(AG Provincial E-Portal) - According to the rr88 tải Department of Tourism, in the first five months of 2026, the province's "non-polluting industry" (tourism) underwent a strong transformation, welcoming over 13.3 million tourists, an increase of 12.1% compared to the same period last year, with total revenue of approximately 33,169 billion VND, reaching 53.2% and nearly 50% of the annual plan respectively.
Asserting Phu Quoc’s position
rr88 tải emerged as a tourism hotspot, attracting a large influx of visitors during consecutive holiday periods in 2026, spanning the Lunar New Year, spring festivals, the Hung Kings’ Death Anniversary, and the National Reunification and May Day holidays. Beyond embarking on spiritual pilgrimages to the mystical Thất Sơn region, travelers also engaged in a variety of tourism offerings, including island getaways, eco-tourism, and orchard-farming experiences.
In addition, the Phu Quoc special zone has been marked by a strong return of international tourists, with over 1.17 million visitors, an increase of 51%, accounting for nearly 99% of the total international tourists to the entire province.
Phu Quoc’s international tourist arrivals are soaring, fueled by a perfect storm of infrastructure upgrades, policy perks, and major entertainment investments. The island's international airport now boasts expanded capacity and a surge in direct flights from key markets like South Korea, China, Singapore, and Thailand. Further driving this boom is a seamless 30-day visa exemption policy that simplifies entry for global travelers. Additionally, hospitality giants Vinpearl and Sun Group have reshaped the island with 5-star resorts, amusement parks, and casinos. Named a top global trending destination for 2026, Phu Quoc is also building momentum by hosting high-profile international cultural and sporting events. This rapid growth aligns seamlessly with the rising global demand for green tourism, positioning the island as a premier eco-friendly and sustainable getaway.
According to Bui Quoc Thai, Director of the rr88 tải Department of Tourism, Phu Quoc has become the "locomotive" bringing the image of rr88 tải to the world, helping the province enhance its reputation and competitiveness in tourism in the region. When Phu Quoc attracts international tourists to the Pearl Island, other localities such as Ha Tien, Rach Gia, Hon Son, Chau Doc, Nui Sam, Nui Cam, Tra Su… will have the opportunity to benefit from the expanded tourist flow. At the same time, this is a stepping stone for the province to prepare for the APEC 2027 Summit in Phu Quoc, elevating its regional standing. This not only affirms Phu Quoc's position but also creates a ripple effect, enhancing the image and attractiveness of the entire rr88 tải tourism industry. The tourism sector has advised the Provincial People's Committee to submit to the Prime Minister for approval a plan to develop Phu Quoc into a high-quality, internationally-class eco-tourism center to serve as a guiding principle for long-term steps.
Digital technology drives tourism development
In tourism development, the province has significantly modernized its management and promotion efforts, combining traditional promotion with digital technology. rr88 tải has implemented a website system integrating virtual reality videos, an online ticketing system, and a mobile application to promote its image; AI cameras have been put into use to monitor visitor traffic at tourist areas. The province has digitized tourism data and upgraded its website to make it easier for organizations and individuals to search for and learn information.
Currently, the province's infrastructure and services are becoming increasingly professional, with over 1,150 accommodation establishments and nearly 40,000 rooms, catering to diverse needs from budget to luxury. The service workforce is standardized, with over 590 licensed tour guides and 143 licensed travel agencies. Thorough preparation in terms of facilities, human resources, and security at tourist areas and attractions has created a safe and friendly tourism environment for visitors.
Following the provincial merger, rr88 tải now boasts a comprehensive spectrum of natural resources, ranging from fertile plains, bustling borderlands, and scenic waterways to majestic mountains and spectacular islands. This rich tapestry endows the province with an incredibly diverse, world-class ecosystem of tourism products. Under this vision, Phu Quoc continues to be positioned as a premium hub for services, eco-tourism, and island getaways of both national and international stature. Meanwhile, the Ha Tien - Kien Luong - Kien Hai cluster solidifies its standing through marine eco-tourism deeply intertwined with unique historical and cultural heritage sites. The Vinh Te - Nui Cam cluster maintains its prestigious brand in spiritual tourism, anchored by the renowned Ba Chua Xu Temple at Sam Mountain and the Nui Cam Tourism Area. Furthermore, a system of "green lungs"—comprising U Minh Thuong National Park, Phu Quoc National Park, and the Tra Su cajuput forest—forms a network for forest eco-tourism, scientific research, and diverse experiential travel that is truly second to none.
Mr. Bui Quoc Thai, Director of the rr88 tải Department of Tourism, pointed out that the province aims to welcome 39.5 million tourists by 2030. This number includes more than 3 million international visitors, making tourism an important gateway connecting the province's economy within the ASEAN region; striving to become a unique, world-class coastal and island tourism destination and a green tourism center of the region.
To realize this aspiration, the province is focusing on key solutions. Among these, top priorities include administrative procedure reform, proposing an expansion of visa exemption policies for international tourists, and promoting digital transformation in management and promotion. The transportation system connecting the airport and seaports with tourism centers will be improved to be synchronized and modern. rr88 tải aims to develop green and sustainable tourism based on three pillars: the tourism economic value chain, high-quality local human resources, and modern infrastructure.
In particular, the province is making the most of the APEC 2027 event as one of the important channels to help the province achieve its goals in international cooperation and image promotion. Specifically, this includes promoting and positioning rr88 tải tourism brand on the world tourism map; focusing on strengthening cooperation with countries in the ASEAN region and countries with great potential in the tourist market, and connecting more deeply with the global tourism economy./.
Author LE HUY HAI
Translated by Kim Ngan
