富国岛加速布局：APEC场馆建设与航空连通推动其成为新兴商务会展目的地

Phu Quoc is emerging as a major business events destination, driven by improved connectivity, a growing portfolio of upscale hospitality brands, and preparations to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in 2027.

The island offers a compact, resort-led business events experience, combining beachfront venues and natural surroundings with authentic Vietnamese culture.

Donna Tran, cluster director of sales and marketing for Regent Phu Quoc and InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort, said: “Groups can move from meetings and private functions to wellness, dining and destination experiences without requiring an overly complex itinerary.”

In addition, Phu Quoc offers a 30-day visa exemption for eligible international visitors, which Tran said reduces an “important barrier for multinational groups”.

Ahead of hosting APEC in November 2027, work is also underway on Phu Quoc’s US$830 million APEC Multifunctional Complex.

With a capacity of around 15,000, the venue features a 10,000m2 conference and exhibition centre seating up to 3,500 people, a multifunctional auditorium, and APEC Square – a development industry players call a gamechanger for the island’s events landscape.

“Crucially, this isn’t a one-event facility, it’s designed to remain in operation afterward as Phu Quoc’s flagship large-scale convention and exhibition venue, giving the island – for the first time – genuine capacity to bid for major international conferences and conventions rather than relying on individual hotel ballrooms,” said Lafone Ching, MICE sales director at JW Marriott Phux Quoc Emerald Bay Resort and Spa.

In addition to the conference venue, the island’s hosting of the APEC forum has driven other major infrastructure development. Since mid-2025, development has included a light rail transit system, the 68m-wide, three-kilometre-long APEC Boulevard, expansion of Phu Quoc International Airport, upgrades to An Thoi Port, new resettlement areas, water treatment facilities, and improvements to major transport corridors.

“Together, these projects help to enhance the island’s overall capacity to welcome international visitors and large-scale global events,” said Pham Ha, founder and CEO of LuxGroup.

Broader connectivity is also boosting the island’s appeal, with Sun Group launching Sun PhuQuoc Airways in October 2025.

During a trade and media event in Singapore in June 2026 to introduce its new Phu Quoc-Singapore service, deputy director of sales La Vinh Nam highlighted plans to expand the airline’s international network beyond its existing flights to Seoul, Hong Kong, and Taipei. Further route additions will follow as the carrier takes delivery of 18 more aircraft later this year.

“For MICE planners, this matters because group-travel logistics can now be handled through a carrier directly aligned with the island’s resort ecosystem, rather than relying on third-party airlines,” Ching added.

Beyond Sun PhuQuoc Airways, other international carriers are also boosting capacity to the island. This includes new direct flights to Chengdu, as well as expanded routes from India via Air India.

“Phu Quoc’s improving international connectivity is one of the most important developments supporting its MICE sector. Direct air links with mainland China, Singapore, Seoul and Hong Kong are strengthening access for corporate and incentive groups from key Asian markets,” Tran emphsised.

However, despite these advances, Ha said a stronger support ecosystem for business events needs to be developed.

“While world-class venues are under construction, Phu Quoc still needs to expand its soft infrastructure, including experienced event organisers, technical suppliers, destination partners and a larger pool of skilled MICE professionals, to compete with more established regional destinations.”

In addition, Ha pointed out that while international brands – such as JW Marriott, InterContinental, Radisson, and the upcoming Rixos – are strengthening hospitality offerings, the island still has a smaller inventory of high-end hotel rooms and cultural experiences when compared to destinations like Phuket and Bali.

“Expanding these offerings will be essential to support larger international events and encourage longer visitor stays,” Ha said.

Meanwhile, Tran noted that further improvements in flight frequency, transportation, purpose-built convention infrastructure, skilled event resources and environmental management will be key as visitor and development volumes increase.

“Phu Quoc is being positioned as a global showcase destination, where long-term value is measured not only by visitor arrivals, but also by international visibility, investment attractiveness and global brand recognition,” Ha said.