Rather than promoting itself solely through images of its blue seas and scenic landscapes, the island is introducing visitors to experiences that encourage them to engage with local life and leave with lasting memories.
The transformation begins with improvements to public spaces. Popular attractions, including the national flagpole, lighthouse, grassland rock beach and mural paintings, are regularly maintained and enhanced. Routine beach clean-ups and waste collection campaigns involving local officials, youth union members and residents also reinforce the island's commitment to environmental protection.
For many visitors, the result is more than a pristine coastline. It is the impression of a clean, welcoming island where environmental stewardship is shared by the community.
"I am impressed by how beautiful Nhơn Châu's beaches are, with clear blue water and fresh air," said Phạm Văn Kiên, a visitor from Hải Phòng who joined local residents in a beach clean-up. "Even more admirable is the strong environmental awareness among the locals. Everyone works together to keep the beaches clean, creating a pleasant atmosphere for visitors".
Beyond its natural attractions, Nhơn Châu is also expanding its range of locally inspired products to strengthen the island's identity.
Using materials readily available on the island, members of the local Youth Union produce between 200 and 300 handmade souvenirs each day, including keychains, Cù Lao Xanh shell jars and feng shui ornaments symbolising smooth sailing.
Nguyễn Xuân Hiển, Secretary of the Nhơn Châu Youth Union, said the products have been available since April 2026 at the lighthouse, grassland rock beach, hotels, homestays and other tourist sites. Each souvenir is designed not only as a keepsake but also as a way of sharing the island's story.
The island has also introduced a "landmark ice cream" featuring images of the national flagpole and Nhơn Châu lighthouse. Launched about a month ago, the colourful product has quickly become popular with visitors, particularly children.
"I think the ice cream is beautiful and delicious," said 12-year-old visitor Trần Thị Hương Giang from Ho Chi Minh City. "It's special because it features the lighthouse and flagpole. I took a photo of it to show my friends. I believe more people will want to visit Nhơn Châu when they see such interesting things."
The visitor experience is also being enhanced through digital technology.
The newly launched Nhơn Châu Smart Tourism project includes nine digitalised tourist sites, while the "Green Compass – Nhơn Châu Rendezvous" initiative has introduced two check-in guideposts to help visitors navigate local attractions.
On her first visit to the island, Nguyễn Thị Thu Hà from Ho Chi Minh City said the digital information system made exploring the destination easier.
"Digitalising information is very convenient for tourists," she said. "Just scan a code and you can learn more about each site, even details that guides might not have time to share. This makes the trip more proactive and interesting."
Infrastructure has also been upgraded with the opening of a new passenger pier, improving transport access while making boarding and disembarking safer and more convenient.
According to Hồ Nhật Duy, Vice Chairman of the Nhơn Châu Commune People's Committee, the island is prioritising green, sustainable tourism over mass tourism because its greatest strengths are its unspoiled landscapes, marine ecosystems and well-preserved fishing village culture.
He said controlled development helps protect those assets while offering visitors authentic experiences rooted in local life and traditions.
Looking ahead, Nhơn Châu plans to expand community-based tourism, develop more marine and island experiences, promote coral diving and nature exploration, increase OCOP products and souvenirs, and strengthen digital tourism promotion.
Together, these initiatives reflect the island commune's long-term effort to build a distinctive tourism identity, where every visitor experience helps tell the story of its people, culture and way of life.
