Quang Tri: Beach and island tourism – a new driving force for economic development

With the advantage of an extensive coastline, beautiful natural landscapes, and a rich history and culture, Quang Tri Provincein Vietnam’s central coastal region is experiencing significant transformations in the development of sea and island tourism, thereby fostering sustainable economic growth.

Quang Tri boasts more than 75 kilometers of coastline stretching across the districts of Vinh Linh, Gio Linh, Trieu Phong, and Hai Lang. This coastal stretch is home to a number of unspoiled beaches, including Cua Tung, Cua Viet, My Thuy, Trieu Lang, and Vinh Thai, all characterized by white sand and clear blue water. Among these, Con Co Island stands out as a gem in the East Sea, both for its natural beauty and historical significance during the resistance war against the United States.

A glimpse of Con Co Island. Photo: T.L

To attract resources and investment in tourism, the provincial government has introduced various preferential policies for investors involved in trade-service development and marine tourism projects.

Efforts have also been made to enhance infrastructure along the coast and expand public beach services, including swimming areas, resorts, and clusters of tourism services on the sea and islands.

Tourism promotion and advertising are playing an increasingly vital role in raising awareness of Quang Tri’s coastal and island tourism offerings. The province has been leveraging modern communication tools such as websites, social media platforms, and smart tourism applications to introduce the local image to a broader audience. At the same time, a number of cultural and tourism events have been organized to create unique experiences for visitors. These include the Festival for Peace, the Trans-Asia Bridge Festival, the National Unification Festival, and various culinary festivals.

The province has also hosted several tourism development forums, creating opportunities for businesses, authorities, and tourism stakeholders to share insights, build partnerships, and coordinate efforts to strengthen the tourism ecosystem. These events have resulted in numerous cooperation agreements that support the marketing and sustainable growth of the province’s tourism sector. Tourists increasingly express satisfaction with their experiences, including beach relaxation, seafood dining, and visits to historic and cultural landmarks.

During the Reunification Day and May Day holiday from April 30 to May 4, 2025, Quang Tri welcomed more than 155,000 visitors, an 11.5 percent increase compared to the same period last year, according to the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Of the total, over 134,000 visitors came to beaches, streams, waterfalls, and island destinations. The number of overnight guests was estimated at 11,550.

Accommodation facilities reported average room occupancy rates between 50 and 57 percent, with top destinations such as Cua Viet, Cua Tung, and Con Co Island achieving more than 96 percent occupancy. Tourism revenue for the holiday period was estimated at VND122 billion, or approximately US$4.68 million, marking a 12.4 percent year-on-year increase. These results underscore the growing appeal of coastal and island tourism in Quang Tri and its contribution to cultural preservation, economic diversification, and long-term sustainable development.

Despite this positive momentum, the province’s tourism sector still faces several challenges. Technical infrastructure and tourism services are not yet fully synchronized, and there remains a lack of high-end resorts and diverse entertainment options to retain tourists for longer stays. Tourism products are still relatively limited in variety and lack distinct features that reflect the province’s marine culture and ecological diversity. Sea and island tours remain seasonal and do not yet offer immersive, experiential travel.

The local tourism workforce is also limited in number and lacks essential service skills, particularly in foreign languages and hospitality. In some coastal communities, residents are still unfamiliar with basic tourism practices, leading to unsustainable business models. Marine tourism destinations are being developed in isolation, without strong linkages to form a unified and competitive tourism product chain. Promotional activities are fragmented and lack a coordinated and professional communication strategy, making it difficult for Quang Tri to establish a clear presence on domestic and international tourism maps.

To address these shortcomings and develop tourism in a more professional and sustainable way, the province needs to invest more comprehensively in infrastructure and diversify its tourism offerings. Integrating coastal tourism with historical, spiritual, and ecological experiences can help create more attractive and comprehensive tour packages. In addition, Quang Tri must adopt a more strategic approach to promotion and branding. This includes building a focused and long-term communication plan and partnering with leading domestic and international travel companies to attract more visitors.

Improving the quality of human resources in tourism is another priority. Training programs in customer service and foreign languages should be expanded to equip workers with the skills needed to serve a growing and diverse tourist base. At the same time, efforts must be made to raise public awareness about hygiene, environmental protection, and landscape preservation. Local authorities are also encouraged to collaborate with conservation organizations to protect coral reefs and marine biodiversity.

More aggressive use of digital tools, such as online tourism platforms, social media, dedicated websites, and immersive experience videos, will help strengthen the visibility of Quang Tri’s island tourism and enhance its appeal to tech-savvy travelers.

Recognizing the strategic value of beach and island tourism, Quang Tri is actively seeking investment, implementing digital transformation in tourism management, and engaging local communities in tourism activities. Residents are becoming increasingly involved in community-based tourism, creating new sources of livelihood while contributing to the sustainable management of natural resources.

Once a land divided by war, Quang Tri is now emerging as a peaceful, friendly, and experience-rich destination. The growth of beach and island tourism not only offers new economic opportunities but also affirms the province’s position as a land full of potential, where nature and people work together to shape a vibrant future.

Thanh Le - Jenna Duong