Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Pham Anh Tuan inspected operations at the new facility on its first day of service and directed local authorities and relevant agencies to implement measures aimed at ensuring safe, professional and efficient tourism activities.
The Hai Cang-Nhon Chau inland waterway route, approximately 30 kilometers in length, had previously shared infrastructure with Quy Nhon Fishing Port for passenger transport. However, the area primarily supports fishing activities and has frequently experienced congestion and environmental pollution, limiting its suitability for tourism services.
Authorities said the rapid growth in visitor numbers to Nhon Chau Island in recent years, particularly during the summer peak season, had placed increasing pressure on fishing port infrastructure, heightened traffic safety concerns and affected the destination’s tourism image.
To address these challenges, the Department of Construction proposed establishing a separate tourism passenger facility away from the fishing port area. The initiative is intended to create a safer, more organized and visitor-friendly environment, particularly as preparations continue for the National Tourism Year – Gia Lai 2026.
Following surveys, Mui Tan Wharf was identified as the most suitable location due to its convenient transport connections, proximity to the city center, shorter travel time to Nhon Chau Island and ability to utilize existing infrastructure effectively.
Temporary use of the wharf for passenger services officially began on June 15, 2026, to accommodate rising visitor demand during the peak tourism season and activities associated with the National Tourism Year.
During his inspection, Pham Anh Tuan instructed Quy Nhon Ward and Nhon Chau Commune to strengthen vehicle management, while relevant departments were directed to review route conditions, monitor water flows and develop contingency plans to ensure the safe movement of vessels entering and leaving the wharf.
He also called for improvements to tourism facilities at Mui Tan Wharf, including additional kiosks for visitors, displays and sales points for local OCOP products, enhanced environmental sanitation and landscaping measures to create a cleaner and more attractive tourism environment.
In the tourism sector, the provincial leader urged authorities to address unhealthy competition among travel operators. He emphasized the need for a unified ticketing system across the route rather than separate ticket issuance by individual companies, aiming to improve transparency and convenience for travelers.
Additional personnel should also be assigned to guide vessels safely into the wharf, with boat movements coordinated by relevant authorities, he said. Authorities are further considering the establishment of ticket counters for individual travelers to improve accessibility for both residents and tourists.
Passenger management is expected to gradually incorporate technology-based solutions to improve operational efficiency, while all transport operators will be required to maintain hygiene and safety standards.
Pham Anh Tuan said the coordinated implementation of management measures and service-quality improvements would help ensure efficient passenger transport operations, support the development of Nhon Chau Island tourism and contribute to building a more professional and sustainable image for the province’s tourism industry.
