Focus on ecotourism projects.

(Baonghean) - In order to exploit tourism potential and attract more investment projects in this field to create attractive destinations, thereby linking the development of tourism products (tangible and intangible), in the period 2011 - 2015, our province is calling for and attracting investors to concentrated resort tourism projects in mountainous and suburban districts.

According to a survey conducted between 2008 and 2010, Nghe An province had 64 investment projects in the tourism sector, including 11 cultural tourism-related projects, 13 other tourism-related projects, and 40 tourism-related projects. Currently, 11 projects have been completed and are operational with a total investment of over 1,500 billion VND; 2 projects have completed phase 1 and are in phase 2 with a total investment of 1,770 billion VND; 19 projects are underway with a total investment of nearly 4,000 billion VND. In addition, there are 7 projects about to be launched with a total capital of nearly 3,000 billion VND and 25 projects are seeking investment in the next phase with an investment of approximately over 8,000 billion VND.

Overall, there have been quite a few investment projects recently, but large-scale projects are still few (currently, only 4 projects are of high quality and effective: Bai Lu Resort, Sen Vang Resort, the 18-hole golf course complex, and the Central Park). Investors have mainly focused on coastal tourism projects and central city locations (Vinh City, Cua Lo Town). Some projects involve investors independently researching and selecting locations. Currently, projects that have been and are about to be implemented are mainly related to culture and transportation, and the investors are mostly state-owned agencies in various fields. There are many projects in the districts within the province's planning and development area, described in detail to attract investors, but currently few investors are interested, such as the Pha Lai Ecotourism Area Project, Khe Kem Waterfall, Trang Den Lake, Xao Va Waterfall, Quyet Mountain Forest Park… These are ecotourism projects associated with protecting the natural environment, scattered and mainly concentrated in the western districts such as Quy Chau, Que Phong, Con Cuong… How to attract investors to these projects is a matter of great concern for the relevant sectors.

Xao Va Waterfall (Que Phong). Photo: Tran Ngoc Lan

One of the key tourism investment projects in Nghe An province is the Bai Lu Eco-tourism Area, located within the southeastern coastal arc of Lach Van – Cua Hien – Cua Xa. Spanning nearly 160 hectares, it encompasses sea, forest, and mountains, and is divided into two phases. Phase 1 (2005-2008) completed a high-end coastal resort; Phase 2 (2008-2015) involved the construction of a 5-star hotel, helipad, golf course, cultural and sports complex, and other entertainment services. Currently, although Phase 2 is still under completion, Bai Lu Resort has already become a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists seeking a meeting place, social gathering spot, and vacation retreat.

When asked why Bai Lu Investment and Business Joint Stock Company chose this location to invest in and build the marine ecological tourism project, Ms. Tran Thi Phu, General Director of Bai Lu Investment and Business Joint Stock Company, said: "Before investing in Bai Lu - Nghi Loc, we thoroughly researched the advantages for developing marine tourism here. After the survey, with the agreement of the Provincial People's Committee, the company was greatly facilitated in completing the necessary procedures in the shortest time. Our desire to create a civilized and modern tourist and resort area, one of the best in the region, offering luxurious tourism products and services to serve domestic and international tourists, has become a reality. Most tourists who come here experience something new and different from many other beaches in the country. However, we are currently facing some difficulties in implementing the next phases of the project."

Ngư Island Pagoda. Photo: Công Sáng

As one of the localities with great potential for coastal tourism and a diverse range of destinations, Cua Lo Town has implemented many open policies and initiatives in recent years to attract investment projects, aiming to accelerate the socio-economic development of the town. Alongside attracting investment, the town also focuses on selecting capable investors, avoiding projects that operate inefficiently or deviate from approved plans. Currently, Cua Lo Town is attracting 7 large projects with an investment capital of nearly 3,000 billion VND. Notable examples include the two Resoft tourist areas: the Resoft tourist area located in Cua Hoi with an area of ​​34 hectares and a total investment of 1,236 billion VND, and the Northern Lan Chau Peninsula tourist area covering 17 hectares with a total investment of 588 billion VND.

In addition, Cua Lo town is also focusing on investment projects in infrastructure construction such as: Construction of urban areas and high-end villas in Nghi Thu and Nghi Thuy wards covering 17 hectares with a total investment of 400 billion VND; a residential apartment complex in Nghi Hoa ward covering 3.1 hectares with a total investment of 385 billion VND; a hotel and restaurant complex project covering 0.6 hectares in Cua Hoi with a total investment of 197 billion VND; an eco-tourism area in Cua Hoi covering 2 hectares with a total investment of 75 billion VND; and an expansion project of the container port in Nghi Thuy ward covering 1 hectare with a total investment of 12 billion VND.

Mr. Doan Tien Dung, Chairman of the People's Committee of Cua Lo Town, said: Alongside projects funded by private investors, the town is also actively promoting and attracting investors to key projects such as the Ngu Island project covering 49 hectares and the construction of clean industrial production plants in Nghi Thu, covering 4 hectares. In the early days of the new year of the Horse 2014, the Party Committee, government, and people of Cua Lo Town have another reason for joy as the Provincial People's Committee recently issued Decision No. 2602 allowing Song Ngu Son Joint Stock Company to survey and plan the implementation of the Lan Chau – Song Ngu ecological tourism complex, villas, resorts, and sports and entertainment area project. The total investment capital for this project amounts to 1,900 billion VND. Because this is a large-scale project, Song Ngu Son Company hired European experts for the survey and design work, which has now been completed. Among the project's notable components is the cable car system connecting the mainland to Ngư Island. This project will allow tourists to visit the island more quickly and safely.

Speaking with us, Mr. Tran Quoc Lam – Chairman of the Board of Directors of Song Ngu Son Joint Stock Company – said: “With its beautiful beaches, abundant local products, and prime location, Cua Lo Town is situated in the heart of the country's coastal tourist destinations, attracting tourists from both the North and the South. Furthermore, being a landmark in President Ho Chi Minh's hometown, we decided to invest in a project in Cua Lo Town. Once the project is approved, we will immediately proceed with renovating Song Ngu Pagoda with a system of restaurants and services to serve tourists during the summer of 2014.” The completed Lan Chau – Song Ngu ecological tourism complex, including villas, resorts, and sports and entertainment areas, will not only unlock the potential and strengths of coastal and island tourism but also create a highlight for Cua Lo Town in particular and Nghe An tourism in general.

It can be affirmed that, thanks to attracting investment, the urban landscape of our province has changed significantly in recent years, the cultural and tourism space has expanded, and people have enjoyed the cultural and spiritual values ​​brought about by these projects. Importantly, these projects have led to an increasing number of tourists visiting our province. In particular, projects related to culture, society, sports, and commerce connected to tourism have been and are being invested in, renovated, and enhanced with significant value, focusing mainly on cultural and spiritual tourism – a very effective development direction. However, currently, investment projects in tourism in the province are mainly focused on building hotels such as Saigon – Kim Lien, Muong Thanh – Song Lam, Phuong Dong, Muong Thanh – Dien Chau, Bai Lu Resort…

Mr. Nguyen Xuan Duong – Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee – affirmed: To create favorable conditions for investors, the province is thoroughly reforming administrative procedures and working together to remove difficulties for investors. In order to exploit the potential of coastal tourism, resort tourism, and ecotourism, one of Nghe An's strengths, from now until 2015 the province is calling for investment focusing on key ecotourism projects such as the Pha Lai – Con Cuong ecotourism resort project; Trang Den Lake – Nam Dan; Khe Kem Waterfall; Mui Rong – Nghi Thiet; Quyet Mountain forest park – Ben Thuy; Giang Son – Do Luong hot mineral water; Xao Va Waterfall; and the African rare animal conservation and ecotourism area. The Pù Mát National Park ecotourism area, the Vietnamese Ethnic Culture Tourism Village, the Historical and Cultural Ecotourism Village… If successful, these projects will be highlights creating new, attractive, and unique tourism products for Nghe An and the entire Central region, meeting the needs of domestic and international tourists for beach bathing, sightseeing, relaxation, culture - festivals, and spirituality.

Thanh Thuy