Con Dao - a new symbol of sustainable tourism and green growth

From a sacred land associated with the heroic history of the nation, today Con Dao is entering a new journey - a journey of creating the future, striving strongly to become an international-class ecological, cultural and historical tourist area.

Infrastructure “awakens” - the foundation for take-off

In the last days of 2025, when the 110kV Con Dao Transformer Station is officially energized, the electricity from the mainland crosses the ocean to light up the sacred archipelago, the people here feel more clearly than ever the new development spreading throughout every street, every residential area, every port.

Not stopping there, the Ho Chi Minh City electricity industry also continues to implement the project of building a smart grid in Con Dao, marking a strong change in the management and operation of energy infrastructure.

A corner of Con Dao seen from above. (Photo: Manh Cuong)

According to Mr. Huynh Tan Dinh, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, investing in a smart power system not only ensures a stable, safe, high-quality power source but also opens the door to digital transformation, smart governance and green growth - the foundation to attract strategic investors, develop high-end tourism and night-time economy in the direction of "fast, sustainable, green and digital growth".

According to the Master Plan for Con Dao construction until 2045, which has just been approved by the Government , Con Dao will be oriented to develop into a national tourist area, promoting unique cultural - historical - spiritual values, combined with high-quality marine eco-tourism services, synchronous and modern infrastructure, with regional and international brands and competitiveness.

This is considered a strategic plan, both preserving the landscape and ecosystem, and creating new development space. The project emphasizes the need for harmony between residential development, tourism, historical and cultural relics and preserving the diverse ecosystem of Con Dao National Park - the precious "green lung" of the whole region.

According to the plan, in the period of 2025 - 2030 and after 2030, Con Dao will implement 76 technical infrastructure projects, social infrastructure and other projects, with a total public investment capital of nearly 21,650 billion VND. Of which, two key projects including the sea reclamation project and the upgrade of Con Dao Airport are expected to open a "new flight route" to bring domestic and foreign tourists closer to this sacred island.

Along with that, upgrading the seaport system to be qualified to receive international ships, building logistics centers, and completing infrastructure for electricity, water supply, and synchronous waste treatment - all are in the direction of sustainable development, protecting heritage and natural landscapes.

Currently, Con Dao has 249 accommodation businesses, including many 5-star tourism projects and high-end eco-resorts that have been and are in operation, contributing to meeting the increasing demand of domestic and foreign tourists.

Infrastructure development associated with conservation of natural and historical values

Based on the approved planning project, the People's Committee of Con Dao special zone is requesting relevant departments, branches and units to develop specific action plans, ensuring compliance with development orientation and general planning, while speeding up the progress of key, dynamic projects.

Mr. Phan Trong Hien, Chairman of the People's Committee of Con Dao Special Zone. (Photo: Thanh Minh)

Mr. Phan Trong Hien, Chairman of the People's Committee of Con Dao Special Zone, said: " Con Dao will promote the implementation of e-government, apply artificial intelligence in urban management, tourism and security, and effectively exploit existing infrastructure to attract strategic and reputable investors, develop high-end eco-tourism, create sustainable revenue for the budget, solve employment and improve people's lives."

Along with that effort, Con Dao is also focusing on developing high-quality human resources in the tourism industry, encouraging creative startups, night-time economy, and marine economy associated with local identity, creating a dynamic development space while still preserving the soul of the pearl island.

If infrastructure development is the “backbone” for the modernization process, then preserving natural values and heritage is the “soul” of Con Dao. In every step of development, the locality always adheres to the principle: not to trade the environment for growth.

Land use plans are carefully reviewed to avoid overlapping purposes, especially with special-use forest land, national defense land, historical relic land and key infrastructure land. The development direction of Con Dao is green growth, closely linking tourism - conservation - community, aiming to build the image of an island that is "beautiful, livable and sustainable".

Accelerate connection, expand development space

In the coming years, upgrading Con Dao airport is one of the key projects, not only expanding regional connectivity but also helping to shorten the distance between Con Dao and Ho Chi Minh City, Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Can Tho and international tourist centers in the region.

Along with aviation, developing a system of seaports, marinas, and modern logistics centers will turn Con Dao into a national-scale island tourism and service center, welcoming international cruise ships, creating new momentum for the local economy.

Con Dao 110kV transformer station uses GIS technology. (Photo: Thanh Minh)

In order to ensure energy sources for this development period, the Ho Chi Minh City electricity sector has implemented stable power supply plans, while promoting the application of digital technology in monitoring and operation to ensure safe, economical and environmentally friendly power supply.

Con Dao - the land once soaked with the blood and bones of countless heroes, is now taking on a new look: a civilized, modern island city that still retains the soul of historical memories.

Efforts in planning, infrastructure investment, sustainable tourism development… not only bring economic opportunities but also a journey of gratitude to the past, when every inch of land here marks the achievements and pains of the nation.

With a long-term vision and the synchronous participation of the government, businesses and people, Con Dao is changing its appearance day by day, affirming its new position - an international center of ecological, cultural and historical tourism, where the past and the future blend together in the breath of national development.

Hoang Tho

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/con-dao-bieu-tuong-moi-cua-du-lich-ben-vung-va-tang-truong-xanh-ar985462.html