Dong Nai clears bottlenecks for key tourism projects

Dong Nai is reviewing and evaluating the progress of key tourism projects in the province to provide direction and resolve difficulties and obstacles, thereby clearing the way for these projects.

Gia Canh Forest has many areas within the Ecotourism Development Project of Tan Phu Protection Forest Management Board (Dinh Quan commune). Photo: Ngoc Lien

Some projects in the tourism sector, such as: Ecotourism, resort, and entertainment project at Tan Phu Protection Forest Management Board; Da Chong Scenic Area (Dinh Quan commune); Ecotourism and urban development project at Chua Chan Mountain and Nui Le Lake (Xuan Loc commune); Building the Tan Trieu Cultural - Tourism Village model in Tan Trieu ward... are being focused on by provincial leaders to review and accelerate implementation progress.

Removing obstacles for projects

The Ecotourism and Urban Area Development Project at Chua Chan Mountain and Nui Le Lake (collectively referred to as the Chua Chan Mountain Tourism Project) in Xuan Loc Commune is currently undergoing a focused review to identify and resolve obstacles, clearing the path for progress. The project’s updated master plan covers a total area of nearly 1,500 hectares. As one of the province’s key tourism development initiatives, it is large in scale and has drawn significant public attention and anticipation for its early completion and operation.

Speaking about the project preparation process, Nguyen Thi Cat Tien, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairwoman of the People's Council of Xuan Loc Commune, stated that as early as 2018–2019, under the close guidance of provincial leaders, Xuan Loc Commune (formerly Xuan Loc District) had to establish dedicated working groups to gradually advise the province on updating the planning framework toward developing Xuan Loc into an urban area of the province. This endeavor laid the groundwork for the synchronous development of urban and transport infrastructure, enhancing connectivity between Xuan Loc and neighboring areas.

In the first 9 months of 2025, Dong Nai's tourism industry has had many outstanding activities such as: The Hot Air Balloon Festival with the theme "Fly up Dong Nai - The heroic spirit of the arduous and brave Eastern region"; Son Tien Tourist Area (Long Hung ward) has invested an additional 540 billion VND in new tourism facilities and products including: Exploring the strange planet of geniuses at the Great Phoenix Palace, the Southeast Riverine Tourist Area, the Great Kim Ngan Tien Palace square..., contributing to diversifying products to serve entertainment needs and increase tourist attraction.

Accordingly, Xuan Loc commune is expected to need about 8 trillion VND to invest in and develop transportation infrastructure, aiming to establish connectivity with the Chua Chan Mountain Tourism Project. Xuan Loc commune, therefore, hopes that, alongside supporting the locality in accelerating the progress of tourism projects, provincial leaders will also consider allocating investment capital to develop transportation infrastructure in parallel, ensuring smooth traffic flow and strengthening connections with neighboring areas, all of which stand to benefit once the tourism project becomes operational.

As the first forest ecotourism project approved in Dong Nai province (March 2023), the Mai Waterfall- Bau Nuoc Soi (Hot water natural pond) Ecotourism, Resort, and Entertainment Project for the period 2021-2030 at Tan Phu Protection Forest Management Board (Dinh Quan commune) is among the key projects that need to be reviewed and accelerated.

According to the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism (DoCST), in June 2024, the Tan Phu Protection Forest Management Board signed a forest environment lease agreement with The Coi - Dong Nai Joint Stock Company for 10 tourist sites in Dinh Quan commune (as part of the tourism development project), covering an area of approximately 417 hectares. However, during implementation, the project has yet to be fully cleared due to ongoing difficulties with site clearance and relocation support for several households. This issue is currently being reviewed under the direction of provincial leaders, who are working to identify timely solutions.

Comprehensive assessment to clear bottlenecks for projects

According to statistics from the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, key tourism projects in the province still face difficulties and challenges that affect the formation of tourism products as well as the overall tourism development of the province.

To date, several projects approved for investment by the Provincial People's Committee have shown limited effectiveness, with investors facing challenges in securing capital. Additionally, some administrative procedures related to land ownership remain complicated. Several projects are currently behind schedule, including the Ba Xe Islet ecological tourism and entertainment complex in Long Hung ward, the Heaven Green ecological tourism project in Tri An commune, and a 46-hectare ecological tourism site in Binh Loc ward.

In addition, several projects have received partial investment but still require completion of land-related legal procedures, including the Bu Lach Grassland outdoor film studio and ecological tourism project (364 hectares) in Tho Son commune, and the Qua Dieu Vang tourist site in Dong Tam commune.

To help these projects complete procedures and accelerate implementation, Provincial Party Committee member and Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Le Thi Ngoc Loan, stated: For key tourism projects, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism will continue to direct review, coordinate with localities and units to advise the Provincial People's Committee on resolving planning issues; adjusting legal documents, capital sources... to facilitate investor support.

In addition to promoting the development of tourist destinations, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism encourages and supports businesses investing in the construction of high-quality, large-scale accommodation facilities in underexploited tourism areas. It also encourages investment in entertainment complexes, restaurant systems, eateries, and specialized cafes to serve tourists. At the same time, the department continues to research and develop a diverse range of night-time entertainment activities aimed at extending tourists' stays and increasing their spending.

During a working session with departments, agencies, and localities on the progress of tourism projects in the province, Le Truong Son, Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee and Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, called on relevant units to promptly review outstanding projects. For key tourism projects, each regulation must be thoroughly examined to ensure smooth implementation.

The Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee assigned departments and agencies to closely coordinate with localities on tourism projects, monitor progress, and promptly advise the Provincial People's Committee on how to resolve difficulties and obstacles in accordance with regulations. In particular, the departments and agencies are also assigned to tighten construction management around project planning areas, ensuring solid legal grounds to create the most favorable conditions for project implementation.

By Ngoc Lien – Translated by Mai Nga, Minho