Hoiana Resort & Golf has announced plans for a major expansion in Quang Nam province, central Vietnam. The property has committed to a $1 billion investment dedicated to the second phase of its development, Hoiana President and CEO Steve Wolstenholme stated in an interview with The Investor.
The project, covering 209 hectares, aims to transform the resort into a world-class hospitality and tourism hub while contributing to regional economic growth. The expansion follows a strong performance for Quang Nam’s tourism industry in 2024.
The province welcomed approximately eight million tourists, a 14% increase from the previous year and surpassing the annual target by 6%. Quang Nam was recognized as the “Most Attractive and Impressive Domestic Destination of 2024” by Travellive Magazine.
Hoiana played a key role in this growth, having hosted over 225,000 guests in 2024. The resort remains the largest foreign direct investment (FDI) tax contributor in the province and was recognized by the World Travel Awards as the “World’s Leading Fully Integrated Resort.”
Beyond its commercial success, Hoiana has also prioritized corporate social responsibility, investing nearly VND30 billion ($1.2 million) in sustainability and community support initiatives since 2018. In 2024 alone, the resort conducted 12 programs, contributing over VND2 billion to local communities.
Wolstenholme expressed confidence in Quang Nam’s tourism trajectory. “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,” he said.
The project aims to generate 2,500 direct jobs and an additional 5,000 indirect employment opportunities over the next two years. In addition to expanding its hospitality services, Hoiana envisions the creation of a “world-class green satellite urban area,” aligning with the province’s sustainable development goals.
Despite the optimism, Wolstenholme acknowledged challenges that need to be addressed for Hoiana’s expansion to proceed smoothly. Regulatory approvals remain a key hurdle, and he emphasized the need for government support in expediting approvals.
Additionally, Hoiana sees untapped potential in the Chinese tourism market but notes that a lack of direct commercial flights between Da Nang International Airport and major Chinese cities has hindered growth. “We hope that efforts in this area will be intensified to draw more Chinese visitors to central Vietnam and Hoiana,” Wolstenholme said.
To further enhance Quang Nam’s tourism appeal, he suggested broadening tourism offerings beyond cultural heritage experiences. Developing attractions such as night-time tourism, golf tourism, MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) events, and luxury resorts would help attract high-spending travelers and increase visitor retention.
From a business standpoint, Wolstenholme highlighted the importance of continued policy reforms to improve administrative processes for investors. While progress has been made, he noted that inconsistencies in regulatory implementation still present obstacles to project execution and expansion. He advocated for stronger collaboration between public and private sectors to address these challenges.
Original article: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2025/02/11/94778-vietnam-39s-hoiana-resort-golf-to-invest-1-billion-in-phase-2-expansion
