According to Singapore’s leading business daily, APEC 2027 not only sets a clear deadline for infrastructure upgrades but also serves as a real test for Phu Quoc’s long-term appeal once the summit concludes.
From a Beach Destination to an “Integrated Island Economy”
What sets Sun Group’s approach apart, according to the publication, is its focus on building an “integrated island economy” rather than isolated projects. In this model, transportation, aviation, accommodation, entertainment, convention facilities, and visitor flows are seamlessly woven into a unified ecosystem.
An integrated island economy is taking shape in Phu Quoc.
The newspaper quoted Dang Minh Truong, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sun Group, who emphasized that the company is not seeking to capture a share of the existing market, but is rather investing in infrastructure to co-create an entirely new market with Phu Quoc. The Business Times observed that this philosophy underpins the group’s long-term strategy for the island.
The article noted that for a destination like Phu Quoc, developing standalone projects is unlikely to generate a lasting impact without coordinated investments in airports, transport networks, technical infrastructure, and demand generation. This is why Sun Group approaches Phu Quoc as an integrated system rather than a collection of independent developments.
Sun Paradise Land was cited as a prime example of this fully integrated ecosystem, where accommodation, the Hon Thom Cable Car, water parks, dining, live performances, and Sunset Town connect into one seamless visitor journey.
Sun Group is investing in Phu Quoc through a fully integrated system to help create new demand, attract more visitors, and keep them engaged from day to night.
The Singaporean daily explained that the objective of this model is to extend visitor stays, increase tourism spending, and gradually transform Phu Quoc from a traditional beach resort into a destination that offers compelling experiences around the clock.
The Business Times also noted that Sun Group has drawn inspiration from premier regional destinations such as Sentosa (Singapore), Jeju (South Korea), and Okinawa (Japan), adapting their lessons to expand tourism while preserving Phu Quoc’s unique identity.
APEC 2027: Sustaining Long-Term Demand Beyond Infrastructure
The article highlighted that APEC 2027 presents Phu Quoc with a rare opportunity to showcase Vietnam to global leaders, businesses, and international media. However, it argued that the ultimate challenge lies in sustaining visitor arrivals, boosting tourism spending, and effectively utilizing infrastructure after the event.
This challenge explains why Sun Group is not only investing in hotels, entertainment complexes, and convention facilities, but also expanding into aviation to proactively drive international demand. This forms part of a broader strategy to actively create new markets rather than waiting for demand to emerge naturally.
With Sun PhuQuoc Airways, travelers will be able to fly directly to the island and seamlessly connect with Sun Group’s integrated hospitality, leisure, and entertainment ecosystem, generating additional domestic and international visitor flows to Phu Quoc.
The newspaper described Sun PhuQuoc Airways as a “demand generator,” positioning the airline to bring visitors directly to the island while linking them with Sun Group's growing portfolio of resorts, entertainment venues, and MICE facilities.
Alongside this, The Business Times highlighted the expansion of Phu Quoc International Airport targeting an initial capacity of 24 million passengers annually, with a long-term vision of 50 million and its partnership with Changi Airports International to meet "Changi standards." The ambition extends beyond increasing capacity to creating an “airport destination,” where the airport itself becomes part of the tourism experience by integrating transport, retail, entertainment, iconic architecture, and large-scale events.
Artist’s impression of the expansion project for Phu Quoc International Airport.
From a broader perspective, the article stated that the strategy unfolding in Phu Quoc reflects Vietnam’s growing reliance on the private sector to deliver strategic infrastructure. At the same time, it noted that this opportunity comes with significant challenges, including financing, execution capacity, logistics, supply chain constraints for construction materials, and the availability of skilled labor, as the country enters a new cycle of major infrastructure investment.
Concluding the feature, The Business Times stated that APEC 2027 will serve as a defining test of Sun Group’s execution capability and its ability to deliver on its long-term vision. If the island succeeds in sustaining its momentum beyond the summit, it will not only have fulfilled its role as an APEC host but could also emerge as one of Asia’s premier tourism, resort, and MICE hubs.
