Tourists from the cruise ship Aida Bella got the shores of Phú Quốc Island. — VNA/VNS Photo

KIÊN GIANG — Cruise ship Aida Bella docked at Phú Quốc Island in the southern province Kiên Giang, bringing 1,979 European tourists to the “pearl island” on February 9, the last day of the lunar year.

The group are scheduled to explore Phú Quốc night market, Vinwonders entertainment complex, and Vinpearl Safari, take cable cars to Hòn Thơm Island, and visit Hôn (Kissing) bridge.

They will also enjoy the best beaches of Phú Quốc and small islands, visit traditional craft villages, and try local dishes before leaving the island at night on the same day.

Earlier on February 2, Italian-flagged cruise ship Costa Serena also carried 1,100 foreign tourists to Phu Quoc.

Bùi Quốc Thái, Director of the Kiên Giang Department of Tourism, said that since the beginning of this year, especially on the threshold of the Lunar New Year (Tết) holidays, Phú Quốc has welcomed a large number of foreign tourists, signaling a good year for the local tourism sector.

So far this year, the famous tourist destination has served more than 502,000 travelers, including 82,615 foreigners, up 6.1 per cent year on year, earning about VNĐ1.76 trillion (US$72.05 million) in revenues. — VNS

Cruise ship Aida Bella. — VNA/VNS Photo