These trends highlight Phu Quoc's rising status as a top travel destination in Vietnam.

A new magnet for South Korean and Taiwanese tourists

South Korean airline Eastar Jet recently announced new flights from Cheongju to Phu Quoc, operating four times a week. With this addition, four South Korean airlines now offer direct flights to Vietnam’s largest island, including Korean Air, Jin Air, and Jeju Air.

According to Rankify Korea, Phu Quoc has become the leading destination for South Korean tourists, surpassing popular locations such as Da Nang, Nha Trang, Bangkok, Phuket, and Kyoto.

Phu Quoc is also gaining popularity among Taiwanese travelers. TigerAir and Starlux Airlines currently operate about eight flights to Phu Quoc each week.

Chih Hao Chen, Marketing Director at Starlux Airlines, revealed plans to meet rising demand: "We are using A321neo aircraft for our Phu Quoc flights, with 188 seats. Booking rates have exceeded 90% for July and August. Starting in October, we will switch to wide-body aircraft for the Taipei to Phu Quoc route and launch a new route from Taichung by the end of October."

In the first six months of 2024, Phu Quoc received 1,947 international flights, marking a 186% increase from the previous year. Phu Quoc International Airport expects 22 to 26 international flights daily in the latter half of the year, 2.5 times more than earlier this year.

According to the Kien Giang Department of Tourism, the city welcomed 499,172 international visitors in the first six months, achieving 74.9% of the annual target and a 134.8% increase compared to the same period in 2023.

Chairman Huynh Quang Hung of the Phu Quoc City People's Committee said: "Currently, South Korean and Taiwanese tourists make up a significant portion of international visitors, with European tourists following closely. We expect both the number of flights and visitors to continue increasing in the latter half of the year."

A promising future for Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc is establishing itself as a "priority" destination for international tourists. The island was recently ranked second among the top 25 most amazing islands worldwide by Travel + Leisure readers, surpassing renowned resort paradises like Bali and Phuket, only behind the Maldives.

Phu Quoc's favorable natural landscape and climate, along with its growing tourism infrastructure and entertainment complexes, make it increasingly attractive.

Phu Quoc’s Chairman Huynh Quang Hung highlights the ongoing commitment of major corporations such as Sun Group, Vingroup, and BIM Group to investing in high-standard tourism, service, and entertainment projects.

“A standout example is the southern region of the island, where Sun Group's investments have transformed it into one of the most attractive destinations for international tourists, especially from South Korea, Taiwan, and other markets,” he said.

In the southern part of Phu Quoc Island, Sun Group has significantly contributed to establishing a new tourist hub, complementing the administrative center in Duong Dong. The eastern coastline has evolved into a luxury resort area, featuring upscale accommodations and spa facilities. This area boasts four opulent resorts managed by world-renowned hotel brands like Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Accor, and Rosewood Hotels at Kem Beach and Ong Doi Cape.

On the western coast, Sunset Town emerges as a mega entertainment complex with the largest investment in Vietnam - exceeding 4,000 billion VND. It offers iconic structures and a wide array of entertainment experiences, festivals, cuisine, and cultural activities.

Highlights include the Kiss Bridge, praised by CNN for its unique design, and the globally acclaimed "Kiss of the Sea" art show. Additional attractions include Vietnam's first beach night market, VUI-Fest Bazaar, and the Vietnamese Puppet Theater “A Oi.” By the end of the year, new attractions will debut, such as the Sun Kraft Beer factory and restaurant, the Kiss Bridge Night Club, and performances by top international artists, creating a vibrant, year-round tourist destination.

Experts at the conference unveiling Phu Quoc's master plan until 2040 project that the island can welcome 14.6 million tourists, positioning it as a direct competitor with major Asian tourist destinations like Phuket and Bali. Beyond its unparalleled natural beauty and special 30-day visa exemption policy for tourists, Phu Quoc is actively pursuing investment and infrastructure development to cultivate a high-class tourism ecosystem. This proactive approach aims to keep Phu Quoc at the forefront of international visitor growth, transforming it into a world-leading paradise faster than anticipated.

PV