On October 14, in Phu Quoc City, the People's Committee of Kien Giang Province had a working session with local tourism service businesses, the Phu Quoc Tourism Investment and Development Association, and airlines on air ticket mechanisms and solutions to stimulate tourism in Phu Quoc in the coming time.
Mr. Lam Minh Thanh (standing) - Chairman of Kien Giang Provincial People's Committee - requested the locality and relevant departments and branches to listen to businesses' opinions and then have a plan to promote and advertise Phu Quoc tourism image to attract visitors to come and play in the coming time.
Locality is sad one, business is sad ten
Ms. Le Thi Hai Chau - General Secretary of Phu Quoc Tourism Investment and Development Association - said that today's meeting plays a very important role in discussing solutions to stimulate tourism in Phu Quoc.
Phu Quoc tourism has been facing many difficulties in recent times. Especially during the recent September 2nd holiday, Phu Quoc only welcomed about 62,544 visitors, down 26.5% compared to the same period, of which there were only 5,700 international visitors. The number of overnight guests was only 19,209, down 38.6% and room occupancy was only about 27%.
Ms. Chau hopes that the People's Committee of Kien Giang Province and Phu Quoc City will soon step in to support, connect and propose to the Government and central ministries to develop local tourism. In particular, there should be appropriate policies to support businesses in developing Phu Quoc tourism.
"In 2023, businesses providing tourism services in Phu Quoc are all suffering losses. Localities are sad, businesses are sad. Airlines need to stabilize airfares. Businesses will have appropriate service and accommodation price policies so that visitors to Phu Quoc can enjoy their time comfortably. Businesses and airlines will share this work, together stimulating tourism demand in Phu Quoc, overcoming difficulties, and developing long-term," said Ms. Chau.
At the conference, discussing solutions to stimulate tourism in Phu Quoc, Mr. Nguyen Bac Toan - Commercial Director of Vietjet Aviation Joint Stock Company - said that the unit is ready to work with local tourism businesses to stimulate tourism in Phu Quoc.
The unit also hopes that Phu Quoc needs to have a specific tourism service package with suitable prices to attract more visitors in the future. In particular, the locality needs to have programs and events to attract international visitors to Phu Quoc.
Mr. Nguyen Vu Khac Huy - permanent vice president of Kien Giang Tourism Association, general director of Vina Phu Quoc Tourism Company Limited - expressed that the decrease in tourists to Phu Quoc in recent times has many reasons such as: the demand of tourists who like to travel to nearby destinations; economic recession and partly the high cost of airfares...
"Phu Quoc tourism is still attractive and beautiful in the eyes of tourists. With the current reasonable service prices in Phu Quoc, we believe that Phu Quoc tourism will be positive again. In particular, the widespread communication and promotion of Phu Quoc tourism image will create more effects in the eyes of domestic and foreign tourists," said Mr. Huy.
Ms. Le Thi Hai Chau - General Secretary of Phu Quoc Tourism Investment and Development Association - recommended that the People's Committee of Kien Giang province and Phu Quoc city need to have appropriate policies and mechanisms to support businesses in developing Phu Quoc tourism.
Need to coordinate to promote and advertise Phu Quoc tourism effectively
Mr. Huynh Quang Hung - Chairman of Phu Quoc City People's Committee - acknowledged that investors and corporations have recently invested a lot in developing tourism in Phu Quoc. Up to now, the locality has nearly 30,000 accommodation rooms; 800 tourism service establishments serving diverse tourist segments.
From early 2023 until now, Phu Quoc tourism has been facing difficulties. The number of visitors to Phu Quoc has decreased significantly. Currently, visitors to Phu Quoc by air account for about 60%, and by train about 40%. However, flights and trains to Phu Quoc are currently empty. Local investors and businesses are facing difficulties. The locality is very sad about this.
"Regarding environmental issues, security, order, prices, services and food safety, the locality has a plan to resolve them as soon as possible. The locality will be responsible for checking and handling them so that tourists can feel secure when coming to Phu Quoc to have fun. Regarding airfares, we suggest that airlines need to calculate to have reasonable, valid fares, in harmony with common interests," said Mr. Hung.
Mr. Lam Minh Thanh - Chairman of Kien Giang Provincial People's Committee - acknowledged the difficulties of investors and tourism service enterprises in recent times. The decrease in the number of visitors to Phu Quoc not only affects the revenue of local businesses but also the reputation of Phu Quoc tourism.
Localities and relevant departments need to listen to what businesses propose to have effective promotion coordination, expand markets, and diversify tourism products to better serve customers.
"Through today's conference, we will do it and do it quickly. The People's Committee of Kien Giang province requests the provincial Trade and Tourism Promotion Center and the Kien Giang Department of Tourism to act as a bridge with airlines, travel agencies, etc. to sit together, have specific solutions, agree and then sign initial agreements to stimulate tourism in the coming time," Mr. Thanh emphasized.
