Human resource of the PQNP 27
The Park employs a dedicated team of 62 full-time staff members and 85 contracted workers, with only 10 holding university degrees in fields such as silviculture, economics, and informatics Additionally, 10 employees have graduated from forestry professional high schools, while the rest are skilled technical workers However, there is a notable lack of personnel trained in tourism or ecotourism, highlighting an area for potential development.
Policies and plans relating to tourism development at the provincial and national level and their relation to Phu Quoc Island and to the PQNP 27 1 Policy guidelines 27
Orientation for the zoning of tourist sites in Phu Quoc Island 29 1.9 Current situation of ecotourism development 31 1.9.1 Projects relating to ecotourist activities of the PQNP 31
(1) Tourist forms in Phu Quoc island:
According to the assessment of specialists from the Vietnam General Agency of
Phu Quoc is poised to thrive in diverse tourism sectors, with its greatest strengths lying in seaside tourism and resort development, catering to the general preferences of visitors Additionally, the island has the potential to cultivate specialized tourism experiences that cater to the unique needs of specific tourist groups.
Table 9 : Assessment of tourism forms in Phu Quoc Island
Tourism form Very suitable Suitable Less suitable
1.2.8 Perch, horse race, Dog race *
Tourism form Very suitable Suitable Less suitable
(x) : Tourist form should be undertaken in the PQNP
(2) Spatial Structure of Tourist development in Phu Quoc:
- Main Tourist Gates: Phu Quoc Island can be reached by both air and sea ways The long- term projection of infrastructure development in Phu Quoc is as follow (Table 10):
Table 10: The long-term projection of infrastructure development in Phu Quoc
+ Air-ports Up to 2010-2012: Duong Dong air-port
After 2010-2012: Duong To air-port
+ Marine ports: Main tourist gate for large ships:
Tourist gate for ships from the inland:
An Thoi, Duong Dong, Bai Vong, and Dam Gulf
Tourist gate linked with Cambodia:
Tourist centers are essential hubs that require the development of infrastructure to support various services such as finance, banking, insurance, communications, trade, dining, and healthcare These centers will play a pivotal role in establishing Phu Quoc as a future international trading center, facilitating global commerce and enhancing the region's appeal to tourists and businesses alike.
Plans have been proposed to establish two tourist centers in Duong Dong, focusing on the current airport area and Duong To This development aims to enhance tourism by creating two gateways for air and sea travel.
Ecotourism sites will be established in the environmentally sensitive areas of PQNP, including Cua Can, Cua Duong, Ganh Dau, Bai Thom communes, and the northern part of Ham Ninh commune, featuring high-quality accommodation facilities To ensure sustainable tourism, the number of visitors to these locations will be limited, taking into account various ecological considerations.
Tourist sites will be developed following the ecotourism concept, with a maximum construction density of 20% of the designated project area Notable large tourist sites include Cua Can, Vung Bau, Dai Beach, Bai Rach Vem, Bai Tram, Bai Thom, along with several smaller sites.
The construction area along the shores and beaches of Phu Quoc is influenced by land availability, with a maximum building height of three stories This development is designed to harmonize with the landscape, particularly under the canopy of coconut trees, which are a popular perennial plant in the region.
By 2020, Phu Quoc is projected to have approximately 5,000 accommodation units, representing 25-30% of the total planned rooms on the island The northern part of Phu Quoc will see the development of large hotels at popular tourist destinations such as Cua Can, Ganh Dau, and Dai Beach, while smaller hotels are proposed for other beaches across the island.
Independent hotels are set to be constructed in Bai Can, Bai Thom, and tourist villages within the future urban area of Cua Can, Ganh Dau, with an anticipated 1,000 accommodation units, representing 20% of the total hotel rooms planned for the northern part of the island Additionally, tourist villas are proposed along the eastern shore from Rach Ham to Bai Thom, targeting visitors from Northern European and Asian countries seeking to escape the cold winter in their homelands.
