French media hail Phú Quốc as a new symbol of Asia’s tourism revival
As the global tourism industry gradually regains momentum following the pandemic, Phu Quoc Island (Vietnam) is increasingly highlighted by international media as one of Asia’s standout destinations. Recently, numerous French media outlets have offered positive assessments of Phu Quoc, regarding the island as a new symbol of Asia’s tourism revival, thanks to its distinctive and sustainable development approach.
According to EnVols, a travel magazine published onboard flights of France’s national airline, Phu Quoc stands out as one of the rare destinations capable of maintaining a balance between modern tourism infrastructure investment and the preservation of local values. This balance is considered a key factor enabling Phu Quoc to establish a unique position at a time when many destinations are facing the pressures of mass tourism.
In its latest feature on Vietnam’s largest island, EnVols notes that Phu Quoc is emerging as one of the most promising destinations for 2026. This assessment is supported by data from the online travel platform Expedia, which indicates that international searches for Phu Quoc have increased by approximately 53% within just a few recent months. Notably, this ranking is based on the criteria of the Smart Tourism Health Index, a newly developed framework designed to identify destinations that offer high-quality, authentic, and sustainable travel experiences.
When comparing Phu Quoc with other well-known islands in the region, journalist Dorian Dumont points to the island’s core competitive advantage: its ability to preserve its identity. He observes that while many Asian destinations are gradually losing their distinct character amid the rapid expansion of mass tourism, Phu Quoc has managed to retain its local charm while simultaneously developing high-end, sustainable infrastructure.
According to EnVols, this selective development strategy has allowed Phu Quoc to prioritize long-term value over sheer visitor numbers. In the southern part of the island, luxury resorts such as Premier Village Phu Quoc Resort, New World Phu Quoc Resort, and JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay are cited as exemplary models of how refined architecture, natural landscapes, and local cultural inspiration can be harmoniously integrated. These resorts cater to travelers seeking subtle luxury combined with a close connection to nature.
Through the poetic lens characteristic of French journalism, Phu Quoc is portrayed as a “symphony of nature.” Often referred to as the “Pearl Island of Vietnam,” Phu Quoc boasts a remarkably diverse ecosystem, ranging from powdery white-sand beaches such as Bai Sao and Bai Khem—frequently ranked among Asia’s most beautiful beaches—to lush inland areas featuring hills, waterfalls, and dense forests ideal for outdoor exploration and adventure.
The author places particular emphasis on Phu Quoc National Park, a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve, as compelling evidence of the island’s ecological value. Within this pristine natural setting, environmentally conscious travelers can observe wildlife such as long-tailed macaques, hornbills, and rare wild orchids, fostering a deeper connection with the local ecosystem.
However, natural beauty alone is not sufficient to drive Phu Quoc’s tourism resurgence. The island’s strong recovery has also been fueled by a range of distinctive experiences developed within a well-planned tourism, entertainment, and resort ecosystem. Many international visitors are surprised to learn that Phu Quoc is among the few destinations in the world to host two nightly fireworks displays, as part of world-class shows such as “Kiss of the Sea” and “Symphony of the Sea.”
In addition, the island offers iconic experiences, from watching the sunrise at the Kiss Bridge to exploring the surrounding seascape via the world’s longest three-wire cable car connecting the main island to Hon Thom.
Within the broader picture of regional tourism recovery, Phu Quoc stands out as a compelling example of harmonizing growth with the preservation of identity. This rare balance has enabled the Pearl Island to move beyond the image of a conventional tropical resort and gradually emerge as a new symbol of Asian tourism in the post-pandemic era—where nature, culture, and world-class experiences converge to create lasting appeal for travelers worldwide.