1. Overview of APEC 2027
APEC, or the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, since its inception, has become an important bridge connecting economies, promoting trade, investment, and cultural exchange in the Asia-Pacific region. In 2027, the APEC Summit will be held in Phu Quoc, opening up opportunities to turn this island into an international conference center, while also elevating tourism and service experiences on Vietnam's "Pearl Island".
Vietnam stands shoulder to shoulder with major powers at the APEC 2017 Conference (Source: Collected)
This is not only an international event with economic significance but also an opportunity for tourists to discover Phu Quoc in a new way: transportation infrastructure, hotels, resorts, and convention centers have all been modernized, offering a complete and convenient experience. With APEC 2027, tourists will have the opportunity to witness the "new look" transformation of the Pearl Island, enjoying beautiful beaches while participating in a vibrant international atmosphere, from cultural exchange events to unique culinary experiences.
2. What is the APEC Conference?
2.1. Introduction to the APEC Conference
APEC, or Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation, is an important international organization established in 1989. APEC's goal is to create a common platform for economies in the region to cooperate, exchange information, and achieve sustainable development together. Unlike traditional economic forums, APEC focuses not only on trade or economic policies but also on connecting culture, education, technology, and tourism.
This means that each APEC conference carries multidimensional value: economies not only discuss trade policies but also share tourism development experiences, promote unique cultures, and explore investment opportunities in local areas. With this approach, APEC becomes a bridge connecting economies with people's lives and local experiences, especially with famous destinations like Phu Quoc, the host of APEC 2027.
2.2. Role of the APEC Conference
The APEC Conference plays a very important role in the Asia-Pacific region, not only creating opportunities to promote trade and investment but also connecting culture and tourism among member economies. Through a facilitation mechanism, APEC helps businesses expand their operations, reduce tariff barriers, promote multilateral cooperation and direct investment, thereby contributing to increasing the development speed and enhancing the sustainability of economies in the region.
APEC conferences are an opportunity for countries to exchange and promote cooperation with each other (Source: Collected)
Besides, the conferences and side events within the APEC framework also serve as opportunities to introduce the culture, cuisine, festivals, and unique destinations of the host country and territory, giving international tourists the chance to directly experience local offerings, from high-end resorts and beautiful beaches to traditional cultural activities. At the same time, APEC creates opportunities for multi-sector cooperation by promoting the exchange of experiences in education, technology, environment, and sustainable development, thereby enhancing sustainable tourism value and quality experiences for visitors.
With these comprehensive roles, APEC is not only an important economic forum but also an opportunity to promote tourism and elevate destinations, such as Phu Quoc with APEC 2027, promising to become a notable international conference and tourism hub in the region.
2.3. History of Formation and Development
APEC was established in 1989, initially with 12 founding members, including major and developing economies in the Asia-Pacific region. Over more than 30 years, the number of members has increased to 21 economies, spanning from the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, China, South Korea, Singapore to Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia.
The first APEC Summit was held in Canberra, Australia (Source: Collected)
Annually, APEC organizes high-level conferences and thematic workshops, covering diverse topics: economy, trade, investment, tourism, education, technology, and environment. These meetings attract leaders, experts, businesses, and international media, creating a strong cooperation network. As a result, APEC is not only an economic forum but also a tool for promoting tourism and culture, helping countries and territories introduce their destinations, festivals, and local experiences to international tourists.
Especially for Vietnam, hosting APEC 2027 in Phu Quoc marks a significant step, both enhancing international prestige and promoting the development of modern tourism, resorts, and services on this island.
3. Which countries are in APEC?
APEC currently has 21 member economies, spanning across the Asia-Pacific region, from countries with strong economies like the United States, Japan, Australia, Canada, to rapidly developing countries like Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, or Indonesia. This diversity is reflected not only in economic scale but also in the culture, geography, climate, and tourism potential of each member. Each member brings its own unique characteristics: the United States stands out with its vibrant cities and vast natural landscapes, Japan with its unique cultural heritage, Malaysia and Thailand with their beautiful tropical beaches, Indonesia with its pristine islands and ecological activities, while Vietnam offers a harmonious blend of long coastlines, majestic mountains, and traditional craft villages.
As of 2025, APEC members include the United States, Canada, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Japan, South Korea, China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong (China), Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Brunei, Papua New Guinea, Vietnam, Russia, Australia, and New Zealand. This diverse participation not only creates economic strength but also forms a rich cultural-tourism map. Consequently, APEC meetings become opportunities to explore the culture, cuisine, landscapes, and unique experiences of each member country and territory, from modern urban centers, luxury resorts, to traditional festivals and pristine natural areas, attracting global tourists.
APEC member countries in Beijing, China (Source: Collection)
With the participation of many member economies, the APEC conference is not only an important economic forum but also an opportunity for tourism and cultural exchange, helping tourists understand regional cooperation policies and plan to explore unique destinations. With APEC 2027 Phu Quoc, this becomes even more apparent, as Vietnam's Jade Island is not only a venue for international events but also a hub connecting tourism and cultural experiences among APEC member economies.
4. APEC Member Countries and Economies
APEC currently has 21 member economies, spanning North America, South America, East Asia, Southeast Asia, and Oceania. This diversity is reflected not only in economic scale but also in the culture, geography, climate, and tourism potential of each country and territory, creating a region rich in both economy and tourism experiences.
