International arrivals crowd Phu Quoc airport as peak season approaches

From January 1 to 20, the island welcomed about 734 international flights carrying tourists from markets including South Korea, China, Thailand, Kazakhstan, India, and Russia, according to airport authorities.

This marked a surge of more than 40 percent compared with the same period last year.

January 17 set a new milestone for the airport, which handled 47 international flights and served around 16,332 foreign passengers in a single day.

Visitor numbers to Phu Quoc, widely known as the 'pearl island,' are expected to climb further in the days leading up to Tet, which falls on February 17.

As a result, both domestic and international travelers have crowded the terminal, with immigration and check-in areas busy throughout the day.

“The weather in Phu Quoc is beautiful and sunny, which makes it very enjoyable,” said Dariana, a Russian tourist.

She added that the island’s natural features, including mountains, forests, and the sea, are ideal for her family to travel, relax, and enjoy their holiday.

Tran Minh Khoa, chairman of the Phu Quoc Special Zone administration, said the island has emerged as an increasingly attractive beach and island destination for international visitors.

He noted that Phu Quoc is accelerating a number of strategic projects in preparation for hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in 2027.

These efforts are expected to create new opportunities for high-end and MICE tourism, including meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions.

Local authorities are focusing on ensuring security and safety, improving waste treatment and environmental sanitation, and tightening price management so visitors can enjoy a safe and comfortable stay during the upcoming Tet holiday and beyond.