For families with young children, older travellers and first-time overseas visitors, safety and security are always a priority. Photo: Kiss of the Sea
Beautiful scenery may inspire travellers to set off, but safety gives them the confidence to choose a destination. For families with young children, older travellers and those travelling abroad for the first time, security, access to assistance and convenience are often considered from the planning stage. Amid global uncertainty, a peaceful, stable destination therefore has an added advantage in the competition for visitors.
According to the WEF’s Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2026 report, Vietnam scored 6.52 out of 7 in the Safety and Security category, ranking ninth among the 110 economies assessed. This category measures the extent to which residents, visitors and businesses may be exposed to security risks. Its position among the leaders helps reinforce Vietnam’s image as a destination international travellers can trust.
The emphasis on safety is also becoming more evident in travel trends in South Korea, one of Vietnam’s largest source markets. In an analysis published in early 2026, South Korean travel magazine Travie noted that safety was increasingly influencing travel choices, from resorts and transport itineraries to airport pick-up services and the availability of assistance at the destination. The magazine predicted that demand would become more concentrated in established resort destinations that have earned travellers’ trust, such as Da Nang, Nha Trang and Phu Quoc.
A place among the leading destinations for safety helps reinforce Vietnam’s image as a destination international travellers can trust.
This assessment suggests that travellers consider their peace of mind throughout the journey. A stable environment provides the foundation, but confidence is also built through the way a destination organises services, assists visitors far from home and maintains order in busy tourist areas. For family holidays, these factors can directly influence booking decisions and the length of stay.
In Phu Quoc, safety has been highlighted by the South Korean press as part of the island’s appeal. In an article dated 24 October 2025, Asia Economy emphasised its safe tourism environment alongside its scenery, beaches, cuisine and hospitality. The newspaper also noted efforts to strengthen security and invest in infrastructure in preparation for APEC 2027.
Being chosen to host APEC Economic Leaders’ Week 2027 places greater demands on Phu Quoc, from its capacity to welcome visitors to security and urban management. Preparations for the event therefore also offer an opportunity for the island to improve its tourism environment and better serve its regular visitor markets.
Phu Quoc is implementing measures to make the special zone a model of public security, order and urban civility. Technology is part of this approach. Asia Economy reported the deployment of an AI camera system for security management on the island; in the south, the newspaper highlighted night-time lighting and security patrols as features that support the tourism environment.
These measures have practical significance for a destination expanding its night-time activities. As visitors spend more time strolling, dining and enjoying performances, efforts to maintain order, manage public spaces and provide on-site assistance need to keep pace. The quality of a holiday is shaped both by standout experiences and by a sense of reassurance in everyday activities.
Nevertheless, the WEF ranking reflects safety and security at the national level; the quality of each trip still depends on how services are organised locally.
For an island destination, maintaining security must go hand in hand with consistently upholding safety standards in transport, recreation and activities at sea. Photo: Hon Thom Cable Car
For Phu Quoc, maintaining security must go hand in hand with consistently ensuring safety in transport, recreation and activities at sea. For an island destination, these requirements are directly linked to the visitor experience.
Friendliness also helps create a sense of reassurance. Clear directions, timely assistance or a considerate response can help visitors feel more at ease in an unfamiliar place. In its article on Phu Quoc, Asia Economy identified hospitality and a safe environment among the factors behind the island’s appeal. These are values that need to be preserved as tourism infrastructure and services expand.
Building on this foundation, a wide range of experiences gives travellers more reasons to choose Phu Quoc. In the south of the island, a holiday can take visitors from relaxing on Kem Beach to a cable car journey across the sea to Hon Thom, before returning to Sunset Town as dusk falls. Evenings can be spent dining, strolling through the streets or enjoying seaside shows such as Kiss of the Sea and Symphony of the Sea.
Beyond safety and security, a wide range of experiences gives travellers more reasons to choose Phu Quoc. Photo: Sun Bavaria GastroPub
The attractions developed here by Sun Group offer additional ways to enjoy the island and its surrounding waters, from taking in the scenery to recreation and exploration after dark. When these options are conveniently connected, each family can build an itinerary that suits its needs while setting aside more time for local experiences.
In Da Nang, a beach holiday can be combined with exploring Son Tra or Hoi An Ancient Town, admiring the Golden Bridge at Ba Na and strolling along the Han River. Further north, Sa Pa offers the scenery of Fansipan, the “Roof of Indochina”, alongside highland culture, while Tay Ninh offers a pilgrimage to Ba Den Mountain. This diversity across destinations gives Vietnam’s tourism sector more options for different groups of visitors, on the shared foundation of a safe and welcoming environment.
Vietnam’s safety and security advantage helps strengthen the confidence of international visitors. For Phu Quoc, preparations for APEC 2027 offer an opportunity to raise standards in its tourism environment and sustain these values over the long term. When visitors can enjoy their holidays with peace of mind, beautiful beaches, distinctive experiences and warm hospitality can exert their full appeal, giving travellers a reason to return.
