Hoa Binh province seeks to become golf hub

Hoa Binh plans to develop 15 new golf courses until 2030, considering it a key development task to turn the northern highlands province into a popular resort and eco-tourism destination.

Nguyen Van Thang, director of the provincial Department of Planning and Investment, said Hoa Binh has identified tourism as a spearhead sector in its master plan for 2030, with vision till 2050.

The other three spearhead sectors are processing and manufacturing with higher added values, agriculture, and development of satellite housing.

"To boost tourism, Hoa Binh will develop 15 new golf courses over the next eight years, as well as tourism services associated with mountains, lakes and cultural heritage, as well as relaxation and wellness-based tourism initiatives," Thang said while presenting the province’s draft master development plan at a consultative meeting Friday with the Ministry of Planning and Investment.

At present, the two prominent golf courses in Hoa Binh are the Hilltop Valley Golf Club designed by IMG, a global golf design firm, and Phoenix Golf Resort, designed by American firm Golf Plan.

The province also seeks to develop organic farming with high-quality agriculture products and hopes its farms would also serve as tourist destinations.

In the manufacturing sector, Hoa Binh will develop wood processing, electronics and high-end interior design; as also promote research and development of sustainable building materials.

Thang said the province had plans for several satellite housing projects as well as accommodation services for local ethnic minority groups.

Hoa Binh expects its gross regional domestic product (GDRP) to increase by 9% annually until 2030.