Con Dao unveils ambitious heritage tourism plan

Con Dao will become an international heritage tourism center within the next two decades. This ambitious target has been set as part of the Con Dao tourism development masterplan until 2020 with a vision to 2030 approved by the Ba Ria-Vung Tau People's Committee.
According to the plan, the floating part and surrounding waters of Con Dao Island will be invested in and divided into four major parts, including Con Son, Ben Dam, Co Ong and urban zones in surrounding islands. Con Son Town will act as the tourism and heritage, administrative, cultural, education and training and healthcare center.
Provincial leaders believe that Con Dao has great potential to develop heritage tourism. The master plan will act as the basis for the local authority to make plans on improving historical sites, organizing eco and cultural tours on Con Dao and surrounding areas, creating a healthy cultural environment, while effectively exploiting cultural and historical heritage sites on Con Dao.
Con Dao's infrastructure is currently being improved, including the road system, electricity and water supplies, schools, healthcare and economic centers. The road connecting the island with the mainland has been upgraded. Two ships can transport hundreds of tourists from the mainland to the island. In terms of air routes, Co Ong Airport has been improved, providing 4-5 flights from Con Dao to Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi daily, shortening the time traveling from the mainland to the island.
A number of five star hotels have already opened on the islands. Many luxurious resorts and hotels are under construction. The Six Senses Resort and Spa hosted Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie during their stay in 2011.
Tourists have been satisfied with the services provided on Con Dao Island. The strong development of infrastructure has proceeded without harming historical sites which have been transformed into attractive tourism products, with sites including Ma Thien Lanh Bridge, which was constructed though rough mountainous terrain by Vietnamese prisoners under orders by the French colonial administration, Hang Duong cemetery, Vo Thi Sau's grave and Phu Hai Prison.
The islands peaceful old houses hidden among trees adds to the island's unique heritage appeal. In addition, Con Dao National Park covers 6,000ha on land and more than 14,000ha in water with more than 2,700 types of fauna and flora, including 100 species that are extraordinarily rare, providing another unique tourist attraction.
Those tourist sites have attracted a large number of visitors. In 2001 alone, Con Dao welcomed nearly 60,000 tourists, up 80 percent compared to 2010. According to the master plan, the island will welcome 150,000 tourists per year, 50,000 of which come from abroad. It is estimated that Con Dao will welcome 250,000-300,000 tourists annually with international tourists accounting for 15-20 percent.
To realize this target, Con Dao has applied a number of methods to lure more investors. Investors in Con Dao will enjoy many preferential policies. Individual income taxes of workers on the island will be reduced by 50 percent. All basic construction works on investment projects in the island will be exempted from import and valued added taxes. In addition, those projects will enjoy preferential policies on land renting fees and land use taxes.
Island leaders said that apart from developing different types of tourism and entertainment services, the island should be developed and play a role in Vietnam's further international integration.