Central coastal Binh Thuan steps up for tourism

10:08' 08/06/2007 (GMT+7)

Photo: unep.org VietNamNet Bridge - The central coastal province of Binh Thuan is looking to stamp itself as a tourism Mecca on the back of the breathtaking natural beauty of the area. Provincial authorities are touting the new strategy as a cornerstone of economic development in a region where sun, sand and surf have attracted more than 60 resorts to its coconut palm lined coastline. Coco Beach Resort was the first to be built in 1994. Since then beach hotels in the area have mushroomed to the point that nearly 70 percent of the country's seaside resorts are now found in Binh Thuan. It is not all sun and sea that has tourists flocking enmasse to the province however. Eco-tourism has also witnessed massive growth over the last decade. Tours to hot springs, forests, adventure tourism and the exploration of Binh Thuan's diverse culture that is home to over 30 ethnic minority groups have all been in high demand. Director of the provincial tourism sector, Ngo Minh Chinh, reported that local and foreign businesses have invested nearly 11 trillion VND (687.5 million USD) into the hospitality sector, which has been driving the industry's average revenues up by 31 percent a year. Keen to cash in on the promise of more, provincial authorities have pledged to build recreation centres, super markets, restaurants and entertainment complexes at the provincial centre to provide visitors with a greater array of products and services from which to choose from. In 2006, the province welcomed close to 1.6 million holidaymakers, including 150,000 foreigners. In the first quarter of this year alone, the provincial tourism sector received 500,000 tourists out of whom, 67,000 were foreign visitors. (Source: VNA)