Coastal tourism-resort be developed in Binh Thuan Province

2:22:43 PM | 11/5/2007

Resort tourism is increasingly the new choice for tourists in Binh Thuan, with 192 km of coastline, Phu Quy island and islets, diversified beaches and bays, beautiful landscapes safe from storms and industrial pollution, and away from populated areas and communication networks. Investors are focusing on the development of coastal resorts to attract local and foreign tourists.
 
Tourism centres expanded
During the past 10 years, Binh Thuan has discovered great potential for tourism development and made every effort to attract investment in tourist centres. As a result, Binh Thuan now ranks 10th  among tourist centres nation-wide, an attractive destination for eco-tourism and coastal resort with Ham Tien – Mui Ne, Ke Ga – Ham Thuan, Takou, Chua Hang – Co Thach Tu.
 
Tourism has become the highest growth economic sector in the province. In 1996, Phan Thiet had only small hotels for some 10,000 tourists. In 2006, it has 392 tourism projects, 93 of them have been completed and are operating. By the end of 2006, the province has 125 small hotels with 4,240 rooms, 69 have been classified with 2,786 rooms, 6 as four-star hotels with 576 rooms, 9 as three-star hotels with 603 rooms, 25 two-star hotels with 1,059 rooms and 16 one-star hotels with 386 rooms. The province has 36 travel agents concentrating mainly in Ham Tien – Mui Ne area.
 
In 2006, Binh Thuan received 1,554,000 tourists, 24.32 per cent more than 2005, including 150,000 foreign tourists from Germany, US, France, South Korea, Australia, Russia, UK, Netherlands, Japan, etc.
 
The success is partly due to preferential treatment offered by local authorities to investors. In fact, the province has given high priority to developing infrastructure and re-adjusted planning in compliance with the master plan developing tourism to 2010 and vision to 2020. The province has upgraded Phan Thiet- Mui Ne tourist centre, expanded other areas and services with high-class spa, sport and recreation centres, complete with supporting facilities and services.
 
Though Binh Thuan tourism has recorded remarkable achievements in recent years, infrastructure remains inadequate for development. The tourists cannot stay longer due to the lack of better recreation centres, parks and creative landscapes. Some businesses fail to upgrade services and improve the environment.
 
Solution for sustainable development
The coastal area is most favourable for developing tourism-resorts, health spas and medical treatment, especially the most pristine areas.
 
However, such development must ensure environmental protection, including the coastline and waste treatment. The building of tourist seaports for cruise ships and airfields for aviation sports, helicopters and small planes must take into consideration sustainable development and ensure the special image of Binh Thuan tourism.
Dong Phuong