Visa-free policy and fresh attractions drive Phu Quoc’s rise as a MICE destination

Phu Quoc in Vietnam has steadily risen over the past several years as a MICE destination with great potential thanks to two key factors.

A special visa policy wherein foreign nationals and Vietnamese naturalised to foreign citizenship may enter and exit the region sans visa for 30 days is one contributory factor. MICE groups, in particular, benefit greatly from this.

At the same time, Phu Quoc’s growing number of leisure experiences and tourism-related infrastructure which includes expansive, well-equipped conference and festival venues has also been a boon to the MICE travel sector.

What have been the benefits from these factors?

The special visa-free policy has enabled numerous international flights to operate in Phu Quoc. Indeed, the area has frequent services from Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mongolia, South Korea, Thailand, and Uzbekistan.

Likewise, Phu Quoc has attracted many international hospitality groups, including the likes of Accor, Marriott International, as well as the Minor Hotels Group. 

Given how these hospitality groups have equipped their hotels and resorts in Phu Quoc with large conference rooms and halls, each one enables organisers to do a wide range of events from conferences to festivals.

A sporting destination

At the same time, Phu Quoc is also developing a reputation as a sports tourism destination thanks to professionally-designed golf courses that give conference participants an opportunity for R&R, as well as the ability to casually establish networks with their peers. 

Among Phu Quoc’s golf attractions are the sylvan-themed Eschuri Vung Bau which takes players on a ‘forest to sea’ journey across 18 challenging holes; as well as Kem Beach Driving Range for those just stepping into the sport. The range features 18 lanes stretching 300 yards, equipped with an Auto Tee system, providing a comfortable and complete training experience.

Another must-do experience for any visitor to Phu Quoc is the journey on the world’s longest non-stop three-cable car to Hon Thom Island. This experience has been hailed as one of the most worthwhile in Phu Quoc by Lonely Planet, the world-renowned travel guide.