In order to build a friendly image in the role of “host” of APEC 2027, Phu Quoc city, Kien Giang province has planned for each resident living and working on the pearl island to be a tourism ambassador. More specifically, the roadmap for a green Phu Quoc to accompany the special event is also “winding up.”
Becoming the third city after Hanoi and Da Nang to host the APEC summit, it can be said that Phu Quoc has a great opportunity to promote its destination image, contributing to raising the country's position in the international arena.
Every citizen is an ambassador
Affirming the strategic vision until 2027, as a green destination accompanying APEC, the leader of the People's Committee of Kien Giang province affirmed that this is not only a source of pride, but also a great responsibility.
As a “star” on the Vietnamese tourism map, in Phu Quoc, not only the government and tourism businesses but also each citizen contribute significantly to the sustainable development of the local smokeless industry. Therefore, the 2027 APEC Summit Week places on the “shoulders” of the local government as well as the people and business community of the pearl island a heavy responsibility but also full of honor and pride.
After a period of being turned away by tourists because the cost of a trip to Phu Quoc was much more expensive than an overseas tour, the locality has taken positive steps to rectify the situation and attract tourists back. As a result, in 2024, Phu Quoc welcomed 5 million visitors, of which 1 million were international visitors.
Sunset on Phu Quoc Island. (Photo: Mai Mai/Vietnam+)
However, how to successfully organize APEC 2027 and bring back a "good reputation" for domestic and international tourists to have a sympathetic and nostalgic view of Phu Quoc is a matter that needs to be discussed. At the local level, associated with this important event, Phu Quoc has launched a movement of each citizen being a Tourism Ambassador, aiming to bring a friendly image in handling situations, behaving, and communicating.
Every citizen, regardless of whether they are street vendors, taxi or motorbike taxi drivers, or waiters in restaurants, hotels, etc., is encouraged to spend time learning how to behave better and more innovatively to bring positive emotions to tourists on their journey to experience this beautiful pearl island.
However, only when there is a roadmap and synchronous implementation solutions along with a well-prepared plan, and people are aware of their role as “ambassadors”, can Phu Quoc “fulfill its role.” Because the locality’s goal is to be able to welcome over 10 million visitors like Da Nang city today.
Acknowledging that Phu Quoc has had rapid development in recent times, demonstrating the efforts and joint efforts of state agencies, people, especially businesses to turn Phu Quoc into a resort paradise, Secretary of Phu Quoc City Party Committee Le Quoc Anh also expressed concern that without good solutions, the "target" of 10 million visitors will become a risk.
Phu Quoc needs 15-20 five-star hotels, including at least 30 presidential suites and 50 suites for ministers and senior officials to serve APEC 2027. (Illustration photo: Mai Mai/Vietnam+)
Solutions for a green Phu Quoc
Director of Kien Giang Department of Tourism Bui Quoc Thai affirmed that building sustainable green tourism, international standards in Phu Quoc is both a trend and a goal, and also a responsibility that Kien Giang tourism industry is aiming for.
According to Mr. Bui Quoc Thai: “The time is not much but the workload is huge, from investing in building technical facilities, training human resources, building new products and services, promoting advertising... Especially building sustainable green tourism to elevate tourism, welcoming APEC 2027.”
In order to join hands to build a green, sustainable and zero-emission Phu Quoc destination, experts suggest that first of all, the locality needs a circular economy and circular thinking. With 150-200 tons of landfill waste per day in Phu Quoc as it is now, if it continues, it will cause overload. Therefore, it is imperative to classify waste at source; then collect and completely reuse wastewater generated from production, business and daily activities on the island.
The second solution is to develop green, smart and sustainable infrastructure. Green infrastructure is considered the lifeblood of the green urban “lungs”, and of course green transportation is indispensable. Switching from gasoline-powered taxis and service vehicles to electric ones is necessary, along with infrastructure investment plans to use clean energy (wind power, solar power).
Phu Quoc night tour with highlights of art performances. (Photo: Contributor/Vietnam+)
The third solution, according to experts, is to build high-value eco-tourism associated with preserving indigenous cultural heritage. Although tourism is identified as one of the key economic sectors, it cannot be developed at any cost.
Faced with the challenges of climate change and environmental pollution, Vietnam, with its vision of becoming a sustainably developed country, is gradually asserting its leading role in the region. The leaders of Kien Giang province affirmed 5 pillars to act for the image of “Green Phu Quoc” accompanying the APEC Summit Week 2027, including: Green transportation; green energy; green infrastructure; green tourism; green governance.
In particular, the green governance factor is emphasized as particularly important. Because the “machine” can only operate effectively if the policy framework is correct, transparent and encouraging from the local to the central level. This is also the foundation for the above pillars to be implemented synchronously, thereby enhancing the image of the national destination./.
A corner of Venice in the heart of Phu Quoc. (Photo: CTV/Vietnam+)
According to information from the People's Committee of Kien Giang province, to prepare for this major event, the locality has built a list of 29 urgent projects, with a total investment of more than 220,000 billion VND, mobilizing capital from many sources, including private enterprises.
Key projects include: Waste and wastewater treatment plant; Domestic water supply plant; expansion of Phu Quoc International Airport; upgrading of An Thoi International Seaport; renovation of main traffic system, underground electricity and telecommunications; construction of APEC Multifunctional Complex...
According to the Kien Giang Provincial Department of Tourism, to meet the needs of about 12,000-15,000 delegates from 21 APEC member economies, Phu Quoc needs 15-20 five-star hotels, including at least 30 presidential suites and 50 suites for ministers and senior officials. In addition, a series of three- to four-star accommodation facilities are also being prepared to serve the press, businesses, and logistics forces.
(Vietnam+)
Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/apec-2027-co-hoi-quang-ba-diem-den-phu-quoc-nang-tam-hinh-anh-quoc-gia-post1043834.vnp
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