HCM CITY— Phú Quốc Island hopes to attract more than 1.8 million visitors this year, an increase of 25.5 per cent over last year, according to local authorities.

It targets 42.7 per cent rise in the number of foreign arrivals to more than 300,000.

Revenues from tourism are expected to jump to more than VNĐ11.15 trillion (US$493.4 million) this year, a 25 per cent increase.

To achieve the targets, the island district would step up commercial and tourism promotions and diversify tourism products on the island, Huỳnh Quang Hưng, Vice Chairman of the district People’s Committee, said.

He said local authorities would improve the management and conservation of historical and cultural relics and natural attractions and the environment.

Traditional local festivals would be celebrated throughout the year to attract tourists.

The district also plans to begin air services to Đà Lạt and several international destinations.

Local and international tourism co-operation would be strengthened to develop the island’s tourism.

Oversight of prices, transport, accommodation and food services would also be strengthened to improve the quality of tourism and hospitality services, the vice chairman added.

Around 220 tourism projects that will cost a cumulative VNĐ222 trillion ($9.82 billion) are proposed.

Of these, 167 costing VNĐ126.64 trillion have been licensed, with 30 worth a total of VNĐ31 trillion already in operation.

Mai Văn Huỳnh, People’s Committee Vice Chairman of Kiên Giang Province, of which the island is a part, said Phú Quốc has huge potential for tourism because of its landscapes and attractions.

Investment in tourism infrastructure, services and products, training of human resources and building a brand for the island destinations are some of the measures proposed to attract tourists and investors, he said.    

Last year, the island welcomed more than 1.45 million tourists, a year-on-year increase of 63 per cent, who spent more than VNĐ8.92 trillion.

The number of foreign visitors rose 38.5 per cent to 201,130. —VNS