The Cha Lo International Border Gate. — Photo quangbinh.gov.vn

QUANG BINH (Biz Hub) — The central province of Quang Binh is seeking investments in 34 local tourism projects between 2015 and 2020, at a combined estimated cost of VND20 trillion (US$921.4 million).

The projects, including 12 prepared for Dong Hoi city, are intended to improve infrastructure in the province's tourism sector by 2020.

The projects focus on establishing urban residential areas and building centres for entertainment, restaurants and shopping, in order to meet increasing tourism demands. Several planned projects aim to preserve and develop the local ecosystem.

Highlights on the list are the 300-ha Da Nhay-Ba Trai Resort Complex in Bo Trach District, requiring VND1.5 trillion ($69.1 million) in investment capital, the 200-ha Hai Ninh Golf Course in Quang Ninh District, at a total cost of VND1 trillion ($46 million), and the 500-ha Bao Ninh-Hai Ninh Luxury Resort, with an estimated investment of VND2.5 trillion ($115.2 million).

Quang Binh has created various preferential policies to support investors.

Boasting a long coastline riddled with beaches, historic and spiritual sites and a UNESCO World Heritage Site the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park – Quang Binh has many opportunities to develop tourism into one of its economic pillars.

The Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, with its world-famous caves, is said to have the potential to become as popular as Ha Long Bay, if it receives adequate investment.

The province has created a number of tours, without overlapping, at cave systems around the province, as well as seaside eco-tourism and spiritual tours to Vung Chua-Dao Yen, General Vo Nguyen Giap's final resting place.

One of the province's weaknesses, however, is its lack of accommodations due to the limited number of hotels and guesthouses.

In 2014, Quang Binh welcomed 2.7 million visitors, up nearly 100 per cent from the previous year, with 60 per cent being international tourists, representing a 26 per cent increase. — VNS