Con Co, green pearl in the sea

Despite fierce devastation during the war, Quang Tri Province’s island district of Con Co has shown marvelous changes in recent times. As the youngest island district nationwide, Con Co is promoting green and sustainable tourism development.

A type of tree called Phong Ba that can be seen almost anywhere in the island was named for a kindergarten in Con Co District. Phong Ba trees can survive under severe weather conditions, symbolizing the courage of island residents.

According to Con Co District People’s Committee Vice Chairman Truong Khac Truong, the district is facing numerous difficulties despite its great potential for tourism development. Four decades have passed since the war ended in Con Co, and most relics in the island have become ruins. The district is preparing profiles for some tourist destinations to get them nationally recognized. “The district is conserving historical relics on the island. Apart from our traditional house on the island, we also have a number of historical objects in the mainland. We will hold an exhibition in the future to introduce these relics to visitors to Con Co Island,” Truong Khac Truong said.

Con Co Island has undergone many positive changes. The district has built and put into use a road surrounding the island, a dock for ships and boats to refuge during the stormy season, the headquarters of the district government and party, houses for residents on the island, a cultural house, kindergartens, communications facilities, search and rescue stations, and reservoirs to improve the ecological environment. Some other projects will be completed in the near future, including protective embankments, a fish port, and service facilities.

Since the beginning of this year, the Quang Tri Province People’s Committee has built a tour line from Cua Viet to Con Co to tap the island’s potential for tourism development. Con Co District People’s Committee Chairman Le Minh Tuan said ships will be arranged to take tourists to the island every week. Next year, the district will arrange ships to take 10-30 tourists to the island per day. Con Co district is calling for potential investors to build fleets on the island. At the same time, it is boosting investment in the construction of infrastructure and facilities catering for tourism development.

According to Le Minh Tuan, Con Co District is inviting investors to invest in restaurants, hotels, and entertainment facilities on the island. The provincial government has approved tourism development plans for Cua Tung and Cua Viet beaches. The province is promoting tourism along with protecting the ecological environment. “Along with developing tourism, Con Co is promoting its marine economy and implementing its national security tasks. Later this year Quang Tri Province will put into use an 80-seat high-speed vessel to facilitate tourist transportation and trade with mainland areas,” Le Minh Tuan said.

Con Co is in the planning process to develop community-based ecotourism, focusing on the conservation of its natural beauty. Adequate investment will turn this island into an attractive destination for domestic and foreign tourists.

Huong Sen / ven.vn