1.9 Current situation of ecotourism development
1.9.1 Projects relating to ecotourist activities of the PQNP
PQNP is collaborating with Sub-FIPI to create a comprehensive ecotourism development plan aimed at 2010, with a long-term vision extending to 2020 The project proposal has been submitted for approval to the appropriate authorities Currently, PQNP lacks other ecotourism initiatives, but with the support of WAR, it is working on a project to develop a strategic framework for ecotourism, which is currently in the testing phase.
Status of Ecotourism Facilities in PQNP 31
As ecotourism development projects have not been approved, PQNP is lacking of investment capital, and therefore not any ecotourist facilities is available at present in the PQNP.
Situation of tourist development in Phu Quoc 31
a)- Number of tourists to Phu Quoc
Phu Quoc has experienced a remarkable annual growth in tourist numbers, averaging around 60% from 1995 to 2004 Notably, the influx of international tourists has outpaced that of domestic visitors, with the percentage of international tourists staying on the island rising significantly from 20.4% in 1999 to 72.15% in 2004 This trend highlights the promising potential for tourism development in Phu Quoc.
Table 11 Number of tourists staying in Phu Quoc (1999-2004)
Kind of Tourists 1999 2000 2001 2003 2004 Increment (%) International tourists staying in Phu Quoc 1.578 2.078 18.209 16.869 25.800 171,8
Domestic tourists staying in Phu Quoc 8.672 10.800 32.249 60.900 95.250 72,0
Sources: - Statistical office, Phu Quoc District People’s Committee
- Kien Giang Province Department of Commerce and Tourism
Phu Quoc has become a popular destination for tourists, with 67.8% of international visitors and 78.9% of domestic travelers choosing to arrive by air The remaining tourists opt for waterway transportation Currently, six types of high-speed ships operate on routes from Rach Gia and Hon Chong to Phu Quoc, significantly reducing travel time to just 2-3 hours, compared to the 6-7 hours required by traditional vessels.
Phu Quoc's tourism sector has experienced significant growth in accommodation facilities to meet the increasing demands of visitors In 1995, the island had just three accommodations offering a total of 87 rooms and 174 beds By 2002, this number rose dramatically to 34 facilities, providing 177 rooms and 296 beds, highlighting the rapid development of tourism infrastructure in the region.
2004 a total of 60 facilities including 22 hotels, with 1.092 rooms were recorded The increments in the last 10 years were thus 20 times in accomodation facilities and 12.5 times in number of rooms (Table 12)
Table 12 Accomodation facilities for tourists in Phu Quoc, 1995-2004
Duong Dong is the primary hub for accommodation in Phu Quoc, boasting 52 facilities, while An Thoi has only 6 and Ong Lang-Cua Duong has 2 Notable medium-sized hotels include Saigon-Phu Quoc with 90 rooms, Huong Bien with 65 rooms, Ngan Sao with 50 rooms, Kim Hoa with 44 rooms, and Long Beach with 33 rooms Additionally, there is a significant number of smaller accommodations, each with fewer than 10 rooms.
Tourist sites construction in Phu Quoc 32
Phu Quoc boasts 14 main beaches and numerous smaller shores, many of which are still in their natural state, primarily used by locals for fishing Recently, several beaches, including Duong Dong and Ba Keo - Cua Lap, have seen partial development aimed at attracting tourists These sites hold significant potential for enhancing the island's appeal as a tourist destination.
Duong Dong shore extends from Ganh Gio village southwards to Duong To It can be sub-divided into several beaches as follow :
- The northern beach, from Duong Dong river mouth to Ganh Gio village, has now been occupied by resettlements of local fishers and places for fishing boat anchorage
- The beach from Duong Dong to the tourist site invested by the Army concentrates tourist facilities such as Huong Bien hotel, Saigon-Phu Quoc resort, Phuong Nam resort ,
The southern region, extending to the boundary with Duong To, is part of the Ba Keo site, which has been designated for tourism development Currently, several tourist amenities, including restaurants and guesthouses, have been established in this area.
