An Giang (VNA) – Phu Quoc special zone of An Giang province is gearing up to welcome a significant influx of international tourists in the final months of 2025, as the island continues to consolidate its status as a high-end regional tourism hub.
According to the provincial Department of Tourism, nearly 20 million visitors travelled to the Mekong Delta province in the first nine months of 2025, including more than 1.2 million international tourists, generating total tourism revenue of over 51.87 trillion VND (1.96 billion USD).
Phu Quoc alone welcomed more than 6.5 million tourists during the same period, with total revenue reaching nearly 31.14 trillion VND. Notably, the island received some 1.2 million foreign visitors, accounting for 97% of the international arrivals to An Giang, highlighting its position as a premier resort destination in the region.
Local tourism authorities forecast a further surge in the number of visitors in the last quarter of 2025 and the 2025–2026 winter season, particularly with the return of Russian and CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) markets. Phu Quoc also expects strong interest from tourists from the Middle East, China, the Republic of Korea, and India.
The island offers ideal conditions for Russian tourists, including scenic landscapes, cultural and culinary experiences, a temperate climate, year-round warmth, a safe environment, affordable prices, and high-quality resorts, all easily accessible via direct flights.
The return of Russian tourists and tour operators has reinforced Phu Quoc’s reputation as an attractive international destination and a high-end resort centre, boosting tourism promotion and trade activities.
After disruptions caused by COVID-19 and other global factors, Phu Quoc and local travel companies have partnered with Russian counterparts to relaunch charter flights from Russia and the CIS. Anex Vietnam Co., Ltd. plans to operate these flights, expecting to bring over 60,000 visitors during the 2025–2026 winter season. The flights will depart from 14 cities across Russia and the CIS, with a monthly frequency of 75–80 flights, ensuring transport for over 10,000 international visitors each month.
The first flight from Russia is scheduled for October 19. Anex Vietnam has also rolled out a diverse portfolio of tourism products and enhanced international marketing, particularly targeting Eastern Europe and Russia.
To sustain tourism growth, Phu Quoc is implementing several strategic measures. Vice Chairman of the Phu Quoc Special Zone People’s Committee Ngo Minh Tri said the island is upgrading urban infrastructure, constructing new roads, expanding resort centres, and enlarging the airport to support the APEC Economic Leaders' Week 2027 and tourism development. Phu Quoc is also applying a 30-day visa exemption policy for foreign visitors.
An Giang province is consulting with ministries, experts, and scholars on a draft plan to develop Phu Quoc into a high-quality national and international eco-tourism and coastal tourism centre, to be submitted to the Prime Minister in October 2025. Initiatives to diversify tourism experiences, such as night-tourism models, are also underway.
Since early 2025, Phu Quoc has hosted numerous events to promote the island to domestic and international visitors. Highlights include welcoming international cruise ships, the 2025 Phu Quoc Tourism and Food Festival showcasing local cuisine and speciality products, hosting famtrips, launching the Phu Quoc Tourism Association ahead of APEC 2027, and the first Phu Quoc Traditional Fish Sauce Festival.
Additionally, seminars on green, emission-free tourism and Halal standards aim to position the island for the billion-dollar Islamic tourism market./.
