What does Phu Quoc do to become a unique destination in the world?

At 1 a.m., a Jeju Air flight landed at Phu Quoc airport after a 6-hour journey from Seoul (South Korea). After 30 minutes crossing the spacious boulevards leading to An Thoi ward, Kim Ji Won - a reporter for Chosun Ilbo newspaper arrived at the resort at Bai Kem to rest after the long flight. Waking up Ji Won in the morning was the rays of dawn and a scene that made the female reporter feel moved: "The sparkling drops of sunlight reflect on the clear turquoise sea, and the long, smooth white sand makes me It feels like I'm still dreaming."

Take direct flights to Phu Quoc international airport, drive on roads up to 4 lanes wide, wake up in a luxurious 5-star resort, and outside the window is one of 50 beautiful beaches. most on the planet... perhaps, Ji Won did not know that her "dream-like" experiences in the "Maldives of Vietnam" were also the dreams of the people of the Pearl Island two decades ago.

Sunshine

From the "3 no" ruined island to Asia's top luxury destination

In October 10.2004, Decision No. 178 of the Prime Minister approving the "Overall development project of Phu Quoc island (Kien Giang) to 2010 and vision to 2020" was officially issued with the final task set. issued to the entire political system from the central to local levels: "Step by step build Phu Quoc island into a tourism center (eco-tourism, resort and marine tourism) of regional and international stature with form of high quality service, attracting many international tourists and meeting the requirements of domestic tourists. By 2020, basically complete the construction of Phu Quoc island into a highly developed tourism and marine eco-tourism center, attracting about 2 - 3 million tourists.

Like a "lighthouse" leading the way, since Decision 178, a series of turning points, along with "eagles of Vietnamese nationality" have come to the pearl island. As a result, the investment capital grows up to 64 times (by 2023). From a ruined island after the war with 3 things: no electricity, no traffic, no fresh water, Phu Quoc is now a class 2 urban area, "the best island in the world in 2024".

The "miraculous" development indicators, the increase in budget revenue more than 200 times in 20 years are the clearest evidence for the leap of Pearl Island. In 2005, there were just over 100.000 tourists coming to Phu Quoc, but by 2023, this number has increased 46 times to 5,1 million visitors. Revenue from tourism in 2023 will reach VND 13.928 billion, nearly 50 times higher than in 2004.

Phu Quoc International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the country, welcoming nearly 50 international and domestic flights every day...

A series of high-class resort and entertainment tourism projects have been added. From the "starting line" in 2004, the number of 5-star accommodation rooms on the island has now nearly reached 15.000 rooms. All the "giants" of the world's hotel industry such as Accor, Hilton, Marriott, IHG, Rosewood... are all present in the island city. In the near future, Marriott Group will bring to Hon Thom island two "brand name brand" brands in the hotel industry, Ritz Carlton Reserve and The Luxury Collection.

Sunshine

At the same time, from a poor fishing village filled with bushes and red soil, An Thoi ward now has a vibrant, vibrant new look with Sunset Town - a place that attracts tens of thousands of tourists. everyday.

At the Conference summarizing Decision 178 on March 31.3, evaluating Phu Quoc's achievements, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed: "Phu Quoc has basically achieved the goals in the Overall Development Project... , turned nothing into something, turned difficult into easy, turned impossible into possible.”

Sweet fruit has come to Pearl Island. But to go further, sharpen the portrait of "a high-quality tourism and resort service center with an identity and appeal to domestic and international tourists" like the City Master Planning project. Phu Quoc city by 2040, it is easy to see that quality products are just a necessary condition.

To be a unique destination in the world, Phu Quoc also needs another sufficient condition: difference. According to the Prime Minister's assertion at the Conference summarizing Decision 178, that difference comes from culture. “In Phu Quoc, cultural industry development has foundations, based on different potentials. The unique identity that combines the modern quintessence of the world is the internationalization of our culture. But on the contrary, we also need to nationalize the world's modern culture. I think this harmonious combination will make a big difference" - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh suggested.

A very Vietnamese Pearl Island, very different!

In recent years, the outstanding growth of Ngoc Island on the regional tourism map has been attributed to the serious investment process of the locality and private economic groups with a consistent direction: creating an ecosystem. Multi-experience with diverse products, quality, class and culture as the foundation.

Nowadays, coming to Phu Quoc, it is not difficult for visitors to find a symbolic building, a resort, a show or even a market filled with cultural colors. Pearl Island is like a "hub" - where Vietnamese identity and world culture skillfully combine towards a common goal: sustainable tourism development.

Sunshine

Typically, Kissing Bridge - the bridge that made the front page of CNN just a few days after its launch is also a product of the goal of "internationalizing Vietnamese culture and nationalizing international elements". Inspired by the legendary love story in the story of Nguu Lang - Chuc Nu and the classic Italian love story between Romeo and Juliet, Proposal is the "symbol" connecting Vietnamese and Italian culture.

Besides, in just a few months of late 2023 and early 2024, a succession of large-scale, elaborate, and culturally imbued shows have been launched; turning Phu Quoc into a new "entertainment paradise" of Asia.

That is Vietnamese Puppet with a water puppet stage by the sea - where every night the artists of the Vietnam Puppet Theater will perform to promote national cultural heritage. Or at Vui Phet - the first creative night market by the sea in Vietnam, young artists show off fun street art performances with props such as fishing gear, kitchen utensils or stories about boys fishing. Shoes on the street will act as "ambassadors", introducing visitors to the unique features of local culture.

Or on the "infinity" stage of the multimedia technology show Kiss of The Sea - Kiss of the Sea; Leading French producer ECA2 chose to present to the audience top-notch performances of technology, light, water and fire... based on a plot that combines fiction like Hollywood movies with indigenous culture such as legends. five elements or shadow puppet art. Not to mention, through the artistic fireworks show, Phu Quoc is also a rare island in the world that displays fireworks 365 days a year.

Minh Tu

Meanwhile, if you want to find a resort with full "identity", Phu Quoc is not lacking in JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay - a fictional university containing an amazing story about century-old architecture and culture. 19, or New World Phu Quoc Resort - a Southern fishing village in the heart of Pearl Island...

"Forget Phuket, go to Phu Quoc - the new hope of Vietnamese tourism" - that is the title of an article in a famous newspaper. South China Morning Post. This can be likened to an affirmation: Phu Quoc is no longer inferior to Phuket or even the top tourist paradises in the region. However, to continue to strengthen its position, Phu Quoc needs to continue to persevere with the roadmap "bringing Vietnam to the world and bringing the world back to Vietnam" as the Prime Minister emphasized. 

Thanhnien.vn

Nguon