Phu Quoc expands Halal market associated with green tourism

Representatives of An Giang Provincial Tourism Association and Vietnam National Halal Limited Company signed a cooperation agreement on Halal standards.

Welcoming Halal guests

On a September afternoon, the golden sunlight spread across the beach of Ganh Dau, Phu Quoc special economic zone, where a group of dozens of tourists from India had just returned from a visit to Hon Thom. The children in the group cheered as they tried the water slides, while women wearing colorful saris took pictures of the moment next to the green coconut trees.

Dinner is prepared right at the resort with many fresh seafood dishes processed according to Halal standards, spices with clearly stated origins, each dish is arranged separately to ensure absolute peace of mind. To bring an unforgettable experience to visitors, Vina Phu Quoc Travel Company has spent many months preparing from surveying restaurants, training tour guides to designing tours so that visitors can both explore nature and local culture and have time to pray on time.

“We want tourists to feel that Phu Quoc is not only beautiful but also friendly and open to all cultures,” said Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Yen, Director of the International Business Department of Vina Phu Quoc Travel Company.

Delegates visit Halal products at the workshop "Halal standards - Muslim-friendly services" organized by An Giang Tourism Association on September 24.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Yen said: “The first Halal tourist groups helped us understand that simply promoting the beautiful scenery is not enough. The most important thing is to make tourists feel welcome and served according to their needs, so that they will come back and introduce more friends and relatives.”

Vina Phu Quoc Travel Company identifies Muslim tourists as a long-term direction. The company will continue to standardize Halal services, connect more destinations and prepare to serve large-scale international delegations, especially when Phu Quoc hosts APEC 2027. This is not only an opportunity for businesses to develop but also a golden time for Phu Quoc tourism.

Tourism industry data shows that Indian tourists to Phu Quoc increased sharply from 36,000 in 2024 to 96,000 in just the first 8 months of 2025. Malaysian tourists also increased steadily, becoming an important source of customers for Halal tours. Vina Phu Quoc Travel alone has welcomed dozens of Halal groups, many of whom chose to stay for a long time, combining visits to many other localities before returning to the pearl island.

Hon Thom Phu Quoc Cable Car.

From the story of the Indian tourist group, we can see that the change is clearly taking place. Businesses like Vina Phu Quoc Travel not only serve tours but also create trust, showing respect for the culture and beliefs of tourists. And when APEC 2027 is approaching, such preparation will contribute to helping Phu Quoc reach a new height: a friendly, green, safe and sustainable international destination.

Most recently, on September 24, the An Giang Tourism Association coordinated with Vietnam National Halal Limited Company to organize a workshop on “Halal standards - Muslim-friendly services”. Representatives of the An Giang Department of Tourism, relevant functional departments and more than 100 tourism businesses attended the workshop.

Workshop to disseminate the national standard TCVN 14230:2024 “Muslim-friendly tourism services - requirements” to tourism service businesses in An Giang province, especially Phu Quoc special zone. This is a step to prepare for attracting Muslim tourists to visit, relax, travel and combine conferences... in Phu Quoc special zone.

Fireworks at the Kiss the Stars show stage (Phu Quoc special zone).

Green tourism welcomes APEC

Not stopping at expanding the Halal tourist market, Phu Quoc is also developing green tourism. With the vision of becoming a zero-emission tourist city, electric transportation models, clean energy and sustainable environmental management are gradually taking shape on the pearl island.

Ms. Nguyen Ngoc Thuy Linh, Executive Director of SM Green Vietnam market said: “From 2025, we will accompany Phu Quoc to convert 100% of buses to electricity and green energy. By 2030, at least 50% of vehicles on the island will use electricity; by 2050, all buses and taxis will no longer run on gasoline. This roadmap will help reduce emissions, improve air quality and create a strong impression on international tourists.”

These changes are not just on paper. Currently, Xanh SM has nearly 500 electric taxis operating in Phu Quoc, with a network of charging stations covering major tourist areas. VinBus also operates electric buses connecting the airport, the center and tourist attractions. The image of tourists leaving the resort by electric taxi, visiting Duong Dong night market, then continuing by electric car has become a familiar image.

Electric bus running on Duong Dong - Cua Can - Ganh Dau route.

In preparation for APEC 2027, the tourism industry has identified green development as an important pillar. Mr. Bui Quoc Thai, Provincial Party Committee member and Director of the Department of Tourism of An Giang province, said that from now on, the tourism industry will consolidate its technical infrastructure and service system; call for investment in building and renewing existing products and services, combining investment in building new, unique and distinctive products and services to serve international politicians and tourists. Organize training and education for employees directly serving guests to improve their skills and foreign language ability to meet the requirements of serving politicians and tourists.

"The tourism industry calls on travel agencies to design and build new, diverse, unique and special tours and routes ready to serve tourists, especially politicians and international tourists in 2027. We take advantage of activities and events within the APEC framework to enhance promotional activities and promote the image of local tourism to international friends," said Mr. Bui Quoc Thai.

Neptune Palace is located in the VinWonders Phu Quoc complex.

At the same time, a number of large resorts and hotels are also converting to green operating models such as reducing single-use plastics, using renewable energy, digitizing services to save paper, organizing community campaigns such as "Green Day", "Action for the blue sea"... These steps not only enhance the experience for tourists but also spread the message of environmentally friendly living.

As the Halal tourist market expands, green tourism is promoted and APEC 2027 is approaching, Phu Quoc shows its determination to build a dual brand of friendliness and sustainability. That is the way for the pearl island to not only attract tourists with blue sea, white sand, golden sunshine but also with trust, peace of mind, and wonderful experiences for tourists.

Article and photos: TAY HO

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/phu-quoc-mo-rong-thi-truong-halal-gan-voi-du-lich-xanh-a462493.html