The Kien Giang Province People's Committee approved the detailed zoning plan for the Ba Keo Tourist Site, but its feasibility is questionable due to a lack of clarity on essential government investments versus private sector opportunities Additionally, construction management has been poorly executed, with several tourist companies exceeding their allocated areas and failing to preserve the necessary green spaces for the site's landscape.
The primary infrastructure supporting these tourist sites includes the newly asphalted road connecting Duong Dong to An Thoi, which leads to the Saigon - Phu Quoc tourist area Other roads in the vicinity are predominantly surfaced with reddish laterite soil.
Tourist sites receive fresh water from groundwater sourced from bore wells, while electricity is primarily provided by the Duong Dong Electric plant However, many tourist facilities also maintain their own backup generators to ensure a reliable power supply.
Sao Beach, situated on the eastern coast of southern Phu Quoc, is renowned for its stunning white sand and picturesque bow shape formed by two surrounding mountains This pristine beach remains largely untouched, with recently improved access roads enhancing visitor experience Tourists can enjoy a variety of small restaurants offering local cuisine Additionally, several development projects, including the Sao Beach Tourist Site by Saigontourist Company and a proposed golf course, are currently awaiting approval from authorities to further enhance tourism in the area.
Ong Lang Beach, situated near Duong Dong township on the western coast of Phu Quoc Island, features a collection of charming small beaches The area is poised for development, with multiple investment proposals in the pipeline, including the Thang Loi tourist site project.
Vong Beach, situated in the southern part of Ham Ninh commune on Phu Quoc's eastern coast, features a cluster of homes for the Bai Vong fishing community Recent investments have enhanced the beach's infrastructure, including improved roads linking Duong Dong to An Thoi and Rach Ham village, as well as a port for fishing and commercial boats While there are plans for developing tourist facilities such as hotels and villas, these projects have yet to be realized.
Shores and beaches having potentials to develop tourist sites 33
The following are the descriptions of current situation of shores and beaches which have not been dveloped for tourist purposes
Truong Beach, stretching approximately 10km from the mouth of the Lap River to Tau Ru Cap, boasts stunning natural beauty and untapped potential for sea tourism The area features clusters of fishing community houses, with the largest located in Duong Bao village, home to around 1,200 residents Additionally, farmers reside along the road connecting Duong Bao to Tau, contributing to the local charm and culture.
Ru cap A pearl aquaculture enterprise was also established there but it stops its activities
Dat Do Beach, stretching 1.1 kilometers, is a stunning yet untouched destination Currently, the access road to the beach is undergoing improvements, with upgrades completed in a section from Village No 7 Nearby, Village No 6 features a small community of approximately 30 to 40 fishing households, adding to the area's charm.
Bai Khem is one of most beautiful beaches in Phu Quoc It has a length of 1.8-2km and currently used as a shooting practice field by the Army
The pristine beach stretches approximately 2.9 to 3.5 km from Cua Can River to Ong Lang Cap, characterized by its lack of access roads The northern section is home to the resettlement area of Le Bat village, which is isolated by the mouth of Cua Can River Additionally, the upper part of the beach features flat land adorned with natural forests, predominantly consisting of Melaleuca trees.
Vung Bau Beach, located in Cua Can commune on the northwest coast of Phu Quoc Island, is a stunning sandy beach shaped like a bow, flanked by the Ong Quoi and Vung Bau mountain chains Spanning approximately 2.8 to 3 kilometers, this pristine beach features a flat upper area designated as natural forest land within the Phu Quoc National Park Accessible by four-wheel-drive vehicles, the coastal road from Cua Can to Ganh Dau offers scenic views along Vung Bau Beach, which is home to two restaurants at either end.
Dai Beach, situated north of Vung Bau Beach in Ganh Dau commune, stretches approximately 5.5 to 6 kilometers from Vung Bau Cape to Da Trai - Ganh Dau Cape, making it the second longest beach in the area after Bai Truong - Duong To Like Vung Bau Beach, Dai Beach remains in a pristine state, featuring clusters of fisher houses and sea product processing facilities along its shore The beach is backed by relatively flat land that is part of Phu Quoc National Park (PQNP) Additionally, a ballast-paved road runs along the western coastline, accessible for four-wheel-drive vehicles.
