Hoiana Resort & Golf to invest extra $1 bln in central Vietnam

How would you evaluate Quang Nam province’s tourism performance and Hoiana Resort & Golf’s business situation in 2024?

2024 witnessed a strong resurgence in Quang Nam’s tourism sector, characterized by robust international visitor growth and a host of significant milestones. Official data shows that the province welcomed approximately 8 million tourists in the year, up 14% year-on-year and surpassing the year's target by 6%.

Quang Nam was recognized as the "Most Attractive and Impressive Domestic Destination of 2024," by Travellive magazine, underscoring its enduring appeal as a cultural heritage destination.

I believe this success is a testament to the provincial government’s efforts, and the synergistic collaboration among stakeholders - including public authorities, businesses, and the local community - augmented by a dynamic calendar of tourism stimulus activities throughout the year.

For Hoiana, in 2024, we hosted over 225,000 guests, reinforcing our position as a premier beachfront hospitality destination. We were the largest FDI tax contributor in Quang Nam.

Additionally, we were awarded the prestigious title of "World’s Leading Fully Integrated Resort" by World Travel Awards, a recognition of the relentless efforts of our 2,400-strong team to deliver world-class guest experiences.

Beyond operational achievements, we have maintained our corporate social responsibility efforts, investing nearly VND30 billion ($1.2 million) in sustainable development and community support initiatives since 2018. In 2024, we have run 12 activities, contributing over VND2 billion to support the local community.

What are your expectations for Quang Nam’s tourism in 2025, and what are Hoiana’s business plans for the year?

I am highly optimistic about Quang Nam’s tourism trajectory in 2025. With a strategic focus on sustainable and green tourism, the province is well-positioned to maintain its stature as a premier cultural heritage destination while unlocking new opportunities to attract high-value international travelers through premium, unique, and experiential offerings.

For Hoiana, 2025 represents a pivotal phase in our long-term growth strategy. We are committed to continuously enhancing and diversifying our product and service portfolio to meet the evolving demands of travelers.

Our vision extends beyond hospitality: we aim to establish a world-class green satellite urban area. Phase 2 of our development project will accelerate with an investment of approximately $1 billion across a 209-hectare area, demonstrating our steadfast commitment to sustainable regional development.

In alignment with this vision, we have set ambitious targets to generate 2,500 direct employment opportunities and 5,000 indirect jobs over the next two years. This initiative underscores our dedication to driving economic growth and elevating the standard of living within the local community.

Are there any challenges or obstacles Hoiana is facing in its development?

Thanks to the concerted efforts of the government and relevant authorities, Quang Nam’s tourism landscape underwent positive transformations in 2024, creating a conducive environment for business growth and innovation.

Nonetheless, Hoiana faces certain hurdles. Chief among them is the need for support in expediting approvals. These are critical to advancing the subsequent phases of our development project as per schedule.

Additionally, Hoiana also seeks for support in attracting Chinese tourists, as this is a large and key market that has yet to be fully tapped. The main reason lies in the lack of direct commercial flights connecting Da Nang International Airport with major cities in China. We hope that efforts in this area will be intensified to draw more Chinese visitors to central Vietnam and Hoiana.

Do you have any other proposals to boost the tourism sector in Quang Nam and the performance of businesses in the province?

In line with Quang Nam’s strategic roadmap for green and sustainable tourism development, I believe a comprehensive approach is vital. Diversifying tourism offerings - such as night-time tourism, golf tourism, MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) events, and luxury beach resorts - will cater to the sophisticated preferences of modern travelers while boosting visitor spending and retention rates.

Quang Nam’s abundant cultural and natural assets present a unique opportunity to create compelling experiences that balance heritage preservation with environmental and community sustainability.

From a business perspective, regulatory frameworks and administrative processes remain key challenges. While commendable progress has been made in policy reforms, inconsistencies and complexities in implementation continue to hinder project execution and expansion. I advocate for deeper public-private partnerships to address these systemic issues collaboratively.

At Hoiana, we remain resolute in our compliance with government policies and unwavering in our commitment to innovation. By introducing cutting-edge tourism products and experiences, we aim to enhance the competitiveness of Quang Nam’s tourism industry and contribute meaningfully to Vietnam’s standing as a world-class travel destination.