Phu Quoc Island Named in Expedia's 2026 Hot List, Boosting International Appeal

Phu Quoc Island, a resort destination located in southern Vietnam, has been named on Expedia's "Hot Island List for 2026." This selection underscores the island's growing appeal as an international tourist destination. According to Expedia, global demand for island vacations is rapidly increasing, with online searches for island getaways up 55 percent year-on-year and social media mentions growing by around 20 percent. Searches for Phu Quoc specifically have risen by 25 percent, indicating a surge in interest from international travelers. The platform lauded Phu Quoc for its comprehensive resort ecosystem, premium travel experiences, and competitive pricing. This aligns with the current travel trend where tourists increasingly favor islands that preserve their unspoiled natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and offer better value for money, rather than solely traditional resort destinations. Phu Quoc has also been selected as the host venue for the APEC Economic Leaders' Week in 2027, creating new opportunities for the island as Vietnam enters a new era of development. This event is expected to strengthen Phu Quoc's position as a leading destination for international events and conferences. In the first half of this year, Phu Quoc welcomed 5.7 million tourists, a 30 percent year-on-year increase and meeting 68 percent of its annual target. Of these, 1.32 million were foreign tourists, up 50 percent year-on-year. The island aims to attract 8.5 million tourists this year, including 2 million foreigners. Vietnam's economic growth, guided by its one-party system, is driving the development of its tourism sector, with investments and infrastructure improvements accelerating in regions like Phu Quoc. Amidst complex regional dynamics, Vietnam continues to diversify its international engagement for economic advancement, with tourism serving as a key pillar.