Vietnam’s largest island off the southern province of An Giang received 1.5 million foreign arrivals between January and July, up 53% year-on-year, according to a report from the province’s Department of Tourism.
Phu Quoc has bucked the global tourism slowdown, emerging as a standout destination even as many popular destinations struggle with falling visitor numbers linked to the Middle East crisis.
International arrivals to Phu Quoc have surged in recent months, driven by new direct routes, favorable visa policies, and expanding tourism infrastructure.
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Foreign tourists at Phu Quoc International Airport in southern Vietnam during the New Year 2026 holiday. Photo by SG |
Phu Quoc will offer free English classes to local residents as part of preparations for hosting the 2027 APEC meetings.
Nguyen Thi Kim Loan, vice chairwoman of the Phu Quoc People’s Committee, said the initiative is based on the idea that every resident should serve as a tourism ambassador, with a clear roadmap to improve English proficiency across the island, Tuoi Tre newspaper reported.
A pilot program will run from September 2026 to June 2027 at 10-15 primary, middle and high schools, while community English classes will be introduced in the neighborhoods of Duong Dong, Ganh Dau, An Thoi and Duong To.
Authorities said improving foreign-language proficiency among residents, service workers and business owners would help showcase Phu Quoc’s tourism offerings and local culture to international visitors ahead of the APEC summit in November 2027.