The central coastal province of Quang Nam is looking to encourage a tourism boom by improving service quality and expanding connectivity between tourist destinations on the mainland, sea and islands.

Quang Nam is home to three famous attractions - the World Cultural Heritage Sites of Hoi An Ancient Town and My Son Sanctuary, and the World Biosphere Reserve surrounding the Cham Islands.

Hoi An, recognised by UNESCO as a heritage site in 1999, is an old trading port that dates back to the 15th century. Its architecture and layout reflect the indigenous and foreign influences that melted together to produce the unique character of the town.

My Son Sanctuary is a cluster of abandoned and partially ruined Cham temples. Constructed between the 4th and the 13th century AD, it used to be the religious and political capital of the Champa Kingdom.

Meanwhile, the Cham Islands (Cu Lao Cham) constitute a group of eight islets, which form part of the Cu Lao Cham Marine Park, a World Biosphere Reserve also recognised by UNESCO. The islands are well-known for their rich marine ecosystems with more than 300 species of coral, as well as beautiful sand beaches and forested hills.

However, the advantages and potential of these tourist attractions have yet to be fully tapped, especially those of the Cham Islands.

According to Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Dinh Hai, the province is carrying out appropriate investment policies, actively coordinating with the business community, and focusing on domestic tourists to improve the situation.

Quang Nam has also pledged favourable conditions for enterprises and localities to diversify tourist products and improve their quality at the famous destinations.

With the support from Mangroves for the Future (MFF), the Cu Lao Cham Marine Conservation Centre has coordinated with local residents to implement a project restoring coral reefs around the Cham Islands to attract more tourists, especially those fond of diving.

A number of new tourist products have also been introduced, including tours to traditional trade villages of fishermen.

Last year, the central coastal province welcomed 1.7 million tourists.-VNA