Phu Quoc Set to Outshine Bali and Phuket: How Vietnam’s Sun Group is Transforming Tourism!

Published on December 26, 2025

In November 2025, Sun PhuQuoc Airways made its debut, marking the beginning of Phu Quoc’s ambitious plan to become a key player in the regional tourism industry. Phu Quoc, an island off the coast of Vietnam, has long been known for its stunning beaches, luxury resorts, and vibrant culture. However, the launch of Sun PhuQuoc Airways and the ongoing expansion of Phu Quoc International Airport signal a new era for the island, as it prepares to compete with established tourist destinations like Bali, Phuket, and Jeju.

The development of a comprehensive aviation ecosystem, combining both airline