Dual strategy for sustainable development of Co To tourism

(PLVN) - Co To district was selected by Quang Ninh province as a pilot locality for district-level digital transformation in the 2021-2025 period, with a vision to 2030, with the goal of building a digital society and developing the digital economy as a driving force for socio-economic development. Thanks to the effective application of digital transformation solutions, Co To has created many breakthroughs, opening up opportunities for rapid and sustainable development for the local tourism industry.

In 2025, Co To district aims to welcome 300,000 tourists. Since the beginning of the year, Co To has actively and proactively implemented communication and promotion campaigns on cyberspace and digital platforms. Co To is operating two tourism websites, Amazingcoto.vn and Cototourist.com, providing information on history, culture, accommodation, and landscapes with vivid images and videos , as well as information on promotional programs and tourism stimulus.

In particular, Co To has applied 360-degree VR virtual reality technology for visitors to experience and introduce destinations such as: Special National Monument of President Ho Chi Minh Memorial Site on Co To Island; Explore Co To Island, Truc Lam Pagoda, Mong Rong Rock Beach, Thanh Lan Island... This form of experience helps visitors visit from a distance. 360-degree images combined with automatic explanations at tourist attractions effectively support planning for a real trip .

President Ho Chi Minh Temple is a place that all locals and tourists want to visit when coming to Co To.

Mr. Nguyen Hai Linh - Head of the Department of Culture, Information, Tourism and Science and Technology of Co To district said: "We are deploying 360-degree VR technology at all tourist attractions in the district. In addition to communicating through newspapers and websites, the district is also actively promoting on the Zalo platform and integrating QR codes into tourism publications."

According to Mr. Linh, in 2025, Co To district plans to open 6 pilot tourist routes to islands such as Ca Chep island, Su Tu island, Co To Con island, and Tran island. Overnight camping and coral diving activities in Thanh Lan commune are also being invested in to attract tourists who love nature and exploration. On the occasion of April 30 - May 1, 10 famous KOLs from Ho Chi Minh City will come to the island to review Co To on social networks.

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Trung - CEO of TRIPMAP Tourism Digital Transformation Joint Stock Company commented: The information technology infrastructure in Quang Ninh is generally quite good and well-invested, facilitating digitalization projects, including tourism. Right now, Co To can apply many very practical technologies such as smart tourism platforms, integrating information, booking, and supporting tourists with artificial intelligence (AI) technology.

AI and big data are also important, helping to analyze tourist preferences to suggest personalized experiences. In the future, technologies such as self-driving cars to pick up tourists or robot guides at tourist sites will be very feasible. Blockchain is also noteworthy, making tourism transactions safer and more transparent.

The first time coming to Co To, Ms. Vu Thi Hong (a tourist from Hai Phong) shared: “I learned about Co To through VR360 technology, the images are very beautiful and attractive, the more I look, the more I like it. Today, my family is here to experience the reality of what we saw through VR360. Coming to this outpost island, I feel that Co To is not only a famous tourist destination, but also a sacred land at the head of the Fatherland, bringing us many emotions. My family will definitely return to Co To on other special occasions.”

Along with digital transformation, green tourism is a development direction that Co To is focusing on. Many businesses on the island have applied the “Net Zero tour” model, reducing carbon emissions in transportation, accommodation and food; some businesses use electric vehicles instead of gasoline vehicles. Co To also develops products and services that meet green criteria such as: accommodation facilities, food services without plastic waste, tours without plastic waste, combined trash collection programs, etc.

Developing tourism in the direction of digitalization and greening, Co To not only keeps up with the new trend but also gradually affirms its position as an attractive and friendly destination of Quang Ninh province. The transformation journey of the island district at the headland of the Fatherland is opening up many new expectations, making tourism a spearhead economic sector and an important driving force for development in the coming time.

Duc Duong

Source: https://baophapluat.vn/chien-luoc-kep-cho-du-lich-co-to-phat-trien-ben-vung-post546436.html