Phu Quoc Island Sees 82% Surge in Foreign Arrivals, Reclaiming 'Asia's Most Beautiful Island' Title

Vietnam's largest island, Phu Quoc, has experienced a substantial rebound in foreign tourist arrivals, with July witnessing an impressive 82% year-on-year increase. From January to July, the island recorded 1.5 million international visitors, marking a 53% rise from the previous year, as reported by the provincial Department of Tourism. This surge positions Phu Quoc as a resilient destination amidst a global tourism slowdown and geopolitical uncertainties, particularly the Middle East crisis impacting other popular locales. The island's tourism boom is fueled by several strategic factors, including the introduction of new direct international flight routes, the implementation of favorable visa policies, and ongoing expansion of its tourism infrastructure. A significant catalyst for its rising international profile is its selection to host the 2027 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings. In preparation for these high-profile events, Phu Quoc is embarking on a comprehensive English language education program for its residents. Nguyen Thi Kim Loan, vice chairwoman of the Phu Quoc People's Committee, articulated the vision of transforming every island resident into a tourism ambassador, supported by a clear roadmap to enhance English proficiency island-wide. This initiative, as reported by Tuoi Tre newspaper, will see a pilot program implemented in 10-15 primary, middle, and high schools from September 2026 to June 2027. Concurrently, community English classes are set to launch in the neighborhoods of Duong Dong, Ganh Dau, An Thoi, and Duong To. Officials emphasize that improving foreign language skills among residents, service workers, and business owners is paramount to effectively presenting Phu Quoc's unique tourism attractions and local culture to a global audience. This endeavor is seen as vital in capitalizing on the opportunities presented by the APEC summit in November 2027 and solidifying Phu Quoc's reputation as a premier international destination. The Vietnamese government's focus on developing tourism as a key sector for economic growth and international engagement is evident in such initiatives, particularly as the nation balances its economic ambitions with its geopolitical considerations.