Amid blue seas, Cô Tô is gradually repositioning itself from a familiar resort destination into a “green, smart, friendly” destination. With steady growth momentum and a clear development orientation, Cô Tô Special Zone is not only striving to attract nearly 400,000 visitors in 2026, but also aiming for a sustainable tourism model that enhances the visitor experience in a more modern and approachable way.
From the beginning of May 2026, visitors to Cô Tô will be able to fully enjoy the lively festival atmosphere through a series of programs and events. The summer-opening events will also be associated with activities commemorating the 65th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh’s visit to Cô Tô Island on May 9 (1961–2026). The local authorities will hold a flag-raising ceremony, incense offering, flower offering in remembrance and tribute, and a report of achievements to President Ho Chi Minh at 7 a.m. on May 9 at the Special National Monument of the Ho Chi Minh President Memorial Site on Cô Tô Island. This will be followed by the opening ceremony for the 2026 summer tourism season, themed “Green Cô Tô – A Symphony of Aspiration,” at the square in front of the Special National Monument of the Ho Chi Minh President Memorial Site on Cô Tô Island.
Cô Tô Special Zone is expected to organize the “Joining Hands for a Blue Sea” beach-cleaning program at several beaches, bathing areas, central coastal areas, and suitable tourist sites; as well as a kayak race to welcome the 2026 summer tourism season at Tình Yêu Beach (the area in front of the square). In addition, the 2026 summer tourism stimulation program will feature discounts on accommodation, dining, transport, sightseeing, and experience services; businesses will be encouraged to create combo packages, promotional programs, and gifts to attract visitors.
In addition, to prepare for the peak summer tourism season of 2026, local businesses have proactively collected waste and ensured environmental hygiene in preparation for the tourism season. At Vàn Chảy and Hồng Vàn beaches, businesses have removed the palm-leaf umbrellas and used metal frames and mobile tarpaulins suited to weather conditions, limiting damage during thunderstorms and whirlwinds. The Service Supply Center is leading the professional upgrading of Hồng Vàn and Vàn Chảy beaches, while also completing the lighting system, greenery, urban landscaping, and directional signage for tourists. The beaches are expected to open on April 22.
Comrade Đinh Đức Minh, Standing Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Cô Tô Special Zone, said: To ensure visitor safety, the relevant agencies are stepping up inspections and strictly handling jet skis and banana boats that do not meet operating requirements. The Economic Division will continue reviewing quality and technical safety conditions at wharves, piers, and tourist waiting areas; while also managing docking points and passenger pick-up and drop-off locations serving tours to the islands. The relevant units will also inspect and provide guidance on standardizing food safety conditions at tourism service establishments; inspect water-based recreational activities and visits to small islands; and rectify the posting of prices, ensure sales at listed prices, and prevent visitor harassment.
In recent years, Cô Tô Special Zone has positioned itself as a “green island” brand, with determination extending from infrastructure planning to the operation of tourism. Closely following this orientation, in 2026 the locality will continue to develop around three main pillars: positioning the destination brand with the orientation of “Cô Tô – a green, smart, friendly, and safe island”; developing infrastructure and improving service quality; and building and operating a digital ecosystem for management, promotion, and visitor support.
Among these efforts, the Special Zone is focusing on sustainable environmental goals, such as eliminating single-use plastic items from tourism activities, collecting and treating 100% of ocean waste at bathing beaches, and ensuring that 100% of business establishments have clean water and conservation solutions. At the same time, it aims to provide skills training for more than 80% of tourism workers; integrate 100% of tourism establishment data into the Cô Tô Digital application; and include 100% of qualified accommodation establishments and restaurants in the digital management system.
From the beginning of 2026, the locality focused on completing key infrastructure projects, striving to finish the Cô Tô Lớn road and the street lighting system on Vũ Văn Hiếu Street before March 31. Alongside this, it will upgrade and manage Hồng Vàn and Vàn Chảy beaches in a coordinated manner and strive to develop Tình Yêu Beach to meet regulatory standards; continue strengthening inspections of fire prevention and firefighting, price postings, and food safety; and address acts of visitor harassment, contributing to a stable tourism business environment in compliance with regulations.
One of Cô Tô’s highlights is its approach to developing tourism products. Rather than relying solely on the scenery, the island is creating more meaningful experiences. The flag-raising ceremony, in particular, is being oriented as a distinctive tourism product. There, visitors not only sightsee but also learn about history, experience the nation’s values and fine traditions, and foster a sense of pride. The Hồng Hải Smart Tourism Village model is being piloted; tours of the three major islands (Cô Tô – Thanh Lân – Trần Island) offer more diverse exploration journeys; and activities such as being a fisherman, taking part in marine ecological agriculture at Hòn Ngang, mountain climbing, and photography help visitors gain profound and memorable experiences of island life. The Special Zone has identified the continued development of the night-time economy in the food street, the coastal ring road, and the regulating lake area; the development of Tình Yêu Beach to meet standards; and the development of the Thôn 2 Shrine sightseeing product, among other initiatives.
With a comprehensive strategy spanning products, events, and infrastructure, Cô Tô hopes to create an attractive and vibrant marine-island tourism experience and strongly attract visitors in 2026.
