Unique mechanisms for Phu Quoc's outstanding development.

Granting visas and extending the length of stay for tourists.

Over 20 years ago, when we collaborated with experts from the World Tourism Organization to survey and develop a master plan for Phu Quoc, we proposed groundbreaking policies, even those considered "crazy," such as extending the electricity grid to the island and allowing international tourists from all over the world to visit Phu Quoc without a visa. In reality, these policies have proven to be the most important factors driving the remarkable development of tourism on the island to this day.

Looking back, Phu Quoc's tourism planning at all three time points – 2003, 2004, and most recently 2024 (Phu Quoc City Master Plan to 2040) – has aimed to transform Phu Quoc into a high-quality, world-class tourist destination.

This goal requires appropriate responses through specific mechanisms and policies tailored to the island region, and cannot be treated the same way as mainland destinations. Specifically, visa policies have been opened, but they need to be further expanded and improved. With an increasing number of international tourists staying longer in Phu Quoc, the permitted length of stay should be extended. For visa policies to be effective, more flight routes need to be expanded, directly connecting Phu Quoc with more countries.

In particular, a high-quality, regionally and internationally-renowned tourism center cannot be separated from the issue of the environment. The fact that Phu Quoc still lacks a professional waste and wastewater treatment center is a huge shortcoming. This is not only a tourism issue but also serves the needs of the local population and is extremely important for islands. A large-scale, high-tech waste treatment center needs to be built urgently.

Furthermore, the master plan until 2040 aims for Phu Quoc's population to reach 680,000 people and to welcome 14.6 million international tourists; however, with a maximum clean water supply of only 200,000 m3/day, this is certainly insufficient. For island tourism, access to clean water is a crucial factor, determining the island's tourist capacity.

No matter how large or resource-rich an island is, a lack of clean water makes it impossible to bring water tankers daily to serve tourists. Among the international tourist groups that Phu Quoc aims to attract, there are ultra-wealthy individuals who use very few resources, including water. Therefore, alongside mobilizing resources to invest in water supply infrastructure from the mainland to the island, policies are needed to change the structure of tourist sources, focusing on attracting ultra-wealthy visitors and limiting uncontrolled migration, ensuring the island's carrying capacity.