After a long period of gloom, Phu Quoc tourism (Kien Giang province) is showing many signs of improvement at the end of 2023 and the beginning of 2024. This is the initial result of the joint efforts with high determination of the government, tourism industry, businesses and local people in implementing solutions to restore tourism to the "Pearl Island".
International visitors increase sharply
In contrast to the desolate scene a few months ago, these days, the streets, beaches, restaurants, hotels, entertainment areas... in Phu Quoc are very lively, bustling with the laughter of tourists. Kim Chung Hee, a Korean tourist, said that he and his family chose to go to Phu Quoc after considering 3 destinations in 3 different countries. "My family chose to travel to Phu Quoc because this season the weather and scenery here are very beautiful. Another reason is that Vietnam is preparing to celebrate the traditional New Year, my family and I want to experience this culture, especially when my friend shared that Tet in Vietnam is very rich in identity", Kim Chung Hee shared.
Ms. Truong Xuan Linh, a tour guide at Viet Phu Tourism Company (Phu Quoc), said that since Christmas 2023 until now, she and her colleagues are no longer "waiting for work" because the number of tourists coming to Phu Quoc has increased sharply, especially those from Thailand, Malaysia, Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Czech Republic, Poland, the US, etc. "Most tourists coming to Phu Quoc are currently booking rooms to stay through Tet 2024. In addition to visiting and relaxing at Bai Sao and Bai Khem, they also come to learn about fish sauce and sim wine villages, and enjoy traditional dishes on the island such as bun quay and seafood porridge," said Ms. Linh. However, according to her, although the number of tourists coming to Phu Quoc has increased sharply near Tet, they are mainly international tourists, while domestic tourists are very few, accounting for only about 30%.
A representative of the Department of Tourism of Kien Giang province informed that from New Year 2024 to Tet Giap Thin, the occupancy rate of hotel rooms in Phu Quoc is quite high. In particular, the average occupancy rate in the 4-5 star segment is 60% or more, with some establishments reaching 97% occupancy rate. It is forecasted that the number of guests booking rooms will continue to increase after Tet, especially domestic guests, because after Tet the weather on the island is very nice, many people like to go on vacation and travel. Ms. Quang Xuan Lua, Director of the Center for Investment, Trade and Tourism Promotion of Kien Giang province, shared that there is currently 1 flight per day from Kazakhstan to Phu Quoc and will last until March 2024. In addition, some major Korean airlines such as Korean Air, Jeju Air and Jin Air are also operating new and reopening direct flights to Phu Quoc. Currently, Phu Quoc welcomes more than 2,000 international tourists every day, a number many times higher than in the third quarter of 2023.
According to some travel companies in Phu Quoc, tourism to the "Pearl Island" in late 2023 and early 2024 is "brighter" thanks to the strong participation of the local government and tourism industry. Some adjustments and changes in the environment, reducing air pollution, preventing recent solicitation and "rip-offs" have helped tourists feel more secure when coming to Phu Quoc. In addition, Phu Quoc is in the season with the most beautiful weather of the year, attracting many domestic and foreign tourists to visit and travel.
Improve service quality, avoid price gouging
Mr. Huynh Quang Hung, Chairman of Phu Quoc City People's Committee, said that the local government is coordinating with many relevant departments (enterprises, people, etc.) to deploy a communication campaign to bring tourism information and the city's hospitality message closer to tourists, especially international visitors. Phu Quoc City People's Committee also directed the supervision and inspection of business activities of shops, restaurants, travel service businesses, etc. to prevent price gouging and soliciting customers; strictly handle violations. Thereby, building a beautiful and friendly image of Phu Quoc people and land, creating peace of mind for tourists when traveling to the "Pearl Island".
A representative of the Kien Giang Provincial Department of Tourism said that in order to attract tourists to Phu Quoc, especially domestic tourists, in 2024, the tourism industry will continue to strongly innovate products, increase experiences and ecology; improve service quality; and at the same time implement many stimulus programs. The Kien Giang tourism industry will also review and compile statistics on all tourism service businesses (from accommodation, travel, food and beverage, passenger transport, souvenir shops, specialties, entertainment, etc.) and require establishments to register prices, clearly list service prices; check the organization of promotional and discount programs according to regulations.
In order for Phu Quoc tourism to continue to recover and have a breakthrough development in 2024, Vice Chairman of Kien Giang Provincial People's Committee Nguyen Luu Trung has just requested the Provincial Department of Tourism to coordinate with Phu Quoc City People's Committee to immediately implement new solutions. In particular, promptly complete the Project to develop Phu Quoc City into a high-quality eco-tourism service center, national and international sea and island tourism as approved by the Prime Minister in the Kien Giang Province Master Plan. At the same time, continue to research and develop new tourism products, strengthen state management of tourism.
During the Lunar New Year 2024, Phu Quoc City welcomed nearly 192,000 visitors, including 51,929 international visitors; 66,958 overnight guests, an increase of 4.6% over the same period. Many service products were consolidated and renewed; some new products were put into operation such as the show "Kiss the star", "Cau Hon", "Fest Bazaar Night Market", "Light Park and Snow Forest" and many other cultural, artistic, and entertainment activities... attracting tourists.
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