Con Dao holds a strategically significant position in both economic and geopolitical terms. With its unique geographic location, rich natural resources, historical heritage, and distinctive local culture, Con Dao possesses all the essential elements to advance socio-economic development and strengthen regional and international integration.
The archipelago is home to extraordinary biodiversity and pristine ecosystems. In 2014, UNESCO recognized Con Dao National Park as a Ramsar Site of international importance, and in 2015, the entire Con Dao prison system was designated a Special National Historical Site. Also in 2015, the Prime Minister approved the Master Plan for Developing Con Dao National Tourism Area to 2030, and in 2017, the provincial government established the Management Board of Con Dao National Tourism Area. These milestones create a solid foundation for Con Dao to become a world-class island ecological, cultural, historical, and spiritual tourism destination by 2030.
In recent years, with strong investment from the central and provincial governments, and thanks to coordinated efforts across departments, Con Dao has achieved remarkable progress in socio-economic development—particularly in the tourism and service sectors. To meet future development demands and position Con Dao as a premium tourism–service economy, the district government proposes the following key solutions for developing high-quality, green, and sustainable tourism:
Accelerating the Implementation of the Master Plan for Con Dao National Tourism Area
The district has actively publicized approved planning documents, especially the Master Plan for Con Dao National Tourism Area to 2030 (Decision 870/QĐ-TTg), the National Park Plan, Ramsar Site Plan, forest-environment leasing plans for eco-tourism development, and other related planning documents to attract investment.
The establishment of the Management Board of Con Dao National Tourism Area under Decision 1418/QĐ-UBND has strengthened tourism management and enforcement across the island.
Con Dao is implementing Resolution 05-NQ/HU (2017–2030), which identifies tourism as the district’s spearhead economic sector. All other economic activities must support sustainable tourism development. Annual plans are issued to deploy tourism programs aligned with national and provincial strategies.
Promoting Ecotourism Development in Harmony with Natural Conservation
Con Dao has 7,600 hectares of land, of which nearly 6,000 hectares are forest areas managed by Con Dao National Park, alongside 14,000 hectares of marine protected waters. Con Dao’s ecosystems are exceptionally rich, making it ideal for world-class ecotourism.
Tourism development must follow the principles of sustainable exploitation, environmental protection, and heritage conservation—especially forest and marine ecosystems, national historical sites, and pristine landscapes.
Key priorities include:
- High-end eco-resorts and wellness retreats
- Nature observation, wildlife watching, trekking, camping
- Mountain hiking, coral snorkeling and diving
- Marine sports and eco-research tours
- Low-impact marine ecotourism: turtle nesting tours, releasing baby turtles, etc.
The district will work with the National Park to accelerate legal procedures for forest-environment leasing in 19 designated eco-tourism zones, paving the way for private investment in sustainable tourism. Upcoming projects include eco-resort developments, new patrol–ecotourism trails (Co Ong – Nui Nha Ban – Nui Chua), upgrades to existing trails, and new boat piers on small islands such as Hon Cau, Hon Bay Canh, and Hon Tre Lon.
Expanding Tourism Products and Tour Routes
Con Dao currently offers 17 official tour routes, including historical tours, scenic tours, island–marine ecotours, and combined heritage–landscape itineraries.
To strengthen product diversity, the district will:
- Promote Con Dao at major international tourism fairs
- Cooperate with domestic and international tour operators
- Produce documentaries and promotional content for global media
- Develop high-end resort tourism, luxury services, MICE tourism, spiritual tourism, and community-based tourism
- Encourage bicycle and electric-vehicle sightseeing
- Restore the French Quarter in Con Son town to create a unique cultural highlight
Given its pristine beaches and ideal marine conditions, Con Dao will also support the development of water sports such as kitesurfing, windsurfing, paddling, parasailing, beach volleyball, and annual boat racing events.
The district also aims to upgrade two major spiritual festivals—the Commemoration of Lady Phi Yen and the Festival of Heroine Vo Thi Sau—into provincial-level events to enhance cultural tourism appeal.
Strengthening Tourism Promotion on Global Media Platforms
Con Dao has previously launched promotional campaigns in major international markets such as Japan and the United Kingdom. Moving forward, the district will:
- Target high-spending international markets (Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, Europe, North America)
- Collaborate with global partners to promote Con Dao on top-tier international media channels
- Participate in leading international tourism fairs
- Produce promotional videos, travel stories, and magazine features (e.g., Heritage Magazine, airline publications)
- Strengthen digital marketing through social media, global travel sites, and international TV networks
Upgrading Infrastructure and Essential Services for Tourism
The district is reviewing and upgrading essential infrastructure to improve access to key tourism areas:
- Roads to historical sites and beaches
- Roads to Hang Duong Cemetery, Ma Thien Lanh, Co Ong – Ben Dam
Coastal boulevards and central town infrastructure
The district is also coordinating with the Ministry of Transport to accelerate the expansion of Con Dao Airport, enhance flight connectivity, and attract new airlines. Major environmental projects—wastewater treatment, solid waste management, and water supply systems—are being prioritized.
Upgrades to Ben Dam Port and the passenger terminal will improve sea connectivity and cruise ship reception. Additional proposals include connecting the national power grid from Soc Trang to Con Dao and expanding renewable energy projects.
The district welcomes all investors in accommodation, F&B, entertainment, and service sectors to meet rising tourism demand.
Developing High-Quality Human Resources for a Premium Tourism Destination
Key initiatives include:
- Training government staff in tourism management and foreign languages
- Enhancing service quality at all tourism businesses
- Promoting tourism etiquette and professional hospitality standards
- Collaborating with tourism schools and international institutions for workforce development
- Encouraging vocational training for local youth
- Regularly inspecting compliance with labor standards and professional requirements
Conclusion
With strong leadership from the provincial government, cooperation among departments, and the determination of the Con Dao community, the district is committed to building a high-quality, green, and sustainable tourism destination. These solutions will help Con Dao realize its vision of becoming a world-class island eco-tourism, cultural–historical, and spiritual destination by 2030.
People’s Committee of Con Dao District
