Kien Giang holds meeting to find ways to save Phu Quoc tourism.

On October 14th, in Phu Quoc City, the People's Committee of Kien Giang province held a meeting with local tourism service businesses, the Phu Quoc Tourism Investment and Development Association, and airlines to discuss airfare mechanisms and solutions to stimulate tourism in Phu Quoc in the coming period.

Local authorities are unhappy, but businesses are ten times more so.

Ms. Le Thi Hai Chau, General Secretary of the 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 recently. Particularly during the recent September 2nd holiday, Phu Quoc only welcomed approximately 62,544 visitors, a decrease of 26.5% compared to the same period last year, including only 5,700 international visitors. The number of overnight stays reached only 19,209, a decrease of 38.6%, and room occupancy was only around 27%.

Ms. Chau hopes that the People's Committee of Kien Giang province and the People's Committee of Phu Quoc city will step in to support, connect with, and propose to the Government and central ministries and agencies to develop local tourism. In particular, there needs to be appropriate policies and mechanisms to support businesses developing tourism in Phu Quoc.

"In 2023, all tourism service businesses in Phu Quoc suffered losses. The local authorities are saddened, but the businesses are even more so. Airlines need to stabilize airfare prices. Businesses, on the other hand, will have appropriate pricing policies for services and accommodation so that tourists can enjoy their trips to Phu Quoc comfortably. This is a shared effort between businesses and airlines to stimulate tourism in Phu Quoc, overcome difficulties, and ensure long-term development," Ms. Chau said.

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 company is ready to cooperate with local tourism businesses to stimulate tourism in Phu Quoc.

The unit also hopes that Phu Quoc will have specific, affordable tourism service packages to attract more visitors in the future. In particular, the locality needs programs and events to attract international tourists to Phu Quoc.

Mr. Nguyen Vu Khac Huy - Permanent Vice Chairman of the Kien Giang Tourism Association, General Director of Vina Phu Quoc Tourism Co., Ltd. - expressed that the decrease in tourists visiting Phu Quoc recently is due to many reasons such as: tourists preferring to travel to nearby destinations; economic recession; and partly due to high airfare costs…

"Phu Quoc tourism remains attractive and beautiful in the eyes of tourists. With the current reasonable prices for services in Phu Quoc, we believe that Phu Quoc tourism will see a positive recovery in the future. In particular, widespread communication and promotion of Phu Quoc's tourism image will create a greater impact on both domestic and international tourists," Mr. Huy said.

There is a need for coordinated efforts to effectively promote Phu Quoc tourism.

Mr. Huynh Quang Hung, Chairman of the People's Committee of Phu Quoc City, acknowledged that investors and corporations have invested heavily in developing tourism in Phu Quoc in recent years. To date, the locality has nearly 30,000 accommodation rooms and 800 tourism service businesses serving diverse segments of tourists.

Since the beginning of 2023, Phu Quoc tourism has faced difficulties. The number of visitors to Phu Quoc has decreased significantly. Currently, about 60% of visitors arrive by air, while about 40% arrive by ferry. However, flights and ferries to Phu Quoc are currently experiencing low passenger numbers. Local investors and businesses are facing difficulties. The local authorities are very saddened by this situation.

"Regarding environmental issues, public order and security, prices, services, and food safety, the local authorities have plans to address these issues as soon as possible. The local authorities will be responsible for inspection and handling to ensure tourists can feel safe and secure when visiting Phu Quoc. Concerning airfare, we suggest that airlines calculate reasonable and fair prices that balance the common good," Mr. Hung said.

Mr. Lam Minh Thanh, Chairman of the People's Committee of Kien Giang province, acknowledged the difficulties faced by investors and tourism service businesses in recent times. The decline in the number of tourists visiting Phu Quoc not only affects the revenue of local businesses but also the reputation of Phu Quoc tourism.

Local authorities and relevant departments need to listen to businesses' suggestions in order to coordinate effective promotion, expand markets, and diversify tourism products to better serve tourists.

"Through today's conference, we will be able to 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 take the lead in bridging the gap with airlines, travel agencies, etc., to sit down together, find specific solutions, reach a consensus, and then sign initial agreements to stimulate tourism in the coming period," Mr. Thanh emphasized.