Kien Giang (VNA) - In the first half of 2024, international flights to Phu Quoc island in the southern province of Kien Giang 🐽increased by 186%, and international visitors rose by 134.8% compared to the same period in 2023. These positive trends underscore the growing appeal of Phu Quoc's tourism sector and its emerging status as a prominꦡent destination.

A new magnet for Korean and Taiwanese tourists

Recently, the Republic of Korea’s airline Eastar Jet announced the launch of new flights from Cheongju to Phu Quoc, operating four times a week. With the addition of Eastar Jet to this route, there are now four RoK airlines providing direct flights to Phu Quoc, including Korean Air, Jin Air, and Jeju Air. According to a recent survey conducted by Rankify Korea, Phu Quoc has emerged as the premier destination for Korean tourists, surpassing other popular locations such as Da Nang, Nha Trang, Bangkok, Phuket, and Kyoto. Phu Quoc is not only gaining traction in attracting Korean tourists but is also emerging as a significant competitor in the region, increasingly appealing to Taiwanese travelers. Currently, TigerAir and Starlux Airlines operate eight flights to Phu Quoc each week. Addressing the rising demand from Taiwanese tourists, Chih Hao Chen, Marketing Director at Starlux Airlines, disclosed the airline's forthcoming plans: "Currently, we are utilizing A321neo aircraft for our Phu Quoc flights, which have a capacity of 188 seats. Booking rates have surpassed 90% for July and August, with robust ticket sales. Beginning in October, we will transition to a wide-body aircraft for the Taipei to Phu Quoc route. Additionally, we plan to inaugurate a new route from Taichung to Phu Quoc by the end of October.”

This marks a substantial increase compared to the corresponding period in 2023. During the first six months of this year, Phu Quoc received 1,947 international flights, reflecting a 186% rise from the previous year. The Phu Quoc International Airport anticipates the number of international flights to reach 22 to 26 per day in the latter half of the year, 2.5 times higher than at the beginning of the year. This highlights Phu Quoc's success in drawing international tourists. According to the Kien Giang Department of Tourism, the city welcomed 499,172 international visitors in the first six months of the year, achieving 74.9% of the annual target and marking a 134.8% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Huynh Quang Hung, Chairman of the Phu Quoc city People's Committee, stated: "At present, Korean and Taiwanese tourists constitute a significant portion of international visitors to Phu Quoc, with European tourists following closely. In the latter half of the year, we anticipate both the number of international flights and the overall count of international visitors to continue increasing compared to the same period in 2023”.

A future for Phu Quoc?

Aside from attracting tourists from the RoK and Taiwan, Phu Quoc is also asserting its position as a “priority” for international tourists. Recently, the prestigious global travel magazine Travel+Leisure readers has voted for Phu Quoc at 2nd rank of top 25 most amazing islands in the world, surpassing resort paradises such as Bali and Phuket, just behind the Maldives. The magazine also emphasizes the surprise that Phu Quoc ranking is at the second place in the favorite list of this year. With its favourable natural landscape and climate, Phu Quoc tourism is growing more and more attractively with its tourism infrastructure and top-notch entertainment complexes in Vietnam

Huynh Quang Hung, Chairman of the People's Committee of Phu Quoc city, states that: "In today’s society, many corporations such as Sun Group, Vingroup and BIM Group will continue to invest in high-standards tourism, service, and entertainment projects. A particular example is the southern area of the island, where projects invested by Sun Group are being voted as one of the most appealing destinations for international tourists, especially those from the RoK, Taiwan, and many other markets in the region." In the south of Phu Quoc Island, Sun Group has contributed to turn this place into a new tourist center, alongside with the administrative center in Duong Dong. The eastern coastline has been developed into a resort center, with upscale accommodation and spa facilities. There are even 4 luxurious resorts, managed by world-leading hotel brands such as Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Accor, Rosewood Hotels in Kem Beach and Ong Doi Cape.

On the West coast, Sunset Town, a mega entertainment complex with the largest investment in Vietnam - over 4 trillion VND (158.64 million USD), offering iconic structures and a diverse range of entertainment experiences, festivals, cuisine, and culture. The Kiss Bridge - a bridge praised by CNN, the world’s leading large-scale art show "Kiss of the Sea", the first night market by the beach in Vietnam - VUI-Fest Bazaarand the Vietnamese Puppet Theater “A Oi”. At the end of this year, more new interesting destinations will be organized, such as the Sun Kraft Beer factory and restaurant, the Kiss Bridge Night Club, and a series of performances by top worldwide artists. All of these creates a vibrant 24/7 tourist center and year-round tourist attraction. According to experts' forecasts at the conference announcing the master plan for Phu Quoc city until 2040, Phu Quoc has the capacity to welcome 14.6 million tourists, directly competing with the huge tourist industry in Asia such as Phuket and Bali. Besides the incomparable natural strengths and the special policy of visa exemption for tourists up to 30 days, Phu Quoc has been making efforts to attract investment, infrastructure development, and create a high-class tourism ecosystem in order to stay ahead of the wave of international visitor growth. A future where Phu Quoc surpasses the old paradises of the world is becoming a reality, faster than predicted./.