The government of Quang Binh province is proceeding with plans to build a cable car system inside Son Doong Cave, the world's largest.
Tuoi Tre reports that last Thursday the provincial administration said it is in the process of surveying the cave in preparation for the construction of a cable car. In January, the government denied claims that it had approved plans for such a system after a public outcry. The cave is located in the province's Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.
Nguyen Huu Hoai, the Quang Binh chairman, told the news source: "It is the province's intention to install a cable car system at Phong Nha-Ke Bang, and we are calling for developers."
He added: "However, there must be a thorough field study and a number of building options before we can open up the discussion to developers. Multiple authorities, as well as government bodies and UNESCO must also be involved for the project to move forward."
Both Son Doong and Phong Nha-Ke Bang are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Hoai also shared with Tuoi Tre that the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has approved the survey, while the Ministry of Construction claims it has not received any directives related to the construction.
Trinh Van Quyet, CEO of FLC Group, told the newspaper that his company has been named a prospective developer of the cable car.
"FLC didn't ask for it, but we were invited to develop the project no less than three times by the provincial administration," he said. "We reluctantly accepted the offer, as we are also developing other major projects in the province. The province wants us to develop the cable cars to make the most of its tourist potential."
Earlier this year Ho An Phong, director of the Quang Binh tourism department, told Tuoi Tre that reports stating a cable car would be built in Son Doong were "ill-founded."
[Photo via Sondoong.info]
