The Vietnamese island appears alongside internationally renowned destinations such as St. Lucia, Porto Santo (Portugal), Syros (Greece), the Lofoten Islands (Norway) and Fiji.
Expedia said interest in island holidays continues to surge, with online searches rising by an average of 55% year-on-year and social media mentions increasing by around 20%. The trend suggests travelers are looking beyond traditional hotspots for islands that combine natural beauty, cultural depth and sometimes better value.
Placed 9th, Phu Quoc is one of only two Southeast Asian destinations to make this year’s list, alongside Palawan in the Philippines.
Tourists row kayak in Phu Quoc Island, southern Vietnam. Photo by SG |
Expedia said the rankings were compiled based on search trends, traveler interest and the growth potential of island destinations.
St. Lucia claimed the top spot, followed by Porto Santo in Portugal and Praslin in Seychelles. Europe was represented by Porto Santo, Syros and the Lofoten Islands, which were recognized for their breathtaking landscapes, distinctive local cultures and more tranquil settings compared with many of the continent’s better-known holiday destinations.
According to Expedia, travelers are increasingly favoring emerging island escapes where they can enjoy authentic local culture, pristine natural surroundings and a slower pace of life. The platform also advises booking in advance or traveling during the off-season to enjoy better prices and a more relaxed travel experience.
Phu Quoc off the Mekong Delta province of An Giang received 5.7 million tourists in the first six months this year, up 30% year-on-year. Among those were 1.32 million foreign tourists, up 50% year-on-year, according to the province’s Department of Tourism.
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