According to Do Huy Thong, Vice Chairman of the Co To District People's Committee, the successful implementation of the project requires that agencies and organisations focus on researching and proposing investments in technical infrastructure, establishing management and operational systems, and providing support and guidance for businesses and individuals in the tourism industry. Key tasks include assessing current routes and ports, organising passenger transport, regulating tourism activities, and managing tour operations. The project also aims to develop and connect island tours with other attractions within the district to enhance tourism offerings.
Previously, island tours were operated in a spontaneous manner, revealing various limitations. The absence of proper planning and professional management resulted in small-scale and fragmented operations. Infrastructure investment remained inadequate, with no formal ports, designated routes, nor fully developed safety, medical, and security systems. Additionally, tourism services were underdeveloped, service quality was inconsistent, and a lack of professionalism hindered collaboration among businesses and cooperatives, affecting sustainable tourism growth in the region.
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Co To’s marine environment is clean and rich in rare marine species |
Furthermore, ensuring waterway traffic safety, public security, and emergency response presents a significant challenge. Creating distinctive tourism products to compete with other travel experiences is another critical issue. As an island district, Co To also faces environmental concerns such as marine waste management and pollution control, requiring strict oversight to protect the marine ecosystem from human impact.
To foster sustainable tourism, enhance the Co To tourism brand, attract investment in tourism infrastructure, and improve service quality, the district has introduced a structured plan for island tour development. This initiative provides a legal framework for managing and operating island tours in a controlled, safe, and high-quality manner, ensuring sustainable growth.
As part of the project, pilot tour routes will be established, featuring islands with strong tourism potential, including:
Route 1: Co To Port - Hon Ca Chep - Hon Su Tu - Co To Con
Route 2: Co To Port - Hon Ca Chep - Hon Su Tu - Co To Con - Thanh Lan
Route 3: Area 1 Port - Hon Ca Chep - Hon Su Tu - Co To Con
Route 4: Area 1 Port - Dong Nam Island - Hon Ca Chep - Hon Su Tu
Route 5: Thanh Lan Port - Hon Ca Chep - Hon Su Tu - Co To Con
Route 6: Co To Port - Hon Ca Chep - Co To Con - Tran Island
In the initial phase, Route 6 (Co To Port - Hon Ca Chep - Co To Con - Tran Island) will be piloted, integrating spiritual and sovereignty-themed experiences to enrich visitor engagement.
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The number of tourists visiting Co To for sightseeing and experiences is increasing significantly |
Do Huy Thong, Vice Chairman of Co To District People’s Committee, emphasised that the island tour development project will help promote Co To’s cultural, natural, and human values while building a sustainable tourism image. Properly organised, this initiative will expand the economic ecosystem, stimulating growth in transportation, accommodation, dining, seafood, retail, and telecommunications. At the same time, it will raise awareness among both locals and visitors about environmental conservation and marine resource protection.
Currently, assessments show that the infrastructure of Co To Lon Port and Co To - Thanh Lan Port meet the requirements for operational licensing. To optimise port efficiency, the district plans to establish self-managed teams responsible for managing, operating, and ensuring safe tourism activities for visitors and transport services.
Recognising the potential safety risks associated with expanding island tourism, Co To is prioritising waterway traffic safety, fire prevention, and strict regulation of transport operations. Businesses must fully comply with legal safety regulations to ensure an absolute level of safety for tourists.
The investment, management, and operation of island tours is a crucial initiative that requires a strategic, focused approach. Establishing a distinctive, branded tourism product for Co To will help promote the district’s image domestically and internationally. Ultimately, developing island ecotourism will elevate Co To’s status as a premier coastal tourism destination, driving long-term sustainable growth and strengthening its role as a key island district of Vietnam.
