Using Phu Quoc as the "locomotive" to boost tourism.

According to the An Giang Department of Tourism, in the first five months of 2026, the province's "non-polluting industry" (tourism) underwent a strong transformation, welcoming over 13.3 million tourists, an increase of 12.1% compared to the same period last year, with total revenue of approximately 33,169 billion VND, reaching 53.2% and nearly 50% of the annual plan respectively.

Affirming Phu Quoc's position

Tourists swim at Mui Nai beach, Ha Tien ward (An Giang province).

An Giang's highlight is its strong appeal to tourists during the upcoming Lunar New Year (Year of the Horse) and Spring Festival 2026, Hung Kings' Commemoration Day (10th day of the 3rd lunar month), the 51st anniversary of the Liberation of Southern Vietnam (April 30th), and International Labor Day (May 1st). Visitors not only make pilgrimages to the mystical and spiritual Thất Sơn region of An Giang but also experience diverse tourism options such as beach and island tourism, ecotourism, and garden tourism.

In addition, the Phu Quoc special economic zone has been marked by a strong return of international tourists, with over 1.17 million visitors, an increase of 51%, accounting for nearly 99% of the total international tourists to the entire province.

The number of international tourists visiting Phu Quoc Island has increased significantly due to the upgrade of Phu Quoc International Airport, which has increased its capacity and offers many direct flights from South Korea, China, Singapore, Thailand, etc.; the 30-day visa exemption policy, which facilitates international visitors and reduces entry and exit procedures; and the development of 5-star resort chains, amusement parks, and casinos by Vinpearl and Sun Group , creating distinctive attractions.

At the same time, Phu Quoc has consistently been recognized as a top trending global destination in 2026, hosting numerous international cultural and sporting events. The trend towards green resort tourism means international tourists are seeking destinations that are close to nature, safe, and sustainable, perfectly matching the advantages of the Pearl Island.

According to Bui Quoc Thai, Director of the An Giang Department of Tourism, Phu Quoc has become the "locomotive" bringing the image of An Giang to the world, helping the province enhance its reputation and competitiveness in tourism in the region. When Phu Quoc attracts international tourists to the Pearl Island, other localities such as Ha Tien, Rach Gia, Hon Son, Chau Doc, Nui Sam, Nui Cam, Tra Su… will have the opportunity to benefit from the expanded flow of visitors.

At the same time, this serves as a stepping stone for the province to prepare for the APEC 2027 Summit in Phu Quoc, elevating its regional standing. This not only affirms Phu Quoc's position but also creates a ripple effect, enhancing the image and attractiveness of the entire An Giang tourism industry. The tourism sector has advised the Provincial People's Committee to submit to the Prime Minister for approval a plan to develop Phu Quoc into a high-quality, internationally-class eco-tourism center, serving as a guiding principle for long-term steps.

Digital technology helps develop tourism.

Sailing boats serve tourists in the waters off Phu Quoc Island (An Giang province).

In tourism development, the province has significantly modernized its management and promotion efforts, combining traditional promotion with digital technology. An Giang has implemented a website system integrating virtual reality videos, an online ticketing system, and a mobile application to promote its image; AI cameras have been put into use to monitor visitor traffic at tourist areas. The province has digitized tourism data and upgraded its website to make it easier for organizations and individuals to search for and learn information.

Currently, the province's infrastructure and services are becoming increasingly professional, with over 1,150 accommodation establishments and nearly 40,000 rooms, catering to diverse needs from budget to luxury. The service workforce is standardized, with over 590 licensed tour guides and 143 licensed travel agencies. Thorough preparation in terms of facilities, human resources, and security at tourist areas and attractions has created a safe and friendly tourism environment for visitors.

Following the provincial merger, An Giang possesses a full range of resources, from plains and border areas to rivers, mountains, forests, and magnificent islands. This gives An Giang an extremely diverse and high-class tourism product ecosystem. Phu Quoc continues to be positioned as a high-quality service and ecotourism center and a national and international-level island and beach tourism destination.

The Ha Tien - Kien Luong - Kien Hai cluster affirms its position with ecotourism in coastal and island areas linked to unique historical and cultural relics. The Vinh Te - Nui Cam cluster maintains its renowned spiritual tourism brand with the Ba Chua Xu Temple on Sam Mountain and the Nui Cam Tourist Area. In addition, the "green lung" system, including U Minh Thuong National Park, Phu Quoc National Park, and Tra Su Melaleuca Forest, creates a diverse network of ecotourism, scientific research, and experiential tourism, rarely found elsewhere.

According to Bui Quoc Thai, the province aims to welcome 39.5 million tourists by 2030, including more than 3 million international visitors, making tourism an important gateway connecting the province's economy within the ASEAN region; striving to become a unique, world-class coastal and island tourism destination and a green tourism center of the region.

To realize this aspiration, the province is focusing on key solutions. Among these, top priorities include administrative procedure reform, proposing an expansion of visa exemption policies for international tourists, and promoting digital transformation in management and promotion. The transportation system connecting the airport and seaports with tourism centers will be improved to be synchronized and modern. An Giang aims to develop green and sustainable tourism based on three pillars: the tourism economic value chain, high-quality local human resources, and modern infrastructure.

In particular, the province is making the most of the APEC 2027 event as one of the important channels to help the province achieve its goals in international cooperation and image promotion. Specifically, this includes promoting and positioning An Giang tourism brand on the world tourism map; focusing on strengthening cooperation with countries in the ASEAN region and countries with great potential in the tourist market, and connecting more deeply with the global tourism economy.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/du-lich/dung-dau-tau-phu-quoc-tao-suc-bat-cho-du-lich-20260530084705700.htm