Rach Vem Beach, located in Ganh Dau commune on the northern part of Phu Quoc Island, spans approximately 3.5 kilometers and features pristine white sand, making it ideal for seaside tourism development The area is home to two clusters of around 160 households situated close to the coastline, while additional farming community resettlements are found along the road that links the beach to the main highway.
Rach Tram Beach, located in Bai Thom commune on the northern coastline of Phu Quoc Island, stretches approximately 2.5 to 3 kilometers This beach, much like Rach Vem Beach, remains pristine and untouched Nearby, a small fishing community of around 370 households, comprising about 1,100 residents, primarily relies on fishing, with a few engaged in farming Access to Rach Tram has improved in recent years, with a road now open for four-wheel-drive vehicles.
Bai Thom, situated in the southern region of Bai Thom commune, features a pristine beach that stretches approximately 1 to 1.5 kilometers This narrow sandy strip remains undeveloped for tourism, offering a serene and untouched natural environment.
Phu Quoc Island's eastern coastline is home to several smaller beaches, with some areas designated for resettling fishing villages like Da Chong in Bai Thom commune, and Cay Sao and Bai Bon in Ham Ninh commune Meanwhile, other sections of the coastline remain untouched and undeveloped, preserving their natural beauty.
In the above beaches, Cua Can, Vung Bau and Dai are located inside the boundary of the PQNP.
Situation of historical and small tourist sites 35 1.9.7 Current situation of ecotourist activities in the PQNP 35
Phu Quoc is home to several cultural and historical sites that enhance its tourism offerings, including the Nguyen Trung Truc Temple, Cay Dua Prison, Dinh Cau Palace, Duong Dong Temple, Sung Hung Old Pagoda, and Su Mon Pagoda Additionally, natural attractions like Da Ban and Tranh Springs contribute to the island's appeal However, investment in the renovation and enhancement of these sites has been insufficient, resulting in a lack of unique tourist products.
1.9.7 Current situation of ecotourist activities in the PQNP
Despite the project document outlining principles, objectives, and anticipated ecotourism products for the establishment of the PQNP, these initiatives have yet to be implemented within the Park.
In 2004, Sub-FIPI supported Kien Giang Province in the development planning for ecotourism in Phu Quoc National Park This planning document has been updated for submission to the relevant authorities for approval, establishing a strategic framework for the long-term development of ecotourism in the park.
Relative Advantages, Difficulties and Challenges of Ecotourism Development in the
Kien Giang and the Mekong Delta serve as vital logistic hubs for ecotourism development in Phu Quoc and Ha Tien The enhancement of National Road No 80, connecting Ho Chi Minh City to Rach Gia and Ha Tien, along with the investment in modern boats to facilitate transportation between Phu Quoc and the mainland, significantly boosts the tourism potential in the Phu Quoc-Ha Tien region.
Phu Quoc is situated in a vibrant tourist area of South-East Asia, with major cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, Phnom Penh, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Pattaya, Phuket, and Bali located within 500 to 1,200 km The future development of Phu Quoc Airport to international standards will enable direct flights from these prominent tourist hubs, enhancing accessibility to this beautiful destination.
Phu Quoc, strategically situated on international shipping routes, has the potential to attract a significant influx of international tourists if its port is developed Enhancing the port infrastructure could facilitate the arrival of numerous tourist ships, boosting the local tourism industry.
Ha Tien has been designated by the Government as a major tourist center in Vietnam, located approximately 50 km from Phu Quoc The connection between Phu Quoc and Ha Tien, along with nearby enchanting islands, enhances the ecotourism landscape and offers diverse and appealing tourist experiences for visitors.
Phu Quoc National Park (PQNP) is strategically situated near various planned tourist attractions on Phu Quoc Island, all within a 50 km radius Key roads have been constructed to enhance access to promising ecotourism sites, making it an appealing destination for visitors.
• PQNP’s diversity in ecotoursm resources and natural landscapes, its abounding sea and forest resources, and its conserved biodiversity are the premises for a successful ecotourism development
Kien Giang PPC and Phu Quoc DPC are actively promoting ecotourism development on Phu Quoc Island, having implemented various policies to attract investment in this sector In recent years, tourism has significantly contributed to the district's GDP, highlighting its importance in the local economy This creates favorable conditions for establishing ecotourism projects related to Phu Quoc National Park (PQNP).
• The amount of international and domestic tourist continues to inscrease, especcially, international tourist
• In general, the environment is not polluted yet Its desolate and waste characteristics still remain intact
Difficulties in ecotourism development in the PQNP includes:
• Lack of know-how on ecotourism management; lack of training for personnels of the national park working in ecotourism management
• Difficulties in environmental protection due to the poverty of local people and due to lack of adequate investment
• Lack of capital for tourist infrastructure development
• Lack of document for advertising about ecotourirsm potentiality, products, and activities
The PQNP currently faces challenges due to the absence of a well-defined ecotourism management strategy and the lack of designated ecotourist sites To enhance ecotourism services, it is essential to assign professional staff, similar to practices in other national parks.
The connection between local communities and the conservation efforts at PQNP is limited, primarily due to the residents' lack of awareness regarding the significance of these activities and the park's unique features.
Local communities exert pressure on the Park through illegal hunting and timber cutting, significantly harming its biodiversity Additionally, the practice of burning areas of Melaleuca forests to promote young grass for cattle during the dry season has further detrimental effects on the Park's ecosystem.
The Buffer Zone has suffered from insufficient investment, resulting in inadequate infrastructure for treating wastewater and solid waste from domestic and fish processing sources This neglect has led to severe pollution in areas like Vung Bau and Cua Can, ultimately diminishing the site's appeal.
• The relationships between the Park and tourist companies or tour organizers have not yet been built to effectively coordinate ecotourist activities
• Marketing activities for ecotourism in the Park have not been elaborated and implemented
The tourism sector is in its early stages of development, exhibiting significant potential for growth However, substantial challenges remain, particularly in terms of mechanisms, policies, and the need for capital investment in essential infrastructure, including roads, electricity, water supply, and environmental hygiene, which are currently inadequate.
The implementation of Decision No 178/QĐ-TTg by the Prime Minister and the subsequent approval of a master plan for Phu Quoc Island in 2005 have significantly boosted tourist activities, presenting challenges for the tourism sector Notably, the increasing demand for land to develop high-quality tourist infrastructure poses a substantial impact on Phu Quoc National Park.
Phu Quoc is set to develop into a high-quality ecotourism hub on both regional and international scales, in line with strategic plans and decisions The Phu Quoc National Park (PQNP) will cater to the growing demands for sightseeing, outdoor recreation, and research opportunities, attracting an increasing number of tourists to the island.
(approximatively about 30.000-40.000 pemanent tourists per year)
Emerging issues for the park as it becomes a key destination in Phu Quoc tour packages include environmental impacts and the system's bearing capacity to accommodate a large influx of visitors.
Ecotourism Development Strategy for Phu Quoc National Park in the Period of 2006-2015.
1 Several Predictions and Forecastings in Parameters Relating to Ecotourism Development in Phu Quoc National Park
+ Population estimation based on natural growth: The total population of Phu Quoc
Island was about 81.000 in 2004 The current population growth rate is 1,7% per year With the promugated population policy, this rate is expected to be reduced to 1,5% per year in
2010 and 1,2 to 1,3% per year in 2020 Based on these figures, the total population of Phu Quoc would be 90.000 in 2010 and around 102.000 in 2020
Phu Quoc Island's population has shown significant growth, increasing from approximately 58,000 in 1995 to 81,000 in 2004, reflecting an annual growth rate of about 4%, split evenly between natural growth and immigration If the natural growth rate decreases to between 1.2% and 1.3%, while mechanical increment remains at 4%, projections indicate a population of 110,000 by 2010 and 190,000 by 2020 Including military and security personnel, the total population could reach around 200,000 Additionally, with an estimated daily influx of 20,000 to 30,000 tourists, the overall projected population could rise to approximately 230,000.