Phu Quoc Welcomes First International Tourists Back

On 20 November, 204 South Korean tourists arrived at Phu Quoc International Airport on Vietjet Air flight VJ 3749 from Seoul, South Korea, beginning a four-day, three-night all-inclusive holiday on Phu Quoc Island. This marks the return of international tourists to the island after nearly two years, kickstarting the “vaccine passport” programme. To welcome the group, businesses arranged seven 45-seat buses. Ms. Le Thi Thu Trang, General Director of Vinpearl Discovery & VinOasis, said that Vinpearl has designed a special itinerary for these guests to ensure their enjoyment and that transportation and activities are completely separate from domestic tourists. Upon arrival and after health screenings, the tourists enjoyed a Phu Quoc specialty: watching the sunset by the beach at their resort.

A resort at Ong Lang Beach, Phu Quoc.
Grounds of Vinpearl Resort & Golf.

From the second day, the tourists began experiencing the “one destination, all needs” facilities of Asia’s leading integrated resort, including golfing, over 100 exciting games at VinWonders, and Corona Casino. “This four-day, three-night holiday at Phu Quoc United Center for the South Korean tour group marks the beginning of the vaccine passport pilot programme in Phu Quoc and Vietnam, signifying a new step in the national tourism recovery effort,” emphasised Ms. Le Thi Thu Trang. Mr. Nguyen Luu Trung, Vice Chairman of the Kien Giang Provincial People’s Committee, said that the flight, marking a new chapter for Phu Quoc tourism, was made possible by the government’s direction and the support of pioneering businesses like Vietjet Air and Vinpearl. Kien Giang leaders believe that with the dynamism and close cooperation of airlines, travel agencies, accommodation providers, and service units, Phu Quoc City can welcome 400,000 domestic and international tourists by the end of 2021. Phu Quoc is one of five localities approved by the government to welcome international tourists using “vaccine passports” in the first phase from November 2021, alongside Khanh Hoa, Da Nang, Quang Nam, and Quang Ninh. Quang Nam has also welcomed international tourists. While businesses are eager, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism acknowledges that only a few localities are boldly reopening to international tourists with closed-loop itineraries in selected locations.