Phu Quoc island works to lure more foreign visitors
Phu Quoc island district of the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang targets to serve at least half a million international tourists in 2018, according to local authorities.
Foreign tourists in Phu Quoc island of Kien Giang province (Photo: VNA)
Kien Giang (VNA) – 💮Phu Quoc island district of the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giangtargets to serve at least half a million international tourists in 2018,according to local authorities.
The island welcomedmore than 8,300 foreign visitors on the first four days of the year, doublingthe figure of the same period last year. Vice Chairman of thePhu Quoc People’s Committee Huynh Quang Hung said that authorised agencies wereasked to increase monitoring in tourist destinations and accommodations, aswell as transport services in the locality. Besides, the district has paidattention to environment protection and food safety, and strictly handledviolations. The island has workedto improve infrastructure, including transportation, water supply andelectricity, meeting the increasing demand of Phu Quoc’s tourism development. Many new entertainmentand tourism facilities are expected to be put into operation in 2018 to serveholiday makers, including the Vinpearl Phu Quoc Casino Resort along with the AnThoi-Hon Thom cable car and other luxury tourism projects. Travelling to Phu Quochas been made easier with new flights from Thailand, China, the Republic ofKorea, Russia, Sweden, the UK and Italy. Phu Quoc will continuewith communication campaigns to promote tourism and enhance tourism activitiesmanagement, while strengthening the preservation of historical relics and naturalresources, Hung stressed. In 2017, nearly361,500 international guests came to Phu Quoc, a rise of 72 percent against theprevious year.-VNA
The number of tourists to the Mekong Delta has increased significantly as many tourism programmes have been successful over the last year, according to provincial authorities.
The restructuring of the tourism sector should be conducted in a synchronous manner across all related sectors like transport, trade, services and customs, delegates said at a workshop in Hanoi on December 22.
2017 is considered a successful year for the tourism sector, with 13 million international tourists arriving in Vietnam, up by three million against the previous year.
A recent report, City Pulse 2025, by Gensler Research Institute, ranked HCM City among the world’s top cities for resident retention, placing it second globally. This underscores the city's reputation as a liveable, dynamic urban centre, an image that supports efforts to attract investors, experts, and MICE travellers.
Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh has instructed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) to coordinate with other ministries, agencies and localities to effectively implement policies and directives from the Party, Government, and Prime Minister on tourism development.
Da Nang's appeal stems from its numerous outstanding tourist attractions, particularly My Khe Beach, Sun World Ba Na Hills resort, and the ancient town of Hoi An. Additionally, Da Nang tourism is renowned for its affordability, especially attractive to young travellers and couples, according to Chosun Ilbo.
With new direct flights from major Indian cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru, Vietnam is becoming an increasingly compelling destination for Indian tourists seeking a quick, emotionally rich four-day escape that blends luxury, culture, and natural wonder.
By source market, China continued to lead with 3.1 million visitors, equivalent to 25.5% of all foreign arrivals. The Republic of Korea followed with 2.5 million, or 20.7%. Other major markets included Taiwan (China) with 737,000, the US with 522,000, and Japan with 380,000.
Khanh Hoa has welcomed 16 international cruises so far this year, with more than 19,000 tourists disembarking to explore the province’s scenic landscapes and renowned cultural, religious, and artistic landmarks, as well as to enjoy local cuisine and sightseeing tours.
According to local plans, fireworks shows will be held at multiple locations, with Ha Long Bay as the focal point. More than mere entertainment, these displays are part of a strategic cultural tourism product aimed at strengthening the region’s brand.
Chatbot and virtual assistants support itinerary consultation and tour bookings, and provide around-the-clock response across multiple platforms while AI advertising applications have been used to optimise budgets and target the right customers. AI has been also employed to analyse customer data, enabling the delivery of personalised tour recommendations.
Many Vietnamese regions possess favourable conditions, including natural landscapes, climate, and rich cultural identities, to host sport events that integrate with cultural and tourism experiences.
Dubbed the “land of ancient towers”, Khanh Hoa boasts a rich Cham legacy through architectural masterpieces like the Po Nagar, Hoa Lai, Po Klong Garai, and Po Rome towers.
Vietnam’s e-visa system is now seen as one of the most efficient, convenient, and transparent in the region. Fully online registration, no paperwork or interviews, and fast and flexible processing time have improved foreigners’ entry experience, creating a competitive advantage over countries clinging to complicated and costly visa procedures.
Sunset Town unfolded like a living fairytale. Every street and hidden corner recalls iconic European landmarks – from Venice’s San Marco Bell Tower and Paris’s Arc de Triomphe to Almafi-style squares and cobblestone paths reminiscent of southern Italy.
Its natural advantages have made Mui Ne a magnet for enthusiasts of kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). These activities not only diversify the local tourism offerings but also contribute to the area’s long-term development strategy focused on sustainability.
In July alone, the city welcomed 695,930 international arrivals, surging 75.3% year-on-year. For the seven-month period, international visitors totalled 4.5 million, up 48% year-on-year.
Welcoming the crew on the morning of July 30, Dang Dong Ha, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, emphasised that the film offers a valuable opportunity to promote Quang Tri’s tourism potential, particularly to Indian visitors, but also to a broader global audience.
With a proactive and creative approach, Hanoi is positioning itself as one of Southeast Asia’s most compelling destinations where tradition meets innovation, and every visit offers a blend of the familiar and the new.
Foreign tourists in Phu Quoc island of Kien Giang province (Photo: VNA) 
