Vietnam’s Surges as an lnternational Tourism Powerhouse with Phu Quoc’s Record-Breaking Visitor Boom and Expanded Growth in Air Connectivity – Travel And Tour World

Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s island paradise, is rapidly becoming a major global travel destination, as the record visitor surge and expanding international air connections validate. In the first half of 2025, the island attracted roughly 4.5 million visitors—near 900,000 of them international—encompassing a dazzling surge powered by fresh routes and surging demand from key Asian source markets like South Korea and Hong Kong. International daily flights have nearly doubled year-on-year, while tourist revenue has soared by a record 92%. That nature, luxury, and convenient air connections combination spells strong overnight capacity, propelling Vietnam as the Asian Region’s economic hub, not a regional tourist champion, but a new shining star on the global tourist horizon.

Phu Quoc Tourism Soars with Record-Breaking Growth in International Arrivals and Air Connectivity in First Half of 2025

Phu Quoc, Vietnam’s island paradise recently voted the second most beautiful island in the globe by Travel + Leisure, after the Maldives, has undergone a spectacular rise in international arrivals during the first half of 2025. That has been mainly fueled by the launch of new air routes and expanded air links with major Asian markets.

During the first half of 2025, the island of Phu Quoc welcomed about 4.5 million visitors, marking a significant increase of 33.3% over the same period last year. That number accounts for 61.1% of the full-year target for the island, which now suggests the destination will surpass expectations much earlier than the year-end.

Of these visitors, international arrivals totaled nearly 900,000, representing a staggering 76.7% year-on-year rise. Such a surge in international arrivals demonstrates how ever-popular Phu Quoc continues to become as a destination for international travel, particularly for visitors from Northeast Asia as well as major financial centers all over the continent.

Economically, the tourist sector of Phu Quoc registered about VND21.5 trillion in revenue, equivalent to about USD 823 million, representing a strong 92.6% increase compared to the year before. This strong revenue growth indicates the expanding popularity of the island and the fact that it has become a significant economic contributor to Vietnam’s tourism sector.

One major factor behind such success is the significant escalation of frequency of international flights. On the island of Phu Quoc, international air connectivity shot up briskly in the month of June, when the frequency exceeded 20 international flights daily—well over double the about 10 daily flights registered the same month of 2024. Such a surge highlights the increasing need for direct links as well as convenient entry for overseas visitors.

Airline Expansion Bolsters Global Connections

A significant advancement in Phu Quoc’s international air links was marked by Hong Kong’s Greater Bay Airlines unveiling plans to operate three nonstop flights per week between Hong Kong and the island Quoc starting in July. These flights are operated using Boeing 737-800 aircraft, offering enhanced travel convenience between the island and one of Asia’s busiest business and tourism centers.

Additionally, Hong Kong Express has ramped up its service on the Phu Quoc route to two to three flights daily, solidifying the city’s connection to one of Vietnam’s top tourism destinations. The increasing flight frequencies not only reflect growing interest from Hong Kong but also highlight Phu Quoc’s readiness to accommodate higher inbound tourism flows.

Phu Quoc’s airline connections with South Korea, one of its top source markets, have similarly undergone significant increases. Flight numbers from South Korea to Phu Quoc now total seven to eight times daily, catering to both business and holidaymakers. This follows a wider trend of skyrocketing Northeast Asian outbound demand, as the subregion sees strong recoveries in 2025.

Strategic Development through Air Access and Global Recognition

Phu Quoc’s rise on the international tourism map is no coincidence. With its pristine beaches, luxury resorts, and status as a visa-free entry point for many countries, the island is strategically positioned to attract global travelers. The government and tourism authorities have capitalized on this momentum by investing in infrastructure and collaborating with international airlines to expand direct air access.

In addition, global media recognitions—like the Travel + Leisure ranking of the island—have been significant factors in increasing its international visibility. Rivaling the Maldives as the second-most gorgeous island of the globe has strengthened the brand appeal of Phu Quoc and proven its must-see destination credibility.

The Future Perspective: Record-Breaking Possibility

With half a year left until the end of the year, Phu Quoc is set to not just achieve but probably exceed 2025 targets set for receiving visitors. Continued expansion of international flying routes, as well as rising appetite among local and international visitors, bodes well for the island’s tourist economy.

Experts anticipate even greater momentum in the latter half of the year, fueled by expanding airline services and a rising number of travelers looking for tropical getaways throughout Asia. Phu Quoc’s continued rise could also inspire further investment in hospitality, infrastructure, and services, securing its place as a leading tourism hub in the Asia-Pacific region. As Phu Quoc continues to add to such solid foundations, the combination of the inherent appeal, efficient strategic air links, and rising overseas awareness guarantees Vietnam’s island jewel will remain a favorite destination for the long term.