Con Co Island sets sights on unlocking its tourism potential

Con Co Island is tapping into its tourism potential to become a leading economic sector, leveraging its vibrant traditional culture, stunning landscapes, and diverse forest and marine ecosystems. By highlighting these unique features, the island aims to attract visitors and establish itself as a premier destination.

Tourists visit Con Co Island by electric car - Photo: H.T.

Nguyen Duc Binh, a resident of Ho Chi Minh City, and his friends recently embarked on a summer tour to Con Co Island. Over their 2-day, 1-night adventure, Binh delved into the island’s lush primeval forests, went diving to admire vibrant corals and fish, and enjoyed a range of engaging activities.

They visited the National Flagpole and paid respects to the heroic martyrs at the Memorial with flowers and incense. Their journey also took them to significant historical sites, including the Thai Van A Memorial, Ben Nghe, and Ben Tranh. From the lighthouse, Binh and his friends took in breathtaking views of Con Co Island and savored local seafood specialties, such as fresh oysters and snails.

“I’m truly impressed by the island’s historical and cultural relics, its natural beauty, and the warmth of the local people,” he said. “I look forward to returning soon and will definitely recommend Con Co Island to my friends and family.”

To boost Con Co Island’s tourism potential, local service businesses have been actively investing in infrastructure and enhancing service quality.

Hoang Thi Lan, owner of Tram Anh restaurant on the island, shared, “We’ve invested hundreds of millions of Vietnamese dong to upgrade our tourism facilities, aiming to provide a better experience for our visitors.”

Lan added that the restaurant has many delicious seafood to meet the needs of tourists and actively promoting the locality on social networks.

Since the government and the People’s Committee of Quang Tri province approved the opening of a tourist route to Con Co Island, there have been significant improvements in both infrastructure and tourism services. The island has seen the completion of essential tourism infrastructure, including attractions, accommodations, restaurants, and hotels, enhancing the overall visitor experience.

From 2017 to April 2024, Con Co Island has welcomed 38,419 visitors, generating a total revenue of VND 44.6 billion (approximately US$1.76 million). Development projects focusing on production, services, and tourism have not only created jobs but also boosted local incomes. Additionally, the island’s distinctive products, such as fish sauce, dried fish, Gynostemma pentaphyllum tea, and seaweed, are gaining increasing recognition.

Con Co Island currently offers seven accommodation facilities with a total of 73 rooms, capable of hosting up to 250 guests per trip. Transportation options include two tourist ships, each with a capacity of 80 passengers, and the Chin Nghia ship, which can accommodate 156 passengers. The island also features five restaurants with a combined capacity to serve 500 guests. Tourism support services are progressively expanding, including boat and fishing gear rentals, coral diving excursions, hammock and tent rentals, and various sports activities.

Vo Viet Cuong, Chairman of the Con Co Island People’s Committee, stated that to attract more tourists, the government has introduced a range of new tourism products, including coral viewing by glass-bottom boat, campfire activities, and cultural exchanges between visitors and local residents as well as soldiers stationed on the island.

The local government is also enhancing tourism infrastructure with attractions such as the Square Palm Cluster, Military Hospital Tunnel, and Traditional House. Additionally, they have partnered with the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, along with travel agencies, to organize conferences and promotional events aimed at attracting tour groups, fam trips, and pre-trip explorations.

The district has also stepped up state management of tourism, ensuring security and safety for tourists. Agencies have increased environmental inspections and encouraged tourists to use environmentally friendly materials.

From January to July, Con Co Island welcomed nearly 3,000 visitors, with tourism revenue estimated at over VND 3.7 billion (approximately US$148,000). This figure represents an increase compared to the same period in 2023.

To advance tourism development, the People’s Committee of Con Co District should enhance tourism management and improve services. Emphasis should also be placed on developing key tourism infrastructure, such as the island’s iconic artificial beaches.

Experts suggest that agencies need to optimize the use of existing tourism products while also creating new offerings. Additionally, prioritizing food hygiene and environmental protection will be crucial in fostering the growth of the tourism industry. These efforts will contribute to positioning Con Co as an attractive, safe, and friendly destination on Vietnam’s tourism map.

Ha Trang - Tung Lam