An Giang (VNA) – Phu Quoc special zone in An Giang province was chosen as the venue of the APEC 2027 Economic Leaders’ Week, the most significant diplomatic event in the Asia-Pacific region. This represents a golden opportunity for the island to enhance its international profile and promote its image as a tourism and economic hub.
Central and local authorities are investing in dozens of infrastructure, urban, and tourism projects to boost development ahead of the event and elevate the island's stature on the global tourism map.
Gaining foothold in global tourism landscape
In the first 11 months of 2025, Phu Quoc recorded exceptional tourism growth, far exceeding annual targets. It welcomed over 7.5 million visitors, up 4.7% against the plan, while international arrivals stood out with nearly 1.6 million visitors, surging 81% and surpassing the target by 35%. Total revenue is estimated at nearly 39 trillion VND (1.5 billion USD), equivalent to 165.5% of the annual target.
These remarkable figures reflect the magnetic appeal of a world-class eco-tourism destination and set a strong foundation for continued breakthroughs in 2026 and acceleration toward APEC 2027, firmly establishing Phu Quoc as a leading maritime destination in the region.
Director of the An Giang Department of Tourism Bui Quoc Thai said the province has submitted a plan to the Prime Minister to develop Phu Quoc into a high-quality eco-tourism and marine tourism hub of national and international levels. This serves as a strategic cornerstone for the island's sustainable development. The focal tasks outlined aim to ensure infrastructure quality, service standards, and legal compliance in line with the orientation of high-quality tourism.
Covering an area of more than 575 sq km, of which 66% is natural forest, Phu Quoc boasts diverse marine – forest ecosystems and some of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam that are consistently ranked among the world’s finest. Over the recent past, the island has continued to attract significant investment in large-scale tourism–service projects and been accelerating preparations for APEC 2027.
A prime example is the Hon Thom Paradise Island tourism – services complex, developed by Sun Group on Hon Thom Island in southern Phu Quoc, combining pristine nature and modern construction to create an international-class destination.
Sun Secret Valley Phu Quoc, a luxury resort, commercial and service complex in the northwest of the island, along with Sun Grand City Hillside Residence and Sun Premier Village Primavera in Mediterranean style, target affluent visitors and add distinctive architectural highlights to the island.
Northern Phu Quoc has become an international entertainment hub with major attractions including VinWonders Phu Quoc, the largest theme park in Vietnam; Vinpearl Safari Phu Quoc – the country’s first semi-wildlife conservation park; Grand World Phu Quoc – dubbed “the city that never sleeps”; Corona Casino Phu Quoc – an international-standard casino; and Vinpearl Phu Quoc golf course – the first seaside golf course in Vietnam with 18 international-standard holes.
Phu Quoc is implementing tens of modern facilities serving APEC 2027, including a convention centre, multi-functional complexes, airport upgrades, transportation and urban infrastructure.
A “golden opportunity” for Phu Quoc tourism
Nguyen Vu Khac Huy, Chairman of the An Giang Tourism Association, affirmed that APEC 2027 is a golden opportunity for the locality to transform into an international marine city. Each delegate attending APEC will act as a messenger spreading the image of Phu Quoc and An Giang to the world, helping the special zone become better known and more beloved.
Chairman of the People's Committee of Phu Quoc special zone Tran Minh Khoa emphasised that Phu Quoc aims to establish itself as an international ecosystem, resort and innovation centre. It targets 15 million tourist arrivals by 2030. APEC 2027 marks a turning point for fast and sustainable development, making Phu Quoc a modern, civilised, green, clean, safe, and liveable special zone.
Ahead of APEC 2027, the locality is focusing on greening, digital transformation, infrastructure upgrades, diversification of tourism products, and global promotion. Sustainable tourism development is pursued through the efficient capitalisation of primeval forests, coral reefs and biodiversity, while integrating local cultural experiences with eco-tourism to create a distinctive identity.
Digital technology is also being applied across tourism management, from booking and payments to accommodation management, to improve convenience for visitors. The island also monitors tourist flows and market trends to optimise promotional activities while strengthening domestic and international communications efforts.
Huy said the the An Giang Tourism Association remains committed to working with enterprises to diversify tourism markets and products, with a strong focus on key markets such as the Republic of Korea, China, India, and Europe, as well as highly potential ones like the Middle East and North America.
An Giang province is investing in new products such as luxury resort tourism, medical and wellness tourism, MICE, and marine sports, while enhancing connectivity between Phu Quoc and other destinations in the Mekong Delta and nationwide, along with those across Southeast Asia.
With efforts being accelerated ahead of APEC 2027, Phu Quoc’s tourism sector is helping drive socio-economic development and improve local residents' life quality. This progress not only boosts economic growth but also supports social advancement, positioning the island as a symbol of Vietnam’s international integration and a bright spot on the global tourism map./.
Deputy PM urges accelerated progress on APEC 2027 projects in Phu Quoc
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for 10 projects serving APEC 2027 held in Phu Quoc special zone, An Giang province, on September 24, the Deputy PM urged ministries, sectors, An Giang province, and investors to make concerted efforts to complete the projects 3–6 months ahead of schedule.
