The Vietnamese government’s announcement on promoting Phu Quoc as a tourist destination while ensuring eco-friendly development has boosted their efforts.
“At Sun Group, we are fully committed to raising the quality of guest experiences in Phu Quoc to world-class standards,” said Dang Minh Truong, chairman of Sun Group at the launch of ‘Kiss of the Sea’ at the end of January.
The multimedia, multi-sensory show is staged nightly in Sunset Town. The climactic fireworks display may be viewed for free anywhere in town.
Business event planners can make block bookings for groups of 100 pax to its full capacity of 5,000. They may request a special welcome message on the sea-screen before the show.
Other attractions include Kiss Bridge, eateries, shops, a night market and a water puppetry show.
Recently opened on the island, La Festa Phu Quoc, Curio Collection by Hilton has 197 guest rooms and two meeting rooms for small events.
Meanwhile New World Phu Quoc Resort – managed by Rosewood – has 366 villas, with indoor and outdoor meeting and incentive facilities for up to 800 guests.
While small groups may prefer evening poolside cocktails, bigger parties can opt for Sun Signature Gallery which serves as both an art gallery and event venue. The ballroom holds up to 1,000 pax or 600 banquet style.
The longest three-wire cable car in the world plies from An Thoi station in Sunset Town to Hon Thom (Pineapple Island) where Sun World Hon Thom theme park and water park are located.
At the northern end of Phu Quoc, the sprawling Vinpearl cluster has coalesced into Phu Quoc United Center. It is positioned as “Southeast Asia’s leading super resort and entertainment complex”.
Grand World is branded as the first “tourism – entertainment universe” in Vietnam and “the city that never sleeps” because non-stop activities continue throughout the year, from exciting festivals and street parties to pop concerts and other entertainment acts, along with shopping and dining venues and Corona casino.
Accommodation is available across more than 12,000 rooms in hotels, villas and apartments.
Vinpearl Convention Center occupies almost 11,000m2 of the integrated resort. Its divisible grand ballroom sits up to 1,000 pax theatre style, with smaller function rooms for various event sizes.
Vinpearl Safari comprises an open zoo and wildlife park, home to 3,000 animals including 150 rare species from around the world. An 18-hole golf course rounds off program options.
There are smaller beach clusters dotted around the island. Global hotel brands include JW Marriott, InterContinental, Pullman, Regent and Novotel.
From January to June this year, international visitors to Phu Quoc increased by 135 per cent over the same period in 2023. Direct flights operate from only a few Asian cities with Ho Chi Minh City serving as the main gateway.
Although some DMCs told micenet that Phu Quoc has yet to draw Western MICE audiences, Sun Group is keen to change perceptions.
“For the Australian market, Sun World is working with travel agents, OTAs, Vietnam Airlines and VietJet Air through famil and media trips to Phu Quoc Island as well as roadshows in Australia,” said Nguyen Tuan Anh, general manager of Sun World Hon Thom.
“We have strategies for products and prices built specifically for different Australian market segments,” he added, with Kiss of the Sea being a major pull for event planners.
