The world's leading travel magazine Conde Nast Traveler announced this year's Readers' Choice Awards 2024 in early October. This is the 37th year the award has been held and is also considered one of the most prestigious awards in the world tourism industry with strict voting criteria.
Vietnam was honored in two categories, ranking 15th out of 20 countries worth visiting in the world. Notably, Phu Quoc surprised everyone by being on the list of “The World’s Best Islands” for the third consecutive year with a score of 95.36 points, a jump from 88.89 points last year. This score was given by global readers, based on their satisfaction with the destination according to various criteria, from service quality, scenery, beaches, cuisine to hospitality.
The impressive score has brought Vietnam's Pearl Island from 8th place in the top 10 Asian islands to 2nd place, just behind Bali (Indonesia) with a score of 95.71. Phu Quoc surpassed other strong competitors such as Koh Samui, Phuket (Thailand), Langkawi, Penang (Malaysia).
2024 can be seen as the year that Phu Quoc transforms from a “hidden gem” of Southeast Asia to a global destination. Since the beginning of the year, Phu Quoc has received a “shower” of compliments from the world tourism community.
In July, the famous magazine Travel + Leisure voted Phu Quoc the second most beautiful island in the world, after Maldives in the World's Best Awards 2024. DestinAsian put Phu Quoc in the top 10 most wonderful islands in Asia.
Meanwhile, travel bible Lonely Planet named Phu Quoc the top beach destination of the decade. South Korea’s largest mainstream newspaper, Chosun Ilbo, called the island a destination that “satisfies” all five senses.
The spectacular breakthrough of Phu Quoc is a clear demonstration of the island's growing appeal, as in addition to its beautiful nature as its greatest advantage, the Pearl Island increasingly possesses many unique entertainment experiences, and the world's most luxurious resort infrastructure system spread across the island.
Phu Quoc is also the only place in Vietnam with a preferential visa policy, visa exemption for all tourists in the world for up to 30 days.
Famous names such as JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort, La Festa Phu Quoc - Curio Collection by Hilton, New World Phu Quoc Resort, Premier Village Phu Quoc have contributed to turning the pearl island into an international luxury resort destination, ready to please the most demanding tourists.
Besides relaxation, there are many unforgettable experiences waiting for tourists in Phu Quoc, such as taking the world's longest 3-wire cable car to Hon Thom Island, visiting Cau Hon - the most beautiful sunset viewing spot in Phu Quoc, watching world-class shows such as Kiss of the Sea with a combination of 8 types of performing arts, Symphony of the Sea is about to launch with jetski and flyboard performances combined with traditional Vietnamese elements such as drums, flags, etc.
Sunset Town in the South of Phu Quoc Island also displays artistic fireworks every night, turning the island into a destination filled with a festive atmosphere 365 days a year. In addition to modern attractions, visitors can also find experiences imbued with local culture such as visiting fishing villages, pepper gardens, fish sauce factories... or enjoying specialties such as bun quay, herring salad...
In the first 9 months of this year, Phu Quoc Island is estimated to welcome more than 720,000 international visitors, an increase of more than 56% over the same period in 2023, exceeding the plan for the whole year by 8.6%. According to statistics, Phu Quoc Island currently welcomes visitors from more than 150 countries and territories, with many direct flights from Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan (China) ...
From October 2024, many new routes from diverse markets will continue to open, such as from Hong Kong (China), Singapore, Eastern European countries (Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland...), Russia, Mongolia, Central Asian countries (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan)...
Phu Quoc is expected to welcome 100 international flights per week during the year-end tourist season. This figure is up about 25% compared to the same period last year, showing that Phu Quoc’s tourism brand is becoming more and more popular thanks to the influence of prestigious international awards.
Many experts believe that Phu Quoc's continuous exposure to the international media will help it continue to "accelerate" and become a bright star in the region.
