Despite possessing many advantages in terms of resources, Cu Lao Cham tourism (Tan Hiep commune) has not yet been able to break through when bottlenecks in mechanisms, infrastructure and operation organization have not been completely resolved, according to Da Nang City e-Portal.
Considered a "rough pearl" in the East Sea, Cu Lao Cham converges many outstanding values of nature and ecology. In 2009, the island was recognized by UNESCO as a world biosphere reserve, creating an important milestone on the tourism map. The eco-tourism brand associated with the message "say no to plastic bags and disposable plastic products" also contributes to positioning the image of a green destination.
After a period of interruption due to epidemics and transportation problems, local tourism is recovering. In the first quarter of 2026, Cu Lao Cham welcomed about 13,700 visitors, of which international visitors accounted for a significant proportion.
However, the recovery momentum is not sustainable and not commensurate with the potential.
The biggest bottleneck today is the product development space. The failure to announce an underwater entertainment area makes sea services - the core advantage - unable to be exploited. Tourism products mainly stop at sightseeing, swimming, diving to see corals; lack of unique experiences and almost no night economy.
In addition, weather and transportation factors directly affect tourism activities. Ms. Pham Thi My Huong - Chairwoman of Tan Hiep Commune People's Committee - said that in many cases, tourists come to the island in the morning but only after a few hours have to return to the mainland due to rough seas. This causes the journey to be interrupted, affecting the experience.
As a result, many travel businesses do not include Cu Lao Cham in fixed tours, but let tourists choose for themselves. The source of customers is therefore unstable, causing difficulties in building long-term products. Tourism money mainly focuses on travel businesses, while people on the island find it difficult to participate deeply in the value chain.
Faced with this situation, the requirement to "untie" Cu Lao Cham tourism becomes urgent. At a working session with Tan Hiep commune, Vice Chairman of Da Nang City People's Committee Nguyen Thi Anh Thi directed departments and branches to focus on handling obstacles synchronously.
The focus is on completing the legal corridor for marine tourism. The Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism is assigned to preside over and coordinate with relevant units to announce an aquatic entertainment area before June 30, 2026. This is considered a turning point to form unique tourism products.
Regarding infrastructure, units are assigned to study and reorganize waterway transport on the Cua Dai - Cu Lao Cham route in a safe direction, limiting interruptions. At the same time, continue to propose investment in suitable inland waterway ports, improve reception capacity and expand connectivity.
The city also requests to re-evaluate the management and use of revenue from entrance fees to Cu Lao Cham Nature Reserve to adjust it to suit reality. Along with that is to study support solutions such as specialized weather forecast bulletins, minimizing risks for tourism activities.
When bottlenecks in mechanisms and infrastructure are removed, Cu Lao Cham is expected to become a vibrant and attractive destination in the regional tourism journey.
