$32 mln ecotourism project inaugurated in central Vietnam

Hang Gop Ecology Tourism JSC, a subsidiary of FVG Group, inaugurated its VND800 million ($31.56 million) Dong Giang Heaven Gate ecotourism project in Vietnam’s central province of Quang Nam on Sunday.

The 120-hectare project, situated in Dong Giang district, was completed after seven years of construction involving nearly 1,000 locals from the Co Tu ethnic group. During a two-year trial run, the project has welcomed over 120,000 visitors.

Addressing the inauguration ceremony, FVG chairman Nguyen Anh Tuan said that the firm expects to employ and train 150 to 200 locals to work on the project following its official opening.

It will launch tourism projects that embrace the native culture and architecture, contributing to sustainable tourism while creating livelihoods in the province.

In the second quarter, the firm is set to open a 1.6-kilometer cable car, the first of its kind in Quang Nam, as part of the project, Tuan added.

In Q1, Quang Nam province, home to the UNESCO-listed Hoi An ancient town, welcomed 1.6 million tourists, up 25% year-over-year, according to the local department of tourism. It received 900,000 foreign visitors in the period, a 36% increase over last year.