Western tourists are outnumbering Vietnamese tourists.

International organizations honored

Recently, the renowned American travel magazine Travel & Leisure published its list of the 25 most beautiful islands and archipelagos in the world for 2024. The survey was conducted among more than 186,000 readers from around the world. The islands were evaluated based on five criteria: natural attractions/beaches, activities, restaurants/cuisine, people/friendliness, and the value the destination offers to visitors.

Accordingly, the island nation of Maldives, located in the Indian Ocean, topped the ranking with a total score of 95.63. Phu Quoc Island (the only representative from Vietnam) ranked second with a total score of 94.41. Meanwhile, Bali (Indonesia) was pushed down to third place.

Travel+Leisure magazine introduces Phu Quoc as an emerging tourist destination, and this is also the island's greatest strength: it's one of the rare places that has preserved its pristine and peaceful nature. However, that doesn't mean Phu Quoc lacks the most luxurious hotels with top-notch amenities and private pools.

Previously, ABC News (Australia) ranked Phu Quoc beach as the top among 5 beautiful, clean, yet little-known beaches in the world.

This news agency commented that Long Beach on Phu Quoc Island is a "Hidden Beaches" – a beach with untapped potential. Long Beach is considered "best" during the period from October to March each year. Following Long Beach of Phu Quoc on the list are Wildcat Beach in California, USA; Pink Beach in Barbuda, an island with many beautiful sandy beaches in the Atlantic Ocean; Cayo Costa State Park in South Florida; and Majahuitas Cove in Mexico.

In 2017, the British newspaper Telegraph introduced Phu Quoc as Asia's hidden gem. Among the dozens of pristine islands there, Hon Xuong and Hon Thom were mentioned as the most beautiful locations with many sports activities such as scuba diving and yachting.

In 2019, Phu Quoc was once again voted by Forbes magazine as one of the six most beautiful beaches on the planet. The American magazine mentioned that visitors can come to Phu Quoc to bask in the sun, go snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, and squid fishing. Early morning is the ideal time to visit Duong Dong market, considered the "heart" of the Pearl Island.

Meanwhile, CNN included Phu Quoc in its list of 17 top destinations in Asia, claiming it has some of the most beautiful beaches in Southeast Asia. This was further highlighted in an article titled "10 Reasons to Visit Vietnam's Paradise Island".

Besides its breathtaking scenery, fresh air, and diverse nature, Phu Quoc Island also attracts many tourists with its famous local specialties. These include dishes such as "bun quay" (stir-fried noodles), Tram mushroom soup, herring salad, "bun ken" (noodle soup), Ham Ninh crab, crab noodle soup, crab rice, and various grilled seafood dishes.

Phu Quoc seafood is a favorite dish among tourists. Photo: Contributor.

The system of high-class hotels, diverse styles, stretching along the idyllic beaches, has also contributed to captivating the hearts of tourists visiting Phu Quoc Island. International visitors increased by over 177% compared to the same period.

According to Mr. Bui Quoc Thai, Director of the Kien Giang Department of Tourism, in August, Kien Giang is estimated to have welcomed 987,361 tourists (an increase of 18.7% compared to the same period last year), including an estimated 92,180 international tourists (an increase of 175% compared to the same period last year); total revenue reached 2,448 billion VND (an increase of 82% compared to the same period last year). For the first eight months of the year, Kien Giang is estimated to have welcomed 7,659,745 tourists (reaching 83.3% of the annual plan), including an estimated 665,067 international tourists (reaching 97.8% of the annual plan); total revenue reached 18,042 billion VND (reaching 90.2% of the annual plan).

Specifically, Phu Quoc city is estimated to have welcomed 561,548 visitors (a 4.3% increase compared to the same period last year), including an estimated 91,237 international visitors (a 177.6% increase compared to the same period last year); total revenue reached VND 2,019 billion (an 84.2% increase compared to the same period last year). For the first eight months of the year, the city is estimated to have welcomed 4,527,713 visitors (reaching 67.6% of the annual plan), with an estimated 653,525 international visitors (reaching 98.1% of the annual plan), and total revenue reached VND 14,863 billion (reaching 87.4% of the annual plan). Visitors to Phu Quoc mainly arrive by air. Recent statistics show that out of every 100 flights to Phu Quoc, approximately 50% are international tourists.

The number of international tourists visiting Phu Quoc is projected to double compared to the same period last year. Photo by Nhat Huy.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Nguyen Vu Khac Huy, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Kien Giang Tourism Association, said that during this year's National Day holiday on September 2nd, the number of international tourists visiting Phu Quoc is expected to double compared to the same period last year. The majority of these tourists will come from Taiwan (China), South Korea, Russia, and other countries.

From October 28, 2024, Air Astana launched a new route, departing from Almaty (Kazakhstan) to Phu Quoc with a frequency of twice a week, then increasing to four times a week from December .

According to Mr. Huy, domestic tourists will increase, but not significantly, because the new school year is approaching, and families are limiting long-distance travel. High airfare prices are also affecting domestic tourists visiting Phu Quoc. Round-trip airfares from Hanoi to Phu Quoc and vice versa from August 31st to September 3rd range from 6.3-8.2 million VND per person; from Ho Chi Minh City, prices range from 2.9-3.5 million VND per person; and from Hai Phong, prices exceed 5 million VND per person.

Currently, tourism businesses in Phu Quoc are implementing many attractive promotional programs to attract tourists. Many hotels and resorts on the island are offering discounts and special service packages, assisting international guests with quick check-in procedures, increasing promotions, and eliminating surcharges. For the upcoming National Day holiday, many new and attractive tourism services will be launched in Phu Quoc, including exploring the island by double-decker bus, experiencing traditional basket boat rides, and water sports.

Source: https://kinhtedothi.vn/du-lich-phu-quoc-khach-tay-lan-at-khach-viet.html