APEC 2027 taking place in Phu Quoc special zone (An Giang) is a great opportunity for An Giang province in general and Phu Quoc in particular to develop more strongly in all fields. In which, tourism is an important highlight and APEC is considered a golden opportunity for the tourism industry to accelerate.
According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Sanh - former Director of the Mekong Delta Development Research Institute - Can Tho University, Phu Quoc tourism focuses on 6 segments, including: High-class resorts; tourism combining resorts and conference, seminar, exhibition activities; health and spiritual care; ecology; culture; sports and entertainment. APEC 2027 event is about to take place, An Giang province and functional sectors, businesses need to forecast the number of visitors, high-quality tourist ratio, spending/customer, accommodation... participating before, during and after APEC 2027 to have careful preparation to meet the needs of tourists.
Mr. Nguyen Thanh Quoc - Deputy Director of An Giang Department of Tourism - said that it is necessary to assess the opportunities and requirements of APEC 2027 for the competitiveness of An Giang tourism. What do tourism businesses need to prepare to take advantage of opportunities and meet the requirements from the high-quality international tourist flow associated with APEC 2027; how to promote An Giang's unique advantages in culture, ecology, sea and islands, spirituality, community, and at the same time strengthen regional linkages, forming a unique product chain with international competitiveness.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Loan - Vice Chairwoman of Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone People's Committee - said: "According to the development orientation, Phu Quoc strives to be a national and international-scale eco-tourism resort center, a center to connect all trade relations in the region and globally. Phu Quoc is building so that each business, each citizen is a tourism ambassador for 2026, creating the best premise for preparing for the APEC 2027 event.
Tourism development orientation before, during and after APEC 2027 requires the joint efforts of local authorities, levels, sectors, and people. Communes, wards, and special zones need to act more drastically, considering tourism as a key economic driving force. Towards APEC 2027, the government needs to coordinate in organizing pilot events to welcome international visitors and support local businesses in quickly licensing, creating a transparent business environment, contributing to building a friendly and safe image of An Giang.
For tourism businesses, as the core force, it is necessary to proactively innovate and invest in sustainable tourism products such as eco-friendly homestays, community tours and high-class services aimed at APEC guests. Businesses should cooperate with each other to form supply chains, minimize resource waste and apply green standards such as energy saving, reducing single-use plastic... To move towards APEC 2027, businesses need to participate in international fairs, build a common brand for An Giang tourism and commit to training staff to improve service quality, so that every tourist who comes and leaves Ngoc Island becomes a "an angel" promoting the Phu Quoc special zone and An Giang province.
Mr. Nguyen Vu Khac Huy, Chairman of An Giang Tourism Association, said that it is necessary to promote communication to spread the APEC 2027 event, focus on promoting and introducing Phu Quoc - An Giang tourism with focus and key points, especially green tourism, building the An Giang brand as a sustainable destination, attracting investment and international tourists.
