Vietnam authorities to prioritize Phu Quoc as island will host APEC Summit in 2027

 

Presenting Vietnam strategy and progress in tourism at the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2026, Nguyen Quy Phuong, Director of the Tourism Marketing Division in Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, indicated that the government is pushing Phu Quoc as a southern Vietnam hub destination.

Vietnam’s largest island in the south of the country undergoes a broad infrastructure transformation aimed at meeting international standards and preparing to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in 2027. Long promoted as a resort destination, the “Pearl Island” is now repositioning itself as an international center for tourism, services, conferences, and large-scale events. The island is the only destination in Vietnam open to any tourists without visa.

Metro train, airport expansion and convention center

Authorities in An Giang province, which administers Phu Quoc, have approved a package of 21 infrastructure projects linked to APEC 2027, including 10 public investment initiatives and 11 projects under public–private partnership models. 

Among the most ambitious projects is the Phu Quoc metro line, developed by Sun Group under a build-operate-transfer model with total investment of nearly US$350 million. Phase one will cover 18 km, connecting Phu Quoc International Airport with the APEC Convention Center. The line will include elevated, ground-level, and underground sections through the island’s urban core, with six stations and trains operating at speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour. Officials say the metro will ease congestion, reduce emissions, and significantly improve mobility for residents and visitors.

In parallel, Phu Quoc International Airport is undergoing a major expansion led by Sun Group in cooperation with CPG Singapore and Artelia Airport of France. The project includes a new passenger terminal (Terminal 2), a VIP terminal, and a second runway. Once completed, the airport will meet ICAO 4E standards, capable of handling wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 787 and Airbus A350. Passenger capacity is expected to reach 20 million annually—more than four times current levels—supported by smart airport systems, biometric identification, and automated baggage handling.

Phu Quoc’s growing ambitions are also reflected in the launch of Sun PhuQuoc Airways, the first Vietnamese airline named after its destination, reinforcing the island’s aspiration to become a regional aviation hub.

At the same time, tourism development continues to accelerate, particularly in the island’s southern area, where Sunset Town has emerged as a focal point for entertainment, dining, and landmark architecture such as the Kiss Bridge. Internationally branded resorts, including JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay and several Hilton- and Accor-affiliated properties, continue to strengthen the island’s global appeal.

A central element of APEC preparations is the massive US$830 million convention and exhibition complex approved under a public–private partnership model. The facility will include a convention center seating at least 6,500, a 4,000-seat multipurpose theater, and a public park, and is scheduled for completion by mid-2027. After the summit, it will serve cultural, entertainment, and exhibition needs.

Alongside infrastructure investment, local authorities are promoting environmental protection and community engagement through initiatives such as the “Green Ngoc Island” campaign. Officials say these efforts will turn Phu Quoc island into a modern, sustainable, and internationally competitive destination well beyond APEC 2027.

Tags: Nguyen Quy Phuong,  Vietnam National Authority of Tourism