Phu Quoc - Kien Giang: An International-standard Tourism Centre

11:03:40 AM | 27/12/2005

Saigontourist and partners have developed a tourist project of international standard in Phu Quoc - Kien Giang. Vietnam Business Forum interviews Mr Nguyen Huu Tho, Saigontourist Director General.
 
What are the prospects for tourism in the Mekong Delta region and Kien Giang in particular?
 
The Mekong Delta has an area of 40,000 sq. kilometres, the biggest rice granary of Vietnam and has great potential for tourism. Submerged fields and a network of rivers and canals, full of fish and shrimp, fruit and vegetables have created peaceful and unique scenes, a culture and civilisation of its own. It also has several historic relics marking the glorious past of the nation.
 
Rach Gia city on the West coast, seaside urban area under construction, Ha Tien romantic landscapes, cultural and historic relics, beautiful caves, famous Hon Dat and above all Phu Quoc island make the area a most attractive tourist destination.
 
Saigontourist has been the first to invest in Phu Quoc, how is the Saigon - Phu Quoc coming on?
 
Saigon - Phu Quoc tourist centre was established in 1997, a joint venture between Saigontourist and partners in Ho Chi Minh City and Kien Giang. The centre has now 90 rooms and services of four-star standard. It is not only efficient in business but also a driving force accelerating tourism in Phu Quoc and Kien Giang. Its infrastructure, port and landscapes have been upgraded, facilitating tourism and attracting investments for further development.
 
And what of investment projects in the coming years?
 
By decision of the Prime Minister, Phu Quoc will be developed into a high-class tourist centre, equivalent to those of other ASEAN countries. Saigontourist and partners will build a five-star tourist centre on an area of 200 hectares with modern facilities : hotel, restaurant, golf course, surface sports, and games. The project will attract more Vietnamese and foreign tourists to Phu Quoc.
 
How can Kien Giang attract more investments to develop tourism?
 
We have some plans as follows:
 
Evaluation of resources: Correct evaluation of potentials will help better planning, developing the strengths, combining with neighbouring areas, especially the culture of Khmer people, co-ordinating tourism with socio-economic development.
 
Investment planning: Based on local conditions, investment projects will be developed, in particular eco-tourism, cultural and historic tourism and sea resorts. There must be, of course, certain preferential treatment to attract investors.
 
Tourist products: Tourist programmes and tours must be developed linking Kien Giang with Ho Chi Minh City and other provinces.
 
Human resources: Training and re-training of the staff must be upgraded to meet the ever-increasing demand of tourism.
 
Tourist events and festivals: Each region must develop tourist events and festivals based on local culture and characteristics. They also need some assistance and support to ensure their successful implementation.
 
Promotion and marketing: Promotion programmes and marketing activities are needed to attract more local and foreign tourists.