Phu Quoc islanders asked to approve massive tourism plan

Phu Quoc Island will become an economic and eco-tourism hub by 2030, according to a plan unveiled at a meeting this week.
The Southern Urban and Rural Planning Institute under the Ministry of Construction who designed the plan urged Kien Giang province People's Committee to quickly review it for submission to the Prime Minister for approval this year.
Ngo Quang Hung, director of the institute, said under the proposal, Phu Quoc would become an international, commercial and service centre and tourist destination.
The institute has planned key functional areas including urban, forest protection, tourism and transportation areas on the island and foresees a five-fold population increase to 530,000 people from the current 100,000 people.
Nearly 40,000ha will be reserved for urban areas including the three main areas - Duong Dong, An Thoi and the science urban area, which will be expanded to 3,570ha, 677ha and 537ha respectively.
About 3,700ha will be allocated to tourism development, with about 1,600ha for transport infrastructure.
The tourism areas lies along the island's best beaches including Thom, Cua Can, Vung Bau, Dai, Rach Tram, Rach Vem and Ong Lang beaches, which are described as "the golden land" of the island.
Other projects would include ports, industrial parks, golf courses and a casino.
Phu Quoc is the largest island in Viet Nam with an area of 59,300ha with two towns, Duong Dong and An Thoi, and eight communes. It is known for its pristine beaches and forests.
Phu Quoc is also called the Emerald Island because of its natural treasures and tourism potential.