American tourists, when traveling, not only seek beautiful beaches but also want to experience unique cuisine, sports activities, and high-quality resorts… and Phu Quoc has all of these, according to US Ambassador to Vietnam Marc Knapper.
- Vietnam and the United States have upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with tourism considered an important bridge. From the Ambassador's perspective, what makes tourism play a particularly important role in the relationship between the two countries?
Looking back at the 30-year journey of Vietnam-US relations since 1995, it's clear that the starting point of bilateral relations was quite modest. At that time, people-to-people exchanges, trade, and investment between the two countries were limited.
However, after three decades, the relationship between the two countries has achieved comprehensive achievements in almost all areas: trade, economics, health, education, science and technology, as well as security and defense. The most important foundation for these achievements is mutual understanding and trust.
Ambassador Marc Knapper: "More and more Americans are discovering and appreciating the values of Vietnam – a friendly, hospitable country rich in cultural identity."
Tourism plays a crucial role in shaping this foundation. Not only through educational programs or official visits, but also through the exchange, promotion, and development of bilateral tourism, people-to-people exchanges have been naturally and sustainably strengthened.
Through tourism, people from both countries have the opportunity to directly experience each other's history, culture, cuisine, art, and lifestyle. This is a key factor in fostering mutual understanding, respect, and trust – the foundation for all bilateral cooperation within the framework of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
More and more Americans are discovering and appreciating the values of Vietnam – a friendly, hospitable, and culturally rich country. I believe this trend will continue to strongly promote bilateral tourism in the future.
- If you were to introduce Phu Quoc to American tourists who have never been to Vietnam, what would you emphasize?
I have been to Phu Quoc three times, and each time I have been truly overwhelmed by the beauty of this island. Phu Quoc not only boasts unique natural landscapes but also clearly demonstrates the Vietnamese government's efforts to develop it into an international tourist destination while prioritizing environmental conservation.
The United States has collaborated with and supported Vietnam in marine ecosystem conservation programs in Phu Quoc, including protecting coral reefs and biodiversity from development pressures. We also actively cooperate with local authorities and social organizations to preserve the island's unique natural habitat.
- The United States is currently among the top 10 international tourist markets to Vietnam. According to the Ambassador, what makes Vietnam in general, and Phu Quoc in particular, increasingly attractive to American tourists?
American tourists, when traveling, not only seek beautiful beaches but also desire unique culinary experiences, high-quality sports activities, and resort experiences… all of which Phu Quoc offers.
Phu Quoc is particularly attractive for activities such as swimming, scuba diving, golf, and luxury beach resorts. These are types of activities that perfectly suit the tastes of American tourists.
Phu Quoc is particularly attractive for activities such as swimming, scuba diving, golf, and luxury beach resorts. These are types of activities that perfectly suit the tastes of American tourists.
Furthermore, Phu Quoc's selection as the host of APEC 2027 will help bring the island's image closer to the international community, including American tourists, and create a new impetus for local tourism.
- What is the significance of Phu Quoc having a new airline aiming for seamless connectivity in terms of the destination's attractiveness and competitiveness?
A key factor for American tourists is convenient accessibility. The launch of the new airline, along with the expansion of existing airlines' flight networks, makes traveling to Phu Quoc easier.
American tourists often combine visits to multiple destinations in the Asian region, so having direct flights and flexible connections will encourage them to choose Phu Quoc.
Last November, I personally witnessed the progress of the airport expansion, runways, and infrastructure projects serving APEC 2027, including the convention and exhibition center and high-end resorts. When these projects are completed, Phu Quoc will become more welcoming to international tourists, including those unfamiliar with Vietnam or who do not speak Vietnamese.
- The U.S. Embassy organized a Vietnam-U.S. Aviation Cooperation Seminar with the participation of 15 major corporations. What does this reflect about how the U.S. views Vietnam's aviation and tourism potential?
Vietnam is currently one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world, both in terms of domestic and international passenger traffic, as well as demand for aircraft and infrastructure.
The participation of 15 leading U.S. aviation, technology, and finance corporations shows that they see enormous potential in Vietnam, not only in air transport but also in airport development, infrastructure management, aviation security, fuel, and environmentally friendly aviation technology.
US businesses aspire to be a part of Vietnam's aviation and tourism industry growth story through close cooperation with domestic partners.
- Phu Quoc will host APEC 2027. According to the Ambassador, what opportunities will this event open up for the locality?
The experience from APEC 2006 in Hanoi and APEC 2017 in Da Nang shows that these events created a major boost not only for tourism but also for many other sectors such as high technology, manufacturing, services, and attracting investment.
After APEC 2017, Da Nang rose to become a regional center for events, tourism, and innovation. I believe Phu Quoc will have similar opportunities as it becomes a focal point of international attention.
APEC 2027 will help enhance the position of Phu Quoc in particular and Vietnam in general as a destination capable of hosting major international events, thereby creating momentum for sustainable long-term development.
According to Vietnamnet Newspaper