Phu Quoc tourism: potential and orientation for development post Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

With a favorable location and diverse natural and cultural resources, Phu Quoc city of Kien Giang province has immense potential for tourism development. Phu Quoc is one of the localities with the biggest number of tourist arrivals and the highest revenue from tourism in the Mekong Delta. However, due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, Phu Quoc tourism faces many difficulties in implementing the pre-set plans. Using a systematic review of the literature to synthesize the information dealing with tourism resources, impacts of Covid-19 pandemic on tourism performance and recovery plans of local authorities, the article analyzes the potential and current status of tourism development of Phu Quoc. Interviews with researchers and travel agencies’ representatives also add some ideas to the proposals for the orientation of tourism development in the new context. Integration to regional and international market, promotion of regional interlinkage and travel demands and new trends of tourism are crucial factors recommended for the development of tourism on Phu Quoc island.