Developing Phong Nha - Ke Bang into the "heart" of tourism in Quang Tri.

To realize the goal of making tourism a key economic sector, Quang Tri province is focusing on developing Phong Nha - Ke Bang into a National-level tourist area, playing the role of the "heart" in the province's overall tourism development strategy. With the outstanding global values ​​of this World Natural Heritage site and a sustainable development orientation, this area is expected to create a strong transformation, elevating the province's tourism status in the new development phase.

Phong Nha - Ke Bang: A World Heritage Site, the foundation for the formation of a new tourism center.

Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park boasts a unique system of caves, primeval forests, underground rivers, and geological landscapes, making it one of the most exceptional in the world. It has been recognized twice by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage site. This designation has provided a significant boost, positioning the park as a prominent destination on the international tourism map.

Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, a World Natural Heritage site, boasts a unique system of limestone mountains and primeval forests.

Along with traditional attractions such as Phong Nha - Tien Son Cave, Thien Duong Cave, Chay River - Dark Cave, Nuoc Mooc Stream, etc., in recent years, Phong Nha - Ke Bang has continued to witness the strong development of new experiential products: exploring Rao Thuong - En Cave, Va Cave - Nuoc Nut Cave, Hamada Valley - Tra Ang Cave, Hung Thoong, Ozo Park, etc., especially the "Conquering Son Doong" journey, the world's largest cave.

During the period 2021-2025, the National Park welcomed over 3 million visitors, generating revenue exceeding 1,000 billion VND, further affirming its leading role in regional tourism.

The magnificent spaces within the caves are what define Phong Nha - Ke Bang.

New growth drivers in the context of restructuring.

Following the administrative boundary adjustments, Quang Tri aims for a minimum annual growth rate of 8%, striving for double-digit growth during the 2025-2030 period. This not only creates pressure but also serves as a driving force for the province to transform its development mindset, with tourism identified as one of its four economic pillars.

Pham Hong Thai, Director of the Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park Management Board, emphasized that tourism development must be linked to conservation and the livelihoods of local people: "Tourism products can only survive when they support the livelihoods of people in the buffer zone."

Developing tourism in conjunction with forest conservation and creating stable livelihoods for local communities.

Based on that reality, the province's tourism development must be based on heritage values, forest resources, and indigenous culture, creating harmony between conservation and growth.

Diversification of ecological products: A hallmark of the new strategy.

One of Quang Tri's key priorities is the development of ecotourism and experiential tourism. The "Exploring the Cypress Trees and Kling Cave" project is a noteworthy highlight.

Tourism development should be carried out in a restrained manner, ensuring the long-term conservation of forest resources and indigenous culture.

With a total investment of nearly 4.3 billion VND, the project opens up a journey to explore the cluster of ancient cypress trees combined with a pristine cave system, considered a "green treasure" of Phong Nha - Ke Bang forest. This is a new, groundbreaking product that contributes to job creation, increased income, and enriches the province's tourism ecosystem.

Phong Nha Cave - a typical tourist attraction associated with the brand "kingdom of caves".

According to a representative of AREM Tourism Joint Stock Company, tourists not only get to immerse themselves in nature but also learn about the biological, historical, and cultural values ​​of the centuries-old forest system, thereby spreading the message about responsible tourism and sustainable conservation.

Moving towards achieving national-level tourist area standards.

Quang Tri province aims to develop Phong Nha - Ke Bang into a national-level tourist area, meeting all criteria according to Article 21 of the 2017 Tourism Law, such as: outstanding tourism resources; synchronized infrastructure and services; capacity to serve at least 1 million visitors per year; unique, branded products; ensuring security, safety, and environmental protection; and an effective management mechanism.

Chay River - Dark Cave: A unique ecological and adventurous experience in the core area of ​​the Phong Nha - Ke Bang World Natural Heritage Site.

According to experts, Phong Nha - Ke Bang has all the necessary conditions to meet the standards. Its tourism product system is well-established; the number of visitors is steadily increasing; there is significant potential for developing accommodation and resort services; and infrastructure is being invested in comprehensively within the national planning framework.

All new projects undergo rigorous environmental impact assessments to ensure compliance with heritage conservation criteria and Vietnamese law.

Developing tourism in conjunction with forest conservation and creating stable livelihoods for local communities.

Integrated planning and a "flight route map" attract investment capital.

Quang Tri province is urgently finalizing the planning for the Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Tourist Area, to be implemented during the term of the first Provincial Party Congress, 2025-2030.

Director Pham Hong Thai stated: "Completing the planning early helps build confidence for investors, avoids fragmented development, and ensures that tourism products are clearly positioned."

Nuoc Mooc Stream, a lush green destination nestled in the forest, is a symbol of sustainable ecotourism in the region.

Often likened to a "flight map," the planning helps investors establish a long-term, safe, and effective vision. Many large corporations such as Sugup and Thien Minh Group have surveyed and researched the development of ecotourism and resorts, demonstrating the area's genuine appeal.

Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park receives a historic "double win" at the World Travel Awards (WTA) 2025 ceremony.

The series of projects including Chay River - Dark Cave, Mooc Stream, and Bach Xanh Stone - Kling Cave, when completed, will create a linked product ecosystem, bringing Quang Tri closer to the leading tourism centers in the country.

Developing tourism in conjunction with sustainable livelihoods for people in the buffer zone surrounding the National Park.

Spreading motivation, creating a space for sustainable development.

Once Phong Nha - Ke Bang achieves national-level tourism zone status, it will have all the necessary conditions in terms of infrastructure, services, accommodation, and high-quality human resources, providing a foundation for Quang Tri to break through and keep pace with major tourism centers such as Hue, Da Nang, Ninh Binh, and Nha Trang.

The development of the area not only creates momentum for economic growth but also promotes the conservation of forest ecosystems, preserves cultural identity, and enhances the livelihoods of buffer zone communities. This is precisely the model of harmonious development between economy, environment, culture, and people that Quang Tri province is pursuing.

Responsible tourism helps people in buffer zones find more jobs and opportunities for sustainable poverty alleviation.

"To develop, we must invest, have infrastructure, and unlock capital flows to create value, not only for today but also for future generations," Mr. Pham Hong Thai emphasized.

Aiming for new heights for tourism in Central Vietnam.

When the "heart" of Phong Nha - Ke Bang truly begins to beat, Quang Tri will not only be known as a land of history and memory, but also as a vibrant heritage region, where nature, people, and aspirations for development blend into a new rhythm. With meticulous preparation in planning, products, infrastructure, and management, Phong Nha - Ke Bang is gradually becoming an attractive, world-class destination, contributing to elevating Quang Tri's tourism to new heights.

Source: https://baophapluat.vn/xay-dung-phong-nha-ke-bang-tro-thanh-trai-tim-du-lich-cua-quang-tri.html