4.1. North America Region
The North American region includes the United States, Canada, and Mexico, which are both strong economies and attractive tourist destinations. The United States is famous for its bustling cities like New York or Los Angeles, vast national parks, and long coastlines connecting the East and West coasts, offering many experiences from modern urban life to majestic nature. Canada impresses with its pristine natural landscapes, from the Rocky Mountains and clear blue lakes to charming small towns with a North American character. Meanwhile, Mexico stands out with its rich cultural heritage, vibrant traditional festivals, and beautiful tropical Caribbean beaches.
The rapid and modern development of North American countries (Source: Collected)
Vietnam's participation in APEC not only helps expand economic cooperation opportunities but also provides an opportunity to learn from modern tourism management experience, combining local cultural promotion and the exploitation of natural destinations, from bustling urban centers to unique ecological tourist areas.
4.2. South American Region
In the South American region, Peru and Chile are prominent APEC members with impressive natural landscapes. Peru attracts tourists with the wonder of Machu Picchu and the vast Amazon rainforest, while Chile impresses with the unique Atacama Desert and the majestic Andes Mountains. Both countries know how to effectively combine economic development with the exploitation of ecological and indigenous cultural tourism.
Vietnam can learn from this model, combining nature tourism with unique cultural experiences, thereby enhancing the value of destinations, diversifying tourism products, and offering more attractive experiences to tourists.
4.3. East Asian Region
Traditional and modern cultural blend in East Asian countries (Source: Collected)
East Asian members include Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan (China), and Hong Kong (China). These are countries and territories that are both modern and rich in tradition, with bustling urban centers, historical relics, unique cultural festivals, and diverse natural landscapes. Japan stands out with cherry blossoms, Mount Fuji, and modern cities; South Korea with palaces, traditional festivals, and rich cuisine; China, Taiwan (China), and Hong Kong (China) combine modern urban areas with long-standing cultural heritage.
4.4. Southeast Asia Region
Southeast Asia is the region with the most members, including Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Brunei, and Vietnam. This region is known for its beautiful tropical beaches, pristine islands, luxury resorts, and diverse ecotourism. Rich local cuisine, festivals, and culture help create a complete travel experience.
Vietnam is preparing key projects for the APEC 2027 High-Level Week (Source: Collection)
Vietnam, with Phu Quoc as the host for APEC 2027, has the opportunity to learn from international conference tourism models, develop resort services, and enhance visitor experience quality, thereby promoting the national image in a systematic and professional manner.
4.5. Oceania Region
The Oceania region includes Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea, which are notable for their pristine nature, long coastlines, forests, mountains, ecological activities, and adventure experiences. These countries are developing sustainable tourism while preserving the environment, serving as a model that Vietnam can learn from to develop ecotourism, especially in pristine islands and natural areas like Phu Quoc or Con Dao.
4.6. Russia
Russia is a member representing North Asia and Eastern Europe in APEC. With its rich cultural heritage, prominent historical cities, winter tourism destinations, and unique festivals, Russia adds diverse cultural and natural experiences to the APEC community. Vietnam can learn how to combine four-season tourism development, event organization, and cultural heritage preservation to enhance international tourism value.
With such diversity in economy, culture, and natural landscapes, by participating in APEC, Vietnam has the opportunity to learn from international tourism development experiences, connect economies, and promote its unique culture, while applying successful models to Phu Quoc and other destinations. This is an opportunity to elevate Vietnam's tourism, both for hosting international conferences and for creating attractive experiences for domestic and international visitors.
5. APEC 2027 Phu Quoc – New Opportunities for Vietnam's Tourism Industry
The hosting of APEC 2027 in Phu Quoc not only marks an important step on Vietnam's international map but also opens up new opportunities for the tourism industry and infrastructure development on the "Jade Island." The island, already famous for its clear blue beaches, poetic nature, and high-end resort services, will soon become an international conference center, attracting the attention of global leaders, experts, guests, and tourists.
In fact, in preparation for APEC 2027, Phu Quoc is implementing a series of large-scale infrastructure projects, clearly demonstrating the determination to transform the island into a world-class tourism and conference destination. A prime example is the expansion of Phu Quoc International Airport, which will see the airport upgraded with a new international terminal (T2), a VIP terminal, apron, and baggage area to serve a capacity of up to 20 million passengers per year, meeting the increased demand during APEC.
Perspective of the APEC Convention Center in Phu Quoc (Source: Compilation)
The next key project is the APEC Convention Center combined with the Bai Dat Do Mixed-use Urban Area. The highlight of this complex is the Convention and Exhibition Center with a total construction floor area of up to 95,200 m², of which the main conference hall is 10,790 m² – a figure far exceeding even the largest conference hall currently in the world, Caesars Forum in Las Vegas.
Not to mention, the island's transportation infrastructure is also being strongly upgraded: from expanding roads like DT 975 to connect the airport with the convention center and residential and tourist areas, to developing the urban road system.
With such specific projects, Phu Quoc will not only be more beautiful and modern but also ready for the "international game" – tourism, conferences, services, and entertainment are all prepared at the highest level. APEC 2027 is not just an international event but a boost for Phu Quoc to raise its service standards, develop high-quality tourism, expand its global reach, and become more sustainable.
