Korean newspaper Herald Business reported that Phu Quoc will host the APEC ASEAN - Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum 2027. This event not only affirms Phu Quoc's position in the international arena, but also a strong push to promote the comprehensive transformation of this special zone.
Repositioning Phu Quoc on the tourism map
According to the assessment of the Korean media, Phu Quoc is now not only a simple resort destination, but also a new symbol for sustainable and integrated tourism in Southeast Asia.
According to Herald Business, hosting APEC 2027 has opened a new chapter in the journey to turn Phu Quoc into "the world's leading smart - eco-tourism city". The island is gradually comprehensively upgrading in terms of infrastructure, technology and service culture, to meet increasingly strict international standards.
In the article, Herald Business quoted the action slogan "Green Island - Smart City - No carbon emissions" as a testament to the sustainable development orientation that Phu Quoc is pursuing.
The newspaper highly appreciated the coordination efforts between local authorities and businesses such as Sun Group in creating a new look for the Pearl Island - modern, environmentally friendly and meeting international standards.
Herald Bussiness has listed a series of key projects being implemented including: Upgrading the infrastructure of Phu Quoc International Airport, wharf, developing the transportation system, building a multi-functional complex to serve APEC, expanding high-end resorts, establishing Sun PhuQuoc Airways, and applying a smart waste management model on the entire island.
The author believes that these steps not only prepare for APEC 2027 but also demonstrate the long-term ambition to turn Phu Quoc into a leading smart - eco-tourism center in the region.
Herald Business also paid special attention to the scale of projects under planning in Phu Quoc to prepare for APEC 2027. Phu Quoc will build a large-scale multi-functional complex, with a highlight being the Conference and Exhibition Center with a total floor area of 95,200m2, of which the conference room has an area of 11,000m2, far surpassing the world's largest conference room, Caesars Forum in Las Vegas, USA.
The highlight of the complex is the seamless connection with a series of famous destinations and iconic works such as Bai kem, Cau Hon (Kiss Bridge), international-class show "The kiss of the Sea" and the world's longest 3-line cable car to Hon Thom Island.
According to the design, the multi-functional complex serving APEC has a highlight as the Conference and Exhibition Center with a total area of 95,200m2, of which the conference room has an area of 10,790m2, far surpassing the world's largest conference room Caesars Forum in Las Vegas (USA).
The success of the Pearl Island for tourists from the land of kimchi
Herald Business newspaper affectionately names Phu Quoc as a new bright spot for Asian tourism, and at the same time cited a series of impressive examples such as: The island has the top fastest growth rate in air transport in Southeast Asia, is in the Top 3 most beautiful islands in Asia, and is in the Top 2 most favorite destinations in Vietnam for Korean tourists during their vacations.
According to a report from Agoda, Phu Quoc is currently the second most popular destination for Korean tourists in Vietnam, behind only Nha Trang, and also holds the third place in the list of most chosen resorts for Chinese tourists.
According to information from the representative of Phu Quoc International Airport, in the first 6 months of 2025, Korean tourists led the number of international visitors to Phu Quoc with nearly 280,000 arrivals - an increase of more than 35% over the same period last year (about 204,773 arrivals).
Currently, visitors to Phu Quoc can easily encounter K-Pop melodies echoing everywhere, from New World Phu Quoc Resort, Hoang Hon town, King Kong Mart, to Sun World Hon Thom theme park.
The staff at resorts and hotels, including leading brands such as Sun Group, not only have the ability to communicate in Korean but also demonstrate professionalism and friendliness in service, contributing to strengthening the image of Phu Quoc as an ideal destination for Korean tourists - Herald Business commented.
Accordingly, Phu Quoc's success comes from the visa exemption policy of up to 30 days for all international visitors, the enthusiastic support of international media, along with the dedicated and professional spirit of the staff of pioneering corporations.
After the APEC 2027 milestone, Phu Quoc is expected to continue to maintain its growth momentum and become the focus of attention in the regional tourism industry, while consolidating the image of a large-scale destination on the global map.
