. Currently, the district is opening a route from the center of Mon Son commune to Khe Khang, at the same time building branch roads from the main road to eco-tourism spots, historical relics, building 22 signs to eco-tourism spots, relics, scenic spots of the district and expanding telephone coverage to serve tourists. The district also invested in building changing rooms, mobile restrooms and equipping additional life-saving equipment at tourist spots...

Particularly at the community tourism site of Nua village, Yen Khe commune, JICA (Japan) invested in building a model of 3 toilets and bathrooms to serve tourists. In addition, mobilize people to preserve and restore the traditional stilt house space in Khe Ran village to serve tourists. Along with the budget, many businesses and households actively participated in building shops, purchasing motorboats to serve tourists, the boats have been inspected and numbered and the boat owners have a boat driving license.

Returning to nature is a trend that tourists want to experience. It is also an opportunity for the midland and mountainous districts of Nghe An to open up tourism potential, gradually improving income and living standards for the people. To promote tourism, in addition to raising awareness and tourism skills for the people, investing in transport infrastructure, accommodation facilities and services plays a decisive role. These areas require huge investment, while local and provincial budgets are limited and must be spread across many areas, so mobilizing capital from businesses is a decisive factor.

Tourists return to Thanh Chuong tea island. Photo courtesy

Investment models such as Muong Thanh Group in many localities, Vingroup (Cua Hoi), Bac A (Yen Thanh and some localities), Song Ngu Son (Cua Lo), Cienco 4 (Thanh Chuong tea island)... in building tourism infrastructure in localities of the province are positive directions.

Also due to the difficulty in budget and attracting resources, many districts such as Ky Son, Tuong Duong, Que Phong, Quy Chau... have identified the role of tourism economy but have not been able to invest in exploiting destinations. Through discussion, Mr. Nguyen Manh Cuong - Director of the Department of Tourism shared: "Nghe An's tourism potential is huge, but investment in infrastructure to connect destinations as well as resort and culinary services has not kept up with the needs of tourists. While many localities are "developing hotly" in tourism, it is necessary to identify key points to effectively integrate investment resources, thereby spreading widely...".

Nguyen Son