Phu Quoc Island greenlit for pilot opening to international tourists

The Ministry of Transport approves the pilot plan of opening Phu Quoc island to international tourists

However, the Ministry of Transport (MoT) noted that it is necessary to develop a comprehensive plan to ensure safety against COVID-19 pandemic for locals as well as curb the spread of coronavirus from international visitors to the community.

The MoT suggested that priority should be given to vaccinating people at Phu Quoc while international visitors should be monitored throughout their stay. There must also be a pandemic prevention plan for the workforce providing services to international tourists.

At the same time, the ministry proposed some adjustments to the draft proposal. Accordingly, it would change "international tourists entering by air, through charter flights or commercial flights" to "international tourists entering by air, via charter flights or scheduled international flights (when conditions permit)".

The ministry also proposed the the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) to take the main responsibility and coordinate with relevant ministries and branches in selecting international tourist markets.

Currently, the MoCST is collecting feedback on the pilot project to welcome international tourists to Phu Quoc for a period of six months, expected from October 2021 and divided into two phases.

In the first three months, Phu Quoc is expected to welcome 2,000-3,000 guests a month through charter flights. In the second phase, the island is expected to welcome 5,000-10,000 guests a month.

Phu Quoc is Vietnam’s largest island and one of the world’s most favourite tourism destinations. Boasting many uncharted beaches and forests, Phu Quoc and all of its islets formed Phu Quoc city under Kien Giang province, Vietnam’s first island city, as of January 1, 2021.