Kazakh, Russian tourists flock to Phu Quoc Island

On Monday 210 tourists from Kazakhstan landed at the Phu Quoc International Airport.

They are scheduled to visit wildlife conservation park Vinpearl Safari and the Grand World Phu Quoc complex, and take the cable car to Thom Islet.

Hundreds of Russian tourists also arrived on two charter flights on Tuesday.

Bui Quoc Thai, director of the Kien Giang Province Department of Tourism, said the return of international tourists raises hopes for tourism recovery.

Provincial authorities are working with relevant agencies to boost tourism promotion campaigns in the Russian market and Russian-speaking countries in Central Asia, he added as cited by VTV.

A number of South Korean carriers have announced plans to start direct services to the island this year.

Jeju Air plans to launch a daily Seoul - Phu Quoc service this month, while Korean Air and Jin Air are set to fly on the same route from late November and December.

Once a tourism hotspot, the island is gradually losing its charm due to expensive air tickets, poor tourism services and price gouging, industry insiders said.

During the four-day National Day (September 2) holidays, Phu Quoc received a meager 19,000 visitors, down 40% from last year when it was again a four-day holiday.

Phu Quoc has nearly 30,000 hotel rooms and 800 establishments like shops and restaurants.