Tourism businesses gear up to welcome tourists

Tourists are checking in at Sun World Hon Thom, Phu Quoc special zone. Photo: TAY HO

Smokeless ride

Early in the morning, Mr. Park Joon Ho - a Korean tourist leisurely walked out of the Phu Quoc airport lobby, still clutching a brochure about the "green pearl island". He looked around for a taxi to take him to the hotel. But instead of a familiar gasoline car, he immediately called an electric taxi.

As soon as he got in the car, Mr. Park was a bit surprised when he did not hear the familiar sound of the engine, only the gentle sound of the sea breeze through the glass window, the sound of waves crashing in the distance. Mr. Park's eyes gradually widened, looking along both sides of Tran Hung Dao Street, there were rows of green coconut trees, spacious resorts, and "Green Travel - Green Stay" signs appearing everywhere. Every time the car stopped at a red light, Mr. Park took the opportunity to capture the fresh green frames, smiling quietly. That little story is a vivid slice of the journey to build "Green Phu Quoc" - a zero-emission island city, busily preparing for APEC 2027. That vision is not only expressed through numbers and projects, but also deeply imprinted in every journey, every smile of tourists.

Ms. Nguyen Ngoc Thuy Linh - Executive Director of Green SM Vietnam market shared: “Currently, we have had the opportunity to serve more than 300 million trips, helping to reduce 211,000 tons of CO2. In Phu Quoc, Green SM has nearly 500 vehicles in operation, but still accounts for a small proportion compared to the total number of passenger cars. Therefore, promoting the group of business vehicles, serving tourist transport on the island is the top priority to reduce CO2, at the same time building an impressive image in the eyes of international tourists when coming to Phu Quoc, VinFast has been cooperating and supporting green conversion policies for transport businesses. We hope to receive strong guidance and direction from the provincial leaders on the conversion from gasoline vehicles to electric vehicles for this business on the island”.

Not only stopping at taxis, the electric VinBus network connects major tourist destinations, serving millions of visitors each year. The V-Green charging station system is widespread, covering from airports, seaports to large hotels. In Phu Quoc, it is expected that by the end of 2026, there will be 40-50 new charging stations. In addition, the unit proposed that the province establish a green vehicle conversion fund to support individuals and organizations participating in the conversion, combining VinFast's preferential price policy; recommending exemption or reduction of port entry fees, prioritizing electric vehicles to access airport terminal lobbies, and encouraging businesses and people to use green vehicles.

Bringing "Green Phu Quoc" to the world

Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich Dieu - Director of Dong Noi Phu Quoc Tourism Company (Cocotravel brand) is busy directing staff to prepare new tours. Phu Quoc hosting APEC 2027 is a great opportunity for local businesses in general, and businesses operating in the tourism sector in particular. The source of high-end international tourists will increase sharply, opportunities for international cooperation will also increase, services will gradually shift from popular tours to custom-designed tours, VIP tours, with higher profit margins. "However, I assess that the challenges that local travel companies face will not be small. The level of competition will increase when large companies from all over the world flock to Phu Quoc to operate. If local businesses do not standardize services, invest in brands and digitally transform in time, they will not be able to keep up with the pace of development" - Ms. Dieu expressed.

Ms. Dieu's company focuses on designing products that are highly experiential, private and different from popular products. The Cocotravel brand of Dong Noi Phu Quoc is associated with international cruise ships and yachts docking at Phu Quoc port and charter flights from Europe to Phu Quoc. "After 25 years of operating in Phu Quoc, we not only do tours, we are also Phu Quoc tourism ambassadors. And we are committed to continuing to promote the image of Phu Quoc tourism to the international market through organizing famtrips or press trips. In addition to building a high-quality partner system and new service models, Cocotravel will also cooperate with local farmers, fishermen and artisans to develop experiential tours to develop tourism products with Phu Quoc's identity" - Ms. Dieu shared more.

From a management perspective, Mr. Bui Quoc Thai - Director of the Department of Tourism believes that APEC 2027 is not only an opportunity to welcome guests but also an opportunity to affirm the Phu Quoc brand. Each business must become a tourism ambassador, bringing the image of "Green Phu Quoc" to the world. This is a golden opportunity to affirm the pearl island brand, raising its position on the world tourism map. Through this event, Phu Quoc can strongly promote the image of a safe, friendly, classy destination, attracting international tourists, especially the high-end market with high spending levels. “I believe that, with its current potential and development momentum, Phu Quoc can absolutely become a leading tourism, resort and international conference center in the region, contributing to spreading the image of Vietnamese tourism to the world, while strongly promoting the marine economy and services for the entire Mekong Delta. This is truly a golden time for Phu Quoc to make a breakthrough, affirming its role as the leading tourism hub of the country,” said Mr. Bui Quoc Thai.

APEC 2027 is getting closer every day. Smooth electric cars, sea-scented tours, and food full of stories are all quietly preparing for the moment Phu Quoc steps onto the global stage…

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Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/doanh-nghiep-du-lich-len-day-cot-don-du-khach-a425834.html