Cao Thi Mai Loa
A rising star in the regional beach destination circuit, Phu Quoc’s fast-growing tourist potential has spurred Asian Trails Vietnam to launch a new office in Phu Quoc last month, adding to its country headquarters in Ho Chi Minh City as well as existing offices in Hanoi and Danang.
“Asian Trails Vietnam has seen a surge in demand for Phu Quoc as a new beach destination,” Thuy Tien, managing director, Asian Trails Vietnam, told TTG Asia, adding that the island is already chalking up double-digit growth for the company in the 2016/2017 season.
Industry veteran Cao Thi Mai Loan has been appointed to lead the new branch office, giving the DMC the autonomy to handle its own transfers and excursions without subcontracting and to develop its own unique products on the island, the company said in a statement.
The upcoming developments in Phu Quoc have also drawn the interest of foreign tour operators, particularly those from Europe, in taking up more properties in their offers, according to Thuy. “(Phu Quoc’s) geographical location is favourable for winter travel, the peak inbound tourism season in Vietnam,” she said.
A robust supply pipeline of 64 hotel projects and 10,000 rooms in the next few years, plus favourable government incentives in the form of free taxation for business enterprises in their first few years of operation, are some key factors luring an investment influx into Phu Quoc, Thuy pointed out.
Meanwhile, JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort and Spa will debut on January 25 to become the island’s first international luxury hotel brand.
But for a destination that still lacks direct international air connections, charter services will remain a strong conduit of tourism traffic into Phu Quoc, opined Thuy.
The destination currently has charter flights from Russia and Scandinavia, with China reportedly planning to roll out charters for the 2017-2018 travel season.
