Ly Son Island, off the coast of central Quang Ngai Province, is favourite tourism site in Viet Nam. The Muong Thanh Group plans to build the first four-star hotel in the Island as part of tourism development. — VNS Photo Cong Thanh

QUANG NGAI (Biz Hub) — The Muong Thanh Hotel Group will build a four-star hotel on Ly Son Island, 30km off the coast of the central province, as part of its 2020 tourism development plan.

The group's Deputy General Director Le Dinh Dong said that the VND200-billion (US$9.5 million) project is scheduled to start this year.

The seven-storey four-star hotel will have 150 rooms to accommodate tourists.

"It is part of our strategy to boost tourism on the island, as guest houses and home-stay services cannot provide enough good accommodation for 3,000 visitors in the high season," Dong said.

"The group conducted a survey last year and all preparations for investment projects have been revved up," he added.

Ly Son Island. — VNS Photo Cong Thanh

The group manages a chain of 30 hotels in Viet Nam.

The island's hospitality service, with 18 hotels, guest houses and home-stays, can provide accommodation to only 1,000 tourists at present.

Last year, the central province listed 16 priority projects for the island district's socio-economic development, with a total investment capital of VND2.3 trillion (US$110 million).

The island, which is connected with Quang Ngai Province's Sa Ky Port by high-speed boats, is often overcrowded with tourists during summer holidays.

Ly Son Island, a tranquil destination 30km off the province's coast, is home to about 21,000 residents. Most make a living from fishing and by cultivating garlic and spring onions.

The Da Nang-based Tien Sa taxi firm was the first public transport agency on the island. — VNS