Could be “world-class tourism destination”
Vietnam’s Van Don Economic Zone will soon begin development as a special administrative-economic unit. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc gave the all-clear to the northern province of Quang Ninh to undertake the project.
According to the Vietnam News, the Van Don District includes some 600 islands, yet is “sparsely populated” with fewer than 42,000 people.
“With the variety and uniqueness of the archipelago, rich ecosystems and beautiful beaches, the islands have the potential to become a world-class maritime tourism destination,” wrote the publication. “Its favorable transport infrastructure, much better compared to the country’s 14 coastal economic zones, is an added benefit.”
Casinos open to Vietnamese citizens are expected to draw additional investment, possibly from international gaming companies. The Ministry of Planning and Investment expects that the three special administrative-economic units of Van Don, Van Phong, Phu Quoc will contribute billions of dollars annually to the local GDP starting in 2020.
In related news, Hard Rock International has reportedly expressed interest in a casino to be added to the Banyan Tree Lang Cô integrated resort. According to the plan, now under review by officials of Thua Thien-Hu? Province in North Central Vietnam, the US$250 million casino would be built on 2.64 hectares (6.5 acres) at the site and become operational in Phase II of the project.
It has been estimated that a casino, if approved, would add US$245 million to the local budget starting in 2021. According to the proposal, the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism have also approved the plan.
Phase I of the resort opened in 2013 with 57 villas, a 229-room hotel, a conference center and an 18-hole Nick Faldo-branded golf course. Under development plans, the resort will add two more five-star hotels by 2020 with a total of 1,000 rooms and 1,600 villas. More villas and hotel rooms are planned to be included by 2025. The whole complex is expected to be completed by 2030 with 1,000 more hotel rooms in two five-star hotels as well as 315 villas.
