A recently unveiled plan has established tourism as an importantindustry in the South Central Coast of Vietnam by 2020 and a spearheadsector of this region by 2030 which will help to assert the country’ssea and island sovereignty.

The region consists ofDa Nang city and the seven provinces of Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, BinhDinh, Phu Yen, Khanh Hoa, Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan.

Under the plan, issued by the Vietnam National Administration ofTourism, the South Central Coast will attract about 14 million visitors,including 4.5 million foreigners, by 2020. The figures are expected toreach 25 million and 7.5 million by 2030.

TheInstitute for Tourism Development Research said to fully tap into localadvantages, the regional localities need to develop marine, cultural andecological tourism simultaneously. It added that Da Nang, Nha Trang (ofKhanh Hoa province) and Phan Thiet (of Binh Thuan) should be developedinto modern tourism cities.

To realise the plan, thelocalities should accelerate traffic infrastructure upgrades,especially on inter-provincial roads and tourism ports in Da Nang, NhaTrang and Binh Dinh’s Quy Nhon city.

Whileinternational airports like Da Nang and Cam Ranh need to be expanded,more air routes should be opened to connect the region with otherlocalities nationwide as well as global destinations, the institutesaid.

It also suggested the South Central Coastoffer more tours to faraway islands, support traditional craftactivities, and develop specific products for each village to make theregion more appealing to holiday makers.

The SouthCentral Coast boasts prominent advantages in marine tourism,biodiversity and culture. It was home to the ancient Champacivilization, and the world cultural heritage site of My Son Sanctuaryhighlights this rich history. In the past, the region was also anintersection of the Dong Son civilisation to the north and the Sa Huynhcivilisation to the south of Vietnam.-VNA