Authorities in Gia Lai Province have approved a master plan to develop ecotourism, resort and recreational facilities in Kon Ka Kinh National Park through 2030, with a longer-term vision extending to 2045.
The project aims to conserve and promote the park's natural landscape while making greater use of its ecological potential in combination with local cultural heritage. Officials hope the park will become one of the province's leading destinations for sustainable ecotourism.
Revenue generated from tourism will be reinvested in biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration and local economic development.
Under the plan, Kon Ka Kinh National Park aims to attract at least three private investors through joint ventures and partnerships by 2030. Authorities also intend to complete key infrastructure, including patrol roads that also serve tourism, car parks, a wildlife rescue centre, a botanical garden, accommodation facilities and supporting infrastructure.
The first phase will focus on three principal tourism sites: the Administrative Service Centre, the Bai Nai Ecotourism Resort, and the Kon Ka Kinh Ecotourism Resort. A network of tourism routes within the park and linking neighbouring destinations will also be developed.
By 2045, annual tourism revenue is projected to reach VND 78 billion (USD 3 million), based on average visitor spending of VND 1.5 million (USD 57) per person. Income from forest environment leasing is expected to generate at least VND 2 billion (USD 76,000) a year.
The long-term strategy also includes two additional attractions, the Suoi Ngoc Ecological and Cultural Experience Site and the Nha Dam Ecological and Cultural Experience Site, to diversify tourism products, distribute visitor numbers more evenly and attract at least four strategic investors.
Tourism activities will be linked with the local Bahnar community and nearby destinations to create sustainable livelihoods, reduce pressure on forest resources and enable the park to become financially self-sufficient for around 80 per cent of its forest protection and biodiversity conservation costs. Authorities also aim to establish Kon Ka Kinh National Park as a leading ecotourism destination in Vietnam's Central Highlands.
According to the approved plan, more than 1,086 hectares have been designated for five ecotourism, resort and recreational areas within the park's administrative service zone and ecological restoration zone.
The five sites comprise the Administrative Service Centre covering 53.2 hectares, the Bai Nai Ecotourism Experience and Resort spanning 339.26 hectares, the Kon Ka Kinh Ecotourism Resort covering 100 hectares, the Suoi Ngoc Ecological and Cultural Experience Site covering 113.88 hectares, and the Nha Dam Ecological and Cultural Experience Site covering 480.29 hectares.
The project also includes plans for 12 ecotourism routes based on existing forest patrol roads and trails, with a combined length of approximately 201 kilometres.
The total investment is estimated at more than VND 539 billion (USD 20.6 million). Of that amount, more than VND 473 billion (USD 18.1 million) will come from private investment, while more than VND 65 billion (USD 2.5 million) will be sourced from other lawful funding.
Implementation will take place in two phases: 2026-2030, with investment of more than VND 298 billion (USD 11.4 million), followed by 2031-2045, with more than VND 240 billion (USD 9.2 million) allocated.
