The southernmost province of Ca Mau is calling for investment to exploit the tourism potential of Hon Khoai Island - a cluster of five islets in Ngoc Hien district which were listed among the 10 most beautiful islands in the country by the Vietnam Book of Records.

In addition, the province hopes to turn the island into a shelter for fishermen, capable of accommodating 2,000 vessels at a time.

According to Vice Secretary of the provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the People’s Council Bui Cong Buu, dozens of foreign and domestic investors have made their offer, which the provincial authorities are considering.

From 2016 to 2020, the province wants to build several key infrastructure projects such as a bridge connecting the island and the mainland at an estimated cost of 2 trillion VND (94 million USD), storm shelters for fishing boats with an investment of 1 trillion VND together with a system of roads. Hotels and facilities serving tourism will also be built, with the aim of turning the island into a major eco-tourism site in the province.

About 16km from the mainland and 400m above sea level, all the islets are covered by untouched primeval forests, which are home to many rare species of fauna and flora.

Ca Mau boasts many attractive eco-tourism sites but its tourism development is yet to match potential. Each year, it only serves 800,000 tourists for 300 billion VND (14.1 million USD).

The province sets a target of receiving at least two million holidaymakers every year from 2015, and earning an annual revenue of one trillion VND (47 million USD) from the sector.-VNA