Phu Quoc emerges as new MICE destination thanks to visa-free policy

In Vietnam, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourists account for an estimated 15-20% of total visitors, and up to 60% for major travel agencies during peak seasons.

While Vietnam's MICE sector has faced challenges due to infrastructure limitations, Phu Quoc Island is now emerging as a MICE paradise, meeting all the requirements to become an ideal destination for conferences and large events.

Visa-free policy enhances accessibility

Kem Beach in southern Phu Quoc, with wide, gentle, and white sand. Photo courtesy of SG

Phu Quoc is the only destination in Vietnam offering a special visa exemption for international tourists. Foreign visitors and Vietnamese citizens with foreign passports can enter Phu Quoc without a visa for stays of up to 30 days.

Additionally, tourists from 13 countries, including Germany, France, the U.K., and Japan, benefit from a unilateral visa exemption of up to 45 days, regardless of the passport type or purpose of visit.

This policy simplifies procedures for MICE groups, allowing seamless entry for large delegations. The visa exemption has also boosted international connectivity, with direct flights to Phu Quoc from countries like South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, and more. Other nations are considering launching direct routes to the island as well.

JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay is the location chosen by billionaires to hold weddings. Photo courtesy of JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay

Luxury resorts and stunning beaches

Phu Quoc boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, including Kem Beach and Sao Beach, with their fine white sand and crystal-clear waters.

The island's natural beauty, combined with luxury resorts located along beaches, makes it an ideal setting for MICE events.

Resorts such as JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, New World Phu Quoc, Premier Residences Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, and Premier Village Phu Quoc offer unique styles and world-class service, catering to the needs of MICE groups. These resorts also provide the preferable setting for team-building activities and outdoor events.

Sun Signature Gallery's grand ballroom can accommodate up to 1,000 pax. Photo courtesy of SG

State-of-the-art conference facilities

Phu Quoc's resorts are equipped with spacious conference rooms and halls suitable for various event types.

A standout is the Sun Signature Gallery, designed by renowned architect Bill Bensley, located in Sunset Town. This venue, which doubles as a museum showcasing Bensley's designs, features a grand ballroom that can accommodate up to 1,000 guests.

The ballroom is equipped with advanced technology, including an intelligent lighting system and high-quality sound equipment, making it ideal for hosting professional events and artistic performances.

In October, the Sun Paradise Land complex will unveil the Sun Convention Center in Kem Beach, a new venue managed by New World, with a capacity of 1,000 guests, further cementing Phu Quoc's position as a top MICE destination.

Eschuri Vung Bau 18-hole golf course with picturesque views. Photo courtesy of SG

Convention center with large capacity

Resorts in Phu Quoc offering spacious conference rooms and halls can accommodate different types of events. In the center of Sunset Town, opposite La Festa Phu Quoc, Curio Collection by Hilton, is the Sun Signature Gallery conference center designed by renowned architect Bill Bensley.

More than just a conference center, this museum also showcases Bill Bensley's extraordinary creations and preserves the unique artistic values of Mid Century Modern.

The Kiss of the Sea show can accommodate up to 5,000 guests. Photo courtesy of SG

Diverse recreational experiences

Phu Quoc's appeal extends beyond its infrastructure. The island offers a wide range of recreational experiences for MICE groups, from team-building activities on the beach to world-class golf courses. Notably, the Eschuri Vung Bau golf course, set amidst stunning scenery, is a must-visit for golf enthusiasts.

The Sun Paradise Land complex offers unique entertainment options, including the iconic Kiss Bridge, the "Kiss of the Sea" multimedia show, and the vibrant VUI-Fest night market. The complex will also introduce new performances, such as "Symphony of the Sea," featuring jetski stunts, flyboarding, and fireworks displays with Vietnamese cultural elements.

A must-do experience is taking the world's longest three-wire cable car to Hon Thom Island, offering panoramic views of Phu Quoc's stunning seascape—an attraction hailed by Lonely Planet as one of the most worthwhile activities on the island.

With its visa advantages, luxury resorts, cutting-edge conference facilities, and rich entertainment offerings, Phu Quoc is poised to become a top destination for regional and global MICE events, living up to its reputation as the world's second-best island, as recognized by Travel + Leisure.