Nghe An tourism - a fertile ground for investors.

(Baonghean) - Emerging investment projects in Nghe An such as Muong Thanh Dien Lam, Nghia Dan sunflower fields, Bai Lu beach... show that Nghe An is awakening its tourism potential.

A view of the tea plantation island in Thanh An commune (Thanh Chuong district). Photo: Sach Nguyen.

Potential of the Western region

Nghe An has always been considered a locality with many advantages for tourism development, boasting a rich and diverse system of scenic spots and cultural and historical relics, with important highlights such as the Kim Lien historical site (Nam Dan), Vinh City, Cua Lo Town... and especially recently, the tourism potential of the Mekong Delta has been highlighted.

Western Nghe An offers a series of fascinating discoveries for tourists, such as Pu Mat National Park, located across three districts of Anh Son, Con Cuong, and Tuong Duong, covering an area of ​​91,113 hectares. It is the largest natural forest in Northern Vietnam and is part of a World Biosphere Reserve. Pu Mat features Giang River cruises, Lai Ferry Terminal, and Khe Kem Waterfall, which is currently seeking investment.

Cruising on the Giang River. Photo: Sy Minh

Mr. Vi Van Son, Chairman of the People's Committee of Con Cuong district, said: Con Cuong identifies tourism as a strength of the district and is calling for attracting large investors to renovate and invest in infrastructure for tourist destinations such as Khe Kem waterfall, Pha Lai dam, etc.

The Mekong Delta also boasts the Pu Hoat Nature Reserve, covering an area of ​​27,668 hectares. According to preliminary statistics, the reserve currently contains over 6,000 hectares of primary forest, 572 plant species, including 156 valuable medicinal plants, over 40 fruit tree species, over 300 timber tree species, 23 resin and oil-producing tree species such as agarwood, bời lời (a type of tree), cinnamon, and hundreds of other valuable medicinal plants, woven plants, and dozens of orchid families. The Pu Huong Nature Reserve covers an area of ​​49,860 hectares. Surveys have revealed 291 animal species, including 63 mammal species, 176 bird species, 35 reptile species, and 17 amphibian species; 45 of which are listed in the Vietnamese Red Book. Tham Om Cave in Chau Thuan commune (Quy Chau district) is a large cave with many diverse stalactite formations in various shapes.

Inside the cave, archaeologists have discovered various fossils and traces of ancient Vietnamese dwellings. This place attracts many tourists every year. Bua Cave in Chau Tien commune (Quy Chau district) is a scenic spot associated with many historical legends, customs, and cultural activities of the Thai ethnic community. In 1937, King Bao Dai chose this place to hold a beauty contest. Every year, the Bua Cave Festival is held with many activities that attract many tourists.

Effective projects

In recent times, with the desire to awaken the tourism potential and bring foreign currency, intellectual capital, and jobs to Nghe An, the province has taken effective steps such as organizing large-scale tourism conferences, attracting investment, planning tourism tours and routes, and connecting tourist destinations... Nghe An has attracted a number of large-scale and effective tourism projects. These include the Bai Lu resort (Nghi Yen, Nghi Loc), the Dien Thanh beach resort, the Muong Thanh - Dien Chau resort, and especially the upcoming opening of the multi-million dollar Vinpearl Cua Hoi resort by Vingroup.

All these projects hold great promise for transforming the localities where investors are placing their trust and making their presence felt. After Phase 1 of the Vinpearl Cua Hoi resort complex, which included luxury villas, swimming pools, and hotels, Phase 2 is planned to include the investment in a cable car to Ngu Island and further development of the island's tourism complex. Meanwhile, the Muong Thanh Dien Lam area is currently a very attractive destination for tourists nationwide because it houses the largest zoo in Southeast Asia.

In particular, over the past two years, Nghe An has successfully attracted the Muong Thanh Group to invest in 10 hotels ranging from 3 to 5 stars. These 10 accommodations are quite perfect, creating a positive impression and attracting the attention of tourists to Nghe An, the homeland of President Ho Chi Minh.

Ky Son town. Photo: Sach Nguyen

Enhance connectivity

The 2016 North-South Central Vietnam Tourism Workshop, sponsored by BIDV, opened up new directions for the "non-polluting industry" in Nghe An.

At the workshop, Mr. Tran Bac Ha - former Chairman of the Board of Directors of BIDV and the initiator of the workshop's idea - proposed several solutions for linking tourism development in the North and South Central regions during the 2016-2020 period, such as: Innovating thinking, awareness, and actions, linked to expanding the regional tourism space; promoting tourism development linkages between localities in the region; strengthening international tourism connections and connections with other regions in the country; focusing on linking investment in transportation infrastructure and human resource training;…

In reality, expanding tourism space and connectivity is essential because the trend of taking long-term tours and itineraries is growing, and the continuous need for experiences, exploration, relaxation, and pilgrimage is a major demand for many tourists. The Nghe An Department of Tourism has already advised the Provincial People's Committee on this matter.

Speaking about investment directions in the tourism sector, Mr. Le Ngoc Hoa - Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee and Director of the Investment Promotion and Support Center of Nghe An province - affirmed: In attracting investment in general, the province is striving to fill industrial parks such as VSIP and Hemaraj... to create favorable conditions for secondary investors. Nghe An is also promoting investment attraction in the Mekong Delta, MDF factories, and fruit and vegetable processing plants from investors from Europe such as the Netherlands and Poland... with a priority on high-tech agriculture.

Regarding tourism, on April 29th, several major projects such as Vingroup will be inaugurated, and investors will contribute to the completion of the coastal city of Cua Lo. In addition, the Kim Lien Tourist Area (Nam Dan), the Tea Island - Cau Cau Tourist Area (Thanh Chuong), and the Western Ecotourism Area are also being promoted to investors by Nghe An province. Nghe An is also seeking the central government's support in promoting tourism through major events held in the province.

Chau Lan