The Government’s master plan for tourism development by 2020 aims to develop seven key tourism zones, of which five are sea-island related zones, reflecting the importance of sea and island tourism. Vietnam boasts the greatest sea and island potential among Southeast Asian nations. It has a coastline of more than 3,200 kilometres, dotted with some 2,700 islands of all shapes and sizes. Vietnam’s coastal areas have nurtured various UNESCO-recognised world natural heritage sites and biosphere reserves, and natural preservation areas. This maritime value helps Vietnam lead the region in sea-island tourism development. Along the country’s coastline, there are 125 tourism beaches. Among them, Da Nang beach was voted as one of the six most charming beaches on the earth. Ha Long Bay, the UNESCO-recognised world natural heritage in Quang Ninh, and Nha Trang Bay in Khanh Hoa are also among the globe’s most beautiful bays. According to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, sea and island tourism has also drawn a large number of foreign and domestic investors, accounting for 70 percent of the sector’s total investment. Vietnam’s tourism potential is strong, and the sector’s pace of development has so far been steady. The rest is being sharp, experts said, expressing their belief that sea and island tourism is what makes the sector sharp.-VNA