Domestic tourists increase but not "suddenly"

Mr. Nguyen Minh Dong - Director of Phu Quoc International Airport said: During the 3 days of Tet, the number of domestic visitors to the Pearl Island increased. Specifically: during the 3 days of Tet, Phu Quoc airport welcomed more than 15,000 domestic visitors.

Domestic tourists to Phu Quoc during the Lunar New Year 2024 will increase slightly but not — Domestic tourists to Phu Quoc during the Lunar New Year 2024 increased slightly but not "suddenly". Photo by Huu Tuan

According to the reporter, the number of passengers at ferry terminals has increased, many ferry companies have increased trips and reduced ticket prices to attract customers. Typically: Phu Quoc Express high-speed ferry has reduced ticket prices from 18,000 to 45,000 VND/ticket/person, depending on age.

“In response to the campaign “I love Phu Quoc - I Love Phu Quoc” of Phu Quoc City People's Committee and the customer appreciation program on the occasion of the Lunar New Year. Phu Quoc Express Joint Stock Company has a promotion program “Spring travel companion”, discounting the route from Rach Gia, Ha Tien to Phu Quoc and vice versa, from January 26, 2024 to March 31, 2024, applicable on all days of the week, including holidays and Tet” informed Mr. Vu Van Khuong - General Director of Phu Quoc Express Joint Stock Company.

Hon Thom cable car attracts quite a lot of visitors during Tet. (Photo: Huu Tuan)

Speaking to reporters of Kinh te va Do thi newspaper, Mr. Nguyen Vu Khac Huy - General Director of Vina Phu Quoc Tourism Company Limited said: During Tet holidays, the number of domestic tourists increased slightly compared to normal days. The number of domestic tourists to all 3 routes increased, but not "suddenly" compared to the previous period.

Although the number of passengers on domestic flights has increased, the number of international passengers on domestic flights is still high, Mr. Huy said.

Phu Quoc night market is a favorite destination for many tourists when coming to Pearl Island. (Photo by Huu Tuan)

Mr. Truong Cong Tam - Chairman of Phu Quoc Professional Tour Guide Association said: During Tet this year, the number of domestic tourists coming to the Pearl Island did not increase as much as in previous years, mainly international tourists. Tour guides who are "hungry for tours" have to "flexibly" find other jobs to earn extra income during Tet.

At hotels in Phu Quoc, the number of domestic guests booking rooms is also cautious, less than 30% of room capacity, while international guests account for 70%, with some hotels having 95% international guests.

Meanwhile, entertainment spots in Phu Quoc such as Hon Thom Cable Car, Vui Phet Night Market, Grand World Sleepless City, Phu Quoc Night Market, Vinwondes, Safari also attracted many local visitors to visit and have fun. In particular, island tours, coral diving tours, etc., the number of visitors increased "dramatically" compared to the time before Tet.

Mr. Bui Quoc Thai - Director of Kien Giang Province Department of Tourism said that in order to serve tourists coming to visit during the Spring Festival of Giap Thin 2024, the department has strengthened the management of destinations, tour guide activities and checked the quality of tourism services. At the same time, tourism businesses are required to organize entertainment programs, promotions, discounts, and develop new tourism products to serve tourists coming to visit during this Tet holiday.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Mong Quyen - Director of Ha Tien Center for Promotion, Trade and Tourism said: On the occasion of Lunar New Year this year, the scenic relics of Mui Nai, Thach Dong, and Nui Da Dung are the destinations chosen by locals and tourists when coming to Ha Tien. The number of visitors to the tourist sites during the 3 days of Tet increased by about 40% compared to the same period.