Hanoi (VNA) - Phu Quy special zone in Lam Dong province has been identified as a future hub for marine and green tourism, anchored in a broader strategy to restructure its sea-based economy toward sustainability, while safeguarding maritime sovereignty and restoring marine ecosystems.
Under a resolution of the provincial Party Congress for the 2025–2030 term, the locality prioritises spatial planning of the marine economy, focusing on emerging sea-based industries linked with environmental protection and national defence. Located 56 nautical miles offshore, Phu Quy is a central pillar of this vision.
With its strategic location, the island is being developed into a high-quality marine tourism centre and a sustainable fisheries logistics hub. Authorities stressed that to truly polish this “rough gem” and let it shine, Phu Quy needs a detailed, well-structured, and methodical planning framework, along with special mechanisms strong enough to attract investors.
In recent years, Phu Quy has gained increasing attention for its pristine beauty. From the sovereignty flagpole, standing more than 45 metres above sea level, visitors gather at dawn to watch the sunrise over turquoise waters, white beaches, and rugged volcanic rock formations. Natural attractions such as Bai Nho–Ganh Hang, Mo Thay sea area, and Hon Tranh island offer striking landscapes, coral reefs, and opportunities for water sports.
The island’s appeal has been recognised internationally, ranking among Southeast Asia’s top must-visit destinations by Thai media, while Booking.com named it among Vietnam’s 10 most hospitable destinations in Vietnam in 2026.
Tourism services, once in their infancy, are now becoming more organised, with growing numbers of tour operators, dining services, and accommodation providers. Environmental awareness has also improved markedly among businesses and residents. Many facilities now adopt eco-friendly practices, from waste management to the use of sustainable materials, while actively promoting the island through digital platforms.
Ngo Minh Pho, Director of Roman Resort, said the firm’s pioneering adoption of green, clean practices has become a model for local residents to follow. He noted that local authorities have also stepped up public awareness campaigns on environmental protection, including limiting groundwater extraction and promoting electricity conservation.
According to local authorities, tourist arrivals have surged from over 40,000 in 2021 to around 155,000 in 2025, including nearly 4,000 international visitors. This rapid growth has driven an expansion in accommodation, from just nine establishments in 2019 to 69 today, offering more than 850 rooms.
Chairman of the People’s Committee of the Phu Quy special zone Le Hong Loi noted that the lack of detailed zoning plans remains the biggest barrier to attracting investors. Limited capacity among local firms also contributes to investor hesitation.
Adhering to the principle of not trading the environment for growth, the island aims to implement detailed zoning, prioritise infrastructure investment, and professionalise tourism services.
Proposals include innovative solutions such as linking construction density with green space requirements, investing in developing smart waste management systems that incentivize recycling through digital platforms.
According to Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Dinh Van Tuan, the special zone places strong emphasis on sub-zoning plans to attract projects that apply smart technologies, while diversifying tourism offerings from community-based experiences to high-end resorts.
Tuan said the local authorities will roll out incentive policies to develop Phu Quy into a high-quality tourism highlight in the country, integrated into a broader linkage between coastal and highland destinations, with the goal of increasing visitors’ length of stay and spending./.
