Enterprises play a significant role in tourism development in Cat Ba

The Cat Ba Archipelago (Cat Hai District, Hai Phong City) consists of 367 islands of various sizes covering an area of approximately 30,000 hectares. Among these, Cat Ba Island is the largest, with an area of 15,300 hectares, making it the third largest island in Vietnam after Phu Quoc and Cai Bau, and it boasts the highest peak at 331 meters.

This area features a tropical karst landscape, which is partially submerged and offers a unique seascape reminiscent of Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh. The islands are individual karst pinnacles or clusters, with steep cliffs rising from the pristine blue sea. Cat Ba Island is home to numerous beautiful caves, karst valleys like Trung Trang, Hung Son, Gia Luan, Tai Lai (now known as Viet Hai), and more.

The Cat Ba Archipelago features tropical rainforests on limestone islands, mangrove forests, coral reefs, seagrass beds, cave systems, and karst lakes, and it hosts a rich and diverse ecosystem. It has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve.

The total area of the Cat Ba Biosphere Reserve is over 26,000 hectares, encompassing Cat Ba National Park and more than half of Lan Ha Bay. It comprises two core areas (strict conservation with no human impact), two buffer zones (limited economic development combined with conservation), and two transitional zones (economic development).

In recent times, Cat Ba National Park has attracted many businesses for investment in tourism. Mr. Trinh Ba Dung, Director of Sao Da Lat Company, exclaimed: “When I visited this island, I was astounded by its beauty, especially its natural beauty. I think there are few places in the world as beautiful as Cat Ba Island. With our experience in developing tourism, we see that there are many values here, but these values must go hand in hand with the government, businesses, and the people to achieve harmony."

Mr. Hoang Tuan Anh, Vice Chairman of the Hai Phong Tourism Association, shared, "For the Cat Ba Archipelago and Cat Hai District, the natural landscape here is already a top-tier natural tourism product. It has attracted a large number of tourists solely due to this natural beauty."

However, as per the tourism development direction of Hai Phong City, Mr. Hoang Tuan Anh emphasized that the region needs investors who can introduce new, humane-oriented tourism products to enhance its appeal to visitors. Simultaneously, it is vital to preserve the landscape at a necessary level and develop tourism while still conserving the ecological balance in Cat Ba National Park. 

"It can be said that the role of businesses is extremely important. Here, the investment in tourism products must be in line with the planning and direction of state management agencies. The conservation and management efforts to maximize the exceptional values in Cat Ba National Park demand that investing businesses take responsibility for environmental protection and the preservation of these values. They must commit to working in harmony with the government to both exploit and fully realize the value of this archipelago for sustainable development.

The role of businesses goes beyond the how and what of investment; they must also establish connections with the local community to share benefits. Only when the rights and benefits of the local community, the local government, and businesses are in harmony can we provide the highest quality products to tourists and meet the criteria for sustainable development," emphasized Mr. Hoang Tuan Anh.

Cat Ba is often likened to a gem in the Gulf of Tonkin. The value and brand of Cat Ba's tourism not only enrich the local population but also serve as a source of pride for Vietnamese people and visitors from both within and outside the country. Therefore, there is a need for comprehensive and consistent investment in tourism development to maximize the unique potential and value of Cat Ba Island.

The recognition of Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago as a World Natural Heritage took place during the 45th session of UNESCO in Saudi Arabia from September 10 to September 25.

UNESCO assessed that the primary forest area covering approximately 1,045.2 hectares on Cat Ba Archipelago is one of the crucial factors contributing to the ecological and biological diversity of the nominated site.

Accordingly, the Cat Ba Langur (Trachypithecus poliocephalus) is a rare and highly endangered species, listed in the highest category of endangered species in the IUCN Red List. Only 60 to 70 individuals remaining have been recorded to date. They are exclusively found in Cat Ba Archipelago, with no other known populations in the world.