In the history of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), Vietnam hosted the inter-governmental economic forum twice. The 2027 edition of the APEC set for November next year will be hosted by Vietnam in Phu Quoc Island which itself has gained tremendous popularity with tourists. That said, it is anticipated that APEC 2027 could impact Phu Quoc’s tourism industry dramatically in a variety of ways, according to a news article by Asia News Network.
To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the article of Asia News Network. Some parts in boldface…
APEC 2027 could transform Phú Quốc Island’s tourism industry by improving international connectivity, attracting business events and accelerating the shift towards higher-value, year-round tourism.
With major investments in aviation, transport and conference facilities, the island is preparing not only to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Week in November 2027 but also to strengthen its position as an international destination for leisure, business and investment.
The Government has identified 21 major projects associated with preparations for the event, with preliminary investment estimated at VNĐ137 trillion (US$5.4 billion).
The programme covers transport infrastructure, conference facilities, accommodation, water supply, environmental services and urban development.
However, the real test will come after the summit.
Phú Quốc, Việt Nam’s largest island in the southern province of An Giang, must convert international attention into sustained visitor demand, maintain new air connections, attract recurring international events and ensure that investment benefits businesses and communities across the island.
For the hospitality sector, including La Festa Phú Quốc, Curio Collection by Hilton, APEC offers an opportunity to strengthen the island’s appeal as a premium tourism destination while demonstrating how distinctive experiences can complement infrastructure-led growth.
New connections –Improved connectivity will be central to Phú Quốc’s ambition to attract more international visitors and compete with established destinations across Asia.
The expansion of Phú Quốc International Airport and the development of conference facilities are intended to improve the island’s capacity to accommodate larger numbers of visitors and international gatherings.
Associated projects include roads, an urban railway and supporting infrastructure designed to improve transport links between the airport, conference complex and tourism areas.
The additional airport capacity could encourage airlines to introduce direct services, increase frequencies and accommodate larger aircraft. Better connections would reduce travel time for international visitors and improve the island’s appeal to travellers combining business with leisure.
Nevertheless, additional airport capacity does not automatically guarantee commercially viable routes.
Airlines need consistent demand, competitive fares and sufficient passenger numbers in both directions. Maintaining services after APEC will therefore be as important as launching new routes ahead of the event.
Economist Võ Trí Thành has argued that the summit should be viewed as an opportunity to establish a new development platform rather than a short-lived event.
“The greatest value of APEC does not lie in the few days when the conference takes place, but in the development foundations that Phú Quốc will possess for decades to come.”
His assessment highlights a central question for the island’s tourism industry: whether new infrastructure can generate a continuous flow of visitors and investment after international delegations leave. The benefits could extend beyond conventional beach holidays.
Direct flights and improved ground transport would support corporate groups, international conference delegates and travellers seeking shorter, more convenient stays.
They could also encourage visitors to combine Phú Quốc with other destinations in Việt Nam and the wider region. However, infrastructure alone will not determine the island’s competitiveness.
Destination management, environmental protection, workforce development and the quality of visitor experiences will also influence whether new demand can be sustained.
Beyond leisure – The development of meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions, collectively known as MICE, could become one of the most significant long-term opportunities arising from APEC.
Unlike conventional leisure travel, MICE tourism generates demand across a range of services, including accommodation, meeting facilities, catering, transport, technical support and organised activities.
Corporate groups may also spend on gala dinners, entertainment and excursions, creating business opportunities beyond room revenue.
Tourism expert Phạm Trung Lương, former deputy director of the Việt Nam Tourism Development Research Institute, said APEC 2027 was significantly increasing Phú Quốc’s capacity to serve as an international destination.
Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Do you think next year’s APEC will impact Phu Quoc’s tourism more positively than negatively? If you have been to Phu Quoc over the past six months, what can you say about the quality of the infrastructure, the services at the island’s airport and the natural environment of the island? Do you think Phu Quoc is ready to become a hot spot of international tourists and modern economic activities?
You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.
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