In the third quarter, the island received 2.7 million tourists, up 31% year-on-year, according to An Giang Province’s Department of Tourism.
The Vietnam’s largest island had set its target of receiving 8.5 million tourists including 2 million foreigners for the whole year.
As of September, it had received 1.92 million international tourists, up 60% year-on-year and reaching 95% of its annual target.
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Tourists on Bai Khem beach in Phu Quoc off Vietnam’s southern coast. Photo by VnExpress/Thanh Nguyen |
For many travelers, the island’s expanding range of experiences is becoming a draw.
Amy Tuite, a tourist from the U.S., described her Phu Quoc holiday as “an unforgettable experience” after taking a ride on the Hon Thom cable car, the world’s longest three-wire sea-crossing cable car, and being impressed by the island’s beauty seen from above.
Relaxed visa rules, diverse entertainment options and expanded air connectivity are helping Phu Quoc attract growing numbers of international tourists, industry insiders said.
Nguyen Tien Dat, CEO of Hanoi-based AZA Travel, said that in the past, visitors to Phu Quoc had relatively few entertainment options, mainly spending time on the beaches, visiting Duong Dong Night Market and touring attractions such as Dinh Cau Temple.
Today, the island offers a wider range of activities from morning until night, including visits to the safari park and Vui Phet Night Market, nightly fireworks and entertainment shows.
The expansion and continued operation of direct international air routes linking the island with key markets, including South Korea, Taiwan, Central Asia and Eastern Europe, have also made it easier for international tourists to travel directly to Phu Quoc.
More than 370 tourists touched down in Phu Quoc on its first-ever direct flight from Russia on Sept. 27.
Tour operator Anex Vietnam, which specializes in serving Russian inbound tourists, expects to bring around 15,000 Russian visitors to Phu Quoc each month following the route’s launch.