It is expected to boost tourism to the island, 30 kilometers off the Quang Ngai coast, since currently tourists from Da Nang have to make a 150-kilometer journey on land before taking a boat to reach Ly Son.

The Quang Ngai Department of Transport had earlier opposed the proposal, saying Ly Son’s port is overloaded and the province’s tourism development would be affected if passengers could travel directly from Da Nang.

The distance between Ly Son and Da Nang by sea is around 130 km.

The proposal has also been approved by Da Nang and the Ministry of Transport.

The island, famous for its beaches and garlic farms, gets around 200,000 visitors a year.