1. Overview of APEC - The largest international forum in the Asia-Pacific region
APEC has long been considered one of the largest international forums in the Asia-Pacific region, bringing together the world's most dynamic economies. For the tourism and service industry, APEC is not just a political and economic event, but also a strong impetus to promote trade, expand flight routes, upgrade infrastructure, and promote destination image globally.
And 2027 will be a special milestone: Vietnam will host APEC for the 3rd time, Phu Quoc Island will be chosen as the “world's rendezvous point” - a gathering place for thousands of delegates, experts, and international media. This is also a golden opportunity for Phu Quoc Island to break through once again, affirming its position on the global tourism map.
1.1. What is APEC?
APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) is an economic cooperation forum bringing together 21 dynamic economies in the Asia-Pacific region. It is an open connectivity space, where members coordinate to promote trade, investment, cultural exchange, and especially the liberalization of travel within the region. Thanks to its flexible, non-binding nature, APEC is considered one of the world's most effective cooperation mechanisms.
For the tourism industry, APEC creates a strong wave of openness. The forum's initiatives aim to simplify immigration and customs procedures, standardize travel regulations, improve service quality, and enhance connectivity between destinations. When tourism activities become more convenient, member economies are also motivated to invest in upgrading airports, new flight routes, accommodation centers, aviation-hotel-logistics services, thereby raising the experience standards for international tourists.
Vietnam participates in APEC 2024 in Peru (Source: Collected)
Not only infrastructure, but each APEC event is also an opportunity for the host country to promote its destination image globally. The influx of delegates, businesses, and international journalists brings global media attention, helping the host locality elevate its tourism status and attract more visitors for years to come.
Thanks to this, APEC is not only an economic forum but also a significant "boost" that helps host cities break through in infrastructure, services, and tourism appeal.
1.2. Vietnam's Journey in APEC
Vietnam officially joined APEC in 1998, marking an important milestone in economic and tourism integration in the Asia-Pacific region. Since then, Vietnam has actively participated and contributed positively to the forum's initiatives, especially promoting trade, connectivity, and national image.
During the two times it hosted APEC in 2006 and 2017, Vietnam turned these events into golden opportunities to promote tourism and infrastructure. In 2006, Hanoi and its partner localities upgraded airports, hotels, and convention centers, while implementing cultural and tourism promotion programs, helping Vietnam's tourism grow strongly and leave a mark on international visitors. In 2017, with Da Nang as the focal point, accommodation facilities, MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, exhibitions) services, and urban transportation projects continued to be upgraded, providing modern and professional experiences for thousands of delegates and tourists.
Vietnam stands shoulder to shoulder with the world's powers at APEC 2017 in Da Nang (Source: Collected)
These are all special milestones as the number of international delegates, businessmen, and press visiting Vietnam increased sharply, helping our country's tourism break through in terms of both infrastructure and media reach. Thanks to regional-scale events, many new international flight routes were opened, and host cities like Hanoi, Da Nang, or Ho Chi Minh City also accelerated the completion of airports, hotels, and convention centers.
APEC also became a "launchpad" for Vietnam to increase its presence on the world tourism map. International standard infrastructure and service projects were more strongly promoted, while destination promotion campaigns attracted widespread attention from global media.
As a result, Vietnam is increasingly perceived as a dynamic, safe, and potential-rich destination, ready to host international events. This journey continues with our country hosting APEC 2027, opening up new opportunities for Vietnam's tourism - especially Phu Quoc - to enter a phase of even stronger acceleration.
2. APEC 2027 - Why was the "global rendezvous" chosen as Phu Quoc?
2.1. Natural advantages & the image of the "Pearl Island"
Phu Quoc, also known as the "Pearl Island", possesses a rare marine - forest - island ecosystem, making this an ideal natural destination for international events. The fine sandy beaches, clear blue sea, and pleasant year-round weather create a perfect resort experience for delegates and tourists. Not only that, the complexes of high-class resorts and hotels along with international standard entertainment and recreational areas help Phu Quoc become a conference and event center that is both modern and close to nature.
Phu Quoc is blessed by nature with harmonious scenery and a pleasant climate year-round (Source: Collected)
The attraction of the "Pearl Island" is also demonstrated through large-scale trial events. In November 2024, Phu Quoc welcomed 500 international guests from the Coca-Cola brand for the Asia - South Pacific regional summary event. The event's gala night was held at the Kiss of the Sea show stage with a water, fire, light, and laser performance featuring 60 international artists, which amazed the delegates and international guests, affirming the island's world-class event organization capabilities.
2.2. Infrastructure advantages and international position
Phu Quoc is witnessing "extraordinary" infrastructure development speed, from transportation, airports, seaports to hotel - resort systems and convention centers. Phu Quoc International Airport is being expanded, along with upgraded internal island connecting roads, ready to welcome millions of international visitors annually. By the end of 2025, an international seaport with a capacity of 3,000-4,000 passengers per call is expected to be completed, while resort, accommodation, and convention center upgrade projects are being synchronously implemented.
Phu Quoc International Airport is being expanded, ready to welcome millions of visitors annually (Source: Collected)
Southern Phu Quoc Island, especially the Sunset Town (Thi Tran Hoang Hon) and Cream Beach (Bai Kem) areas, stands out as a potential "event hub" for large-scale events. The Kiss of the Sea outdoor stage has a capacity of up to 5,000 guests, fully integrated with the most modern lighting, sound, and fireworks technology, while possessing a unique design, never before seen in the world.
For indoor events, the South of the island meets the needs for organization at Sun Signature Gallery and Sun Tropical Ballroom, each conference room has a capacity of up to 1,000 guests. Post-event receptions become unforgettable when held at the vibrant, dazzling Sunset Town (Thi Tran Hoang Hon) or by Cream Beach (Bai Kem) - one of the most beautiful beaches on the planet, perfectly combined with a system of high-class resorts, offering a luxurious, convenient, and classy experience.
Conference rooms can accommodate up to 1,000 guests at Sun Signature Gallery
Phu Quoc is also a "promising land" for a series of prestigious international hotel brands such as Marriott, Accor, Hilton, IHG… along with high-class projects like Rixos Phu Quoc and Khat Vong Tower - Aspira Tower at Hon Thom, expected to be completed in time for APEC 2027. Existing resort - entertainment - commercial facilities, along with large-scale infrastructure projects being strongly deployed, play a key role in helping Phu Quoc become a world-class APEC 2027 host destination.
With its natural advantages, infrastructure, and increasingly complete tourism - entertainment ecosystem, Phu Quoc is not only a venue for APEC but also a prominent MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) destination in Asia. This is an opportunity to promote unique tourism, resort, and cultural experiences, while enhancing Phu Quoc's image on the international tourism map. From world-class outdoor stages to luxurious resorts, the Jade Island (Dao Ngoc) is ready to welcome delegates, tourists, and global media, affirming its new position in the era of Vietnam's tourism development.
3. What is Phu Quoc preparing for APEC 2027?
In preparation for the APEC 2027 High-Level Week, Phu Quoc is undertaking a series of important infrastructure projects, with a total of 21 key projects and a total investment of over 137,000 billion VND. These projects are not only aimed at serving APEC activities but also elevate Phu Quoc to become an international tourism, conference, and MICE center, ready to welcome millions of tourists, delegates, and leaders from top economies in the Asia-Pacific region.
3.1. Phu Quoc International Airport - international gateway
Phu Quoc International Airport is identified as a key component, playing a crucial role as the main gateway to welcome delegations, heads of state, and international guests during APEC. The project involves a comprehensive upgrade with a total investment of nearly 22,000 billion VND, expanding runway 1 to 3,500 m long, building new runway 2 to 3,300 m long, meeting ICAO 4E standards, capable of receiving wide-body aircraft such as Boeing 747, 787, or Airbus A350. The airport's projected operational capacity is 20 million passengers/year, 4.5 times the current capacity. The apron system will be expanded to over 120 positions, including 71 positions with direct modern jet bridges, helping to shorten travel time for heads of state and VIPs.
Perspective of Terminal T2 at Phu Quoc International Airport inspired by the phoenix design
The existing passenger terminal (T1) will be retained, while Terminal T2 will be newly built with a modern design, inspired by the image of the phoenix - a symbol of strong development and international stature of Vietnam's aviation industry. The 6,000 m² VIP terminal, designed by Italian architect Marco Casamonti, is inspired by the image of the sea eagle - a symbol of freedom and grace harmonizing with nature. This terminal will serve as a reception point for APEC leaders and a hub for future important international events, contributing to affirming Phu Quoc's position on the international tourism and conference map.
3.2. APEC Conference Center - the heart of international events
The APEC Conference Center is an iconic structure for the event, designed to serve international conferences, exhibitions, entertainment, and communication activities. The multi-purpose performance venue with a roof area of 17,200 m², a diameter of 148 m, comprising 6 above-ground floors and 1 basement level, has a capacity of up to 4,094 guests, equipped with modern sound and lighting systems, meeting international standards for organizing concerts, shows, and cultural entertainment events.
Perspective of the APEC Convention Center (Source: Collected)
The convention and exhibition center with a total construction floor area of 157,375 m², equivalent to six standard FIFA football fields, will be the venue for meetings, exhibitions, dinner shows, and banquets. The most prominent feature is the exhibition space - a ballroom with an 81m clear span, covering an area of 11,050 m², larger than the current largest ballroom in the world at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas (10,220 m²). This space can host events for 10,000 guests and banquets for 5,000 people, alongside smaller ballrooms of 3,000 m² and over 30 multi-purpose meeting rooms. The Dinner Show, with a capacity of 2,000 guests, combines unique cuisine with light, laser, and fireworks shows, offering a distinctive experience with international appeal. The International Press Center will accommodate approximately 3,000 - 4,000 reporters, ensuring global media coverage for the event. The entire Center complex is designed with inspiration drawn from the waves of Phu Quoc sea, symbolizing the vast ocean while harmonizing with the island's nature and landscape.
3. 3. Connectivity - convenient and smart transportation
Phu Quoc is building a synchronized and intelligent transportation system to optimize travel between the airport, convention center, and key tourist areas. APEC Avenue, 3 km long and 68 m wide, is positioned as the "facade" leading to the Convention Center, while also connecting tourist and commercial zones, creating a modern architectural highlight for the island city. Provincial Road DT.975, 19.26 km long, is designed with 6 lanes and a 15 m corridor reserved for a monorail line, connecting the airport, convention center, Bai Truong, and An Thoi, forming a strategic transportation axis for the entire island.
Phu Quoc is about to have an urban electric train line, expected to be completed by mid-2027 (Source: Collected)
The urban electric train line project, section 1, is 18 km long with 6 stations (1 underground station, 5 ground stations), with a transport capacity of over 4,500 passengers per hour, directly connecting the airport - convention center - tourist areas. This system helps optimize travel, while reducing the load on road traffic, synchronizing urban development, and serving international quality MICE tourism.
3. 4. Water, environmental, and smart urban infrastructure
To ensure water security and environmental sanitation for APEC 2027, Phu Quoc is implementing modern reservoir and water plant systems. Cua Can Lake has a capacity of 7.5 million m³ and Duong Dong 2 Lake has 4.7 million m³, meeting the needs of daily life and peak season tourism. Water treatment, waste treatment, and green energy plants in Bai Bon, An Thoi, and Duong Dong convert waste into energy, while protecting the environment and developing sustainably. Underground technical infrastructure in An Thoi and Duong Dong is being deployed to preserve the urban landscape, ensure efficient operation and enhance aesthetic experience. The intelligent monitoring and operation center system integrates data on traffic, security, environment, and energy, creating a foundation for efficient, transparent, and modern urban management.
3. 5. Urban areas, resorts, and high-class service complexes
Besides technical infrastructure, Phu Quoc is developing international-class urban areas, resort complexes, and MICE facilities to complete the tourism ecosystem. Bai Dat Do urban area with a scale of 88.5 ha, integrates a convention and exhibition center, a large hotel, a marina, a beach square, and a modern entertainment complex, expected to become a new development icon and a core for urban upgrading. Nui Ong Quan ecological tourist area combines resort stays and nature experiences, contributing to the completion of a sustainable tourism ecosystem.
Perspective of Bai Dat Do Urban Area (Source: Collected)
Phu Quoc is also a destination for prestigious international hotel brands such as JW Marriott, Accor, Hilton, Rixos, and the Aspira Tower - Khát Vọng Tower at Hon Thom, expected to be completed in 2027. These projects will provide international-standard resort, conference, entertainment, and commercial services, playing a key role in helping Phu Quoc excellently fulfill its role as the host of APEC 2027, while elevating the island into a leading tourism, MICE, and resort hub in Asia.
4. What will APEC 2027 bring to Phu Quoc?
4.1. Promoting infrastructure and upgrading urban areas
Phu Quoc becoming the host of APEC 2027 marks a turning point in the infrastructure development process of the island city. This international event not only requires facilities, conference centers, hotels, airports, and seaports to meet international standards but also promotes the synchronous upgrading of the entire transportation, electricity, water, and urban environment systems.
With thousands of delegates, high-level leaders, and businessmen from 21 APEC member economies, Phu Quoc becomes the focal point of trade activities, cooperation agreements, and economic dialogues. This creates opportunities for strong FDI capital inflow, promoting the parallel development of tourism, real estate, retail, and service sectors. Key projects such as Aspira Tower - Khát Vọng Tower, high-class resorts, conference centers, and strategic transportation routes being implemented not only serve APEC but also become a long-term infrastructure foundation for the Pearl Island.
4.2. Opportunities for tourism and MICE growth
APEC 2027 is expected to be a strong "lever" for Phu Quoc's tourism to break through, continuing the growth momentum shown in 2024 with nearly one million international visitors.
Unique natural advantages, visa exemption policies, modern infrastructure, and a complete service ecosystem enable Phu Quoc to become a destination for hosting world-class MICE events.
Tourism and entertainment infrastructure is increasingly invested in and developed in Phu Quoc
Spectacular shows such as Nụ hôn của biển cả - Kiss of the Sea or Bản giao hưởng đại dương - Symphony of the Sea, along with iconic structures like Kissing Bridge (Cau Hon), help enhance the cultural, entertainment, and experiential appeal for tourists. With APEC 2027, Phu Quoc will welcome more high-end customers, international business delegations, and international media, opening up opportunities to promote and develop new tourism products, while also elevating the island city's position on the world tourism map.
4.3. Strengthening investment and real estate development
Experience from APEC 2017 in Da Nang shows that international events have a strong ripple effect on the local economy, with billions of USD in committed investment and impressive tourism growth. Phu Quoc is facing a similar opportunity, as many real estate projects, resort complexes, commercial centers, and high-end urban areas are being implemented or upgraded.
These projects not only serve the accommodation needs of APEC delegates and tourists but also open up long-term profit potential, creating highlights for a modern, smart, and green island city. Sun Group, Accor, Marriott, Hilton, and Rixos are international brands contributing to upgrading resort infrastructure, meeting international standards while increasing Phu Quoc's competitiveness in the MICE tourism sector.
4.4. International cooperation and economic connectivity opportunities
The APEC 2027 event will be a bridge for Phu Quoc to strengthen international partnerships, promote trade, investment, and tourism services. The presence of major corporations, leading economic leaders in the region, and the international press community creates a favorable environment to introduce investment potential, promote trade, and develop sustainable tourism. This is an opportunity for Phu Quoc to affirm its new position on the regional economic-tourism map, while also laying the foundation for long-term projects in services, real estate, entertainment, and transportation.
APEC 2027 is a turning point that elevates Phu Quoc to a new international standing (Source: Collected)
APEC 2027 is not merely an international event, but also an opportunity for Phu Quoc to assert its position on the global destination map. Phu Quoc is transforming powerfully day by day, from modern infrastructure, international-class airports and seaports, to global-standard resort, entertainment, and commercial complexes, all aiming for a common goal: to turn Phu Quoc into a leading regional hub for conferences, tourism, and entertainment.
With a strategic vision, strong investment resources, and a developing tourism, entertainment, and resort ecosystem, Phu Quoc in 2027 will not only be the host of APEC but also become a new symbol of world-class tourism, opening a decade of outstanding development, leaving a mark on the hearts of tourists and the international community.
