Phu Quoc has emerged as a "hotspot" in the MICE tourism sector due to its visa exemption for international travelers, modern infrastructure, and luxurious resorts. It serves as an ideal venue for conferences, events, exhibitions, and high-end recreational activities, attracting visitors from around the globe.

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The visa exemption for all travelers, coupled with a modern infrastructure and a rich tapestry of recreational experiences, are the pivotal elements that have allowed Phu Quoc to swiftly establish itself as a burgeoning "hotspot" in the MICE tourism sector.

What is MICE? 

MICE is an acronym for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions, which translates to Meetings, Rewards, Seminars, and Exhibitions. This form of tourism seamlessly integrates the organization of events, conferences, and exhibitions catered to businesses and organizations. 

  • Meetings: Corporate gatherings, workshops, or business events.  
  • Incentives: Travel trips for employees or partners as a reward.  
  • Conferences: Larger events focusing on specialized topics, typically featuring numerous speakers and attendees.  
  • Exhibitions: Events where companies showcase products or services to promote themselves and seek business partnerships.  

MICE attracts a multitude of affluent travelers and represents a crucial segment within the tourism industry, driving economic growth and enhancing the services of destinations.

In Vietnam, it is estimated that MICE travelers from travel agencies account for an average of 15-20% of total visitor numbers, soaring to as much as 60% for certain large companies during peak months. Despite its vast potential, MICE tourism in Vietnam faces challenges as large resorts and hotels often lack adequate infrastructure, particularly in terms of large-scale conference centers.

However, Phu Quoc has recently emerged as a new paradise for MICE tourism, not only in Vietnam but across the region, meeting all conditions necessary to become the ideal MICE destination.  

Preferential Visa Policy  

Currently, Phu Quoc is the sole destination in Vietnam that offers a special visa policy with numerous privileges. Foreign visitors, including Vietnamese nationals holding foreign passports, are granted visa exemption upon entry, exit, and residence in Phu Quoc for a maximum stay of 30 days.

This visa exemption facilitates MICE groups in completing their procedures effortlessly, especially for large delegations. Thanks to this policy, Phu Quoc now hosts numerous international flights operating with high frequency daily, connecting with countries such as South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, and more. Several other nations are also exploring the possibility of direct flights to Phu Quoc.  

Premium Accommodation  

Phu Quoc stands out as one of the most breathtaking destinations in Vietnam. Visitors to this jewel island will experience pristine air, warm sunshine year-round, and discover stunning beaches. Beaches such as Bai Khem and Bai Sao, with their fine white sand and crystal-clear waters resembling emerald, alongside smaller islands like Hon Thom and Hon May Rut, exude a wild beauty that creates a rich marine and forest ecosystem.

This natural advantage transforms resorts along expansive sandy beaches with clear waters into ideal haven for MICE travelers. It is also the perfect setting for group activities and unforgettable outdoor parties. The southern region of the island, near Bai Kem, is home to renowned resorts such as JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, New World Phu Quoc, Premier Residences Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, and Premier Village Phu Quoc at Mui Ong Doi. Each of these four resorts, with their distinct styles, is managed by top-tier global hotel brands including Marriott International, Rosewood, and Accor.

JW Marriott Phu Quoc serves as a prime example of successfully hosting MICE groups, particularly highlighted by luxurious weddings for Indian billionaires, notably the global wedding of Rushang Shah and Kaabia Grewal. New World Phu Quoc offers the advantage of multiple villa-style rooms, each with private pools, while Premier Residences Phu Quoc Emerald Bay boasts 752 rooms that are reasonably priced and uphold a 5-star standard.

Furthermore, the resorts in southern Phu Quoc cater to the demands of the most discerning clientele. Elegant restaurants with talented chefs offer international cuisine, including vegetarian and Halal options. The staff here are multilingual and have received acclaim from the South China Morning Post for their English service in a 2022 article.  

Spacious Conference Rooms  

The resorts in Phu Quoc all feature expansive conference and banquet halls, accommodating a wide range of events. A standout facility is the Sun Signature Gallery, located at the heart of Sunset Town, directly opposite La Festa Phu Quoc – Curio Collection by Hilton. Designed by the renowned architect Bill Bensley, this center is more than just a conference venue; it serves as a museum preserving the unique artistic values of Mid-Century Modern style.

The ballroom at Sun Signature Gallery can accommodate up to 1,000 guests and is equipped with modern technology and exquisite design. This space is adaptable for various event formats, from classes and workshops to cocktail receptions (800 people) and dinner parties (550-600 people). The ballroom is adorned with thousands of handcrafted mica stones, features a 22-meter high ceiling, and a stunning chandelier weighing 500 kg made of seashells and rare crystals.

Additionally, the ballroom is equipped with a smart lighting system that allows for flexible 360-degree lighting adjustments, complemented by a high-end sound and screen system suitable for professional artistic performances.

In October, the Sun Paradise Land ecosystem will unveil the Sun Convention Center, a new conference center managed by New World, capable of accommodating up to 1,000 guests.  

Diverse Experiences  

In addition to premium accommodation and conference facilities, Phu Quoc also captivates MICE groups with its regionally celebrated entertainment experiences.

MICE groups often relish sports activities such as team building and workshops on the beach. For high-end groups, Phu Quoc stands as a golf paradise, featuring picturesque and challenging golf courses. Notably, the Eschuri Vung Bau golf course offers a "rise to the forest and descend to the sea" journey through 18 challenging holes. For MICE groups seeking to maximize time and include beginners, the Kem Beach Driving Range is an ideal choice.

Regarding entertainment, the Sun Paradise Land complex in southern Phu Quoc presents a unique model that is hard to find elsewhere in the world. Visitors can explore the “I Do” Bridge, marvel at the multimedia performance Kiss of the Sea, and enjoy the nightly firework displays. The coastal night market Vui Phết is where guests can indulge in exceptional culinary delights and captivating street performances. Additionally, the show at the À Ơi theater, rich in cultural diversity, is a highlight not to be missed.

At year’s end, Sun Paradise Land will debut the show Symphony of the Sea, combining jetski and flyboard performances, firework displays, and elements of Vietnamese culture such as traditional drumming and dragon dancing on the beach at "I Do" Bridge. In Hon Thom, the lively Kaya show promises delightful experiences with its playful native performers. All these programs take place in expansive outdoor settings, ideal for accommodating large MICE groups.

One unforgettable experience when visiting Phu Quoc is taking a ride on the world’s longest three-cable gondola to Hon Thom, where visitors can admire breathtaking panoramic views of Phu Quoc's sea and sky from above. The leading travel guide The Lonely Planet has recognized this as the "most worthy experience" in Phu Quoc.

With such top-tier services, experiences, and infrastructure, Phu Quoc is poised to become the venue for numerous conferences and events on both regional and global scales in the future. This island is steadily asserting its prominence, just as Travel + Leisure has dubbed Phu Quoc as "the second most magnificent island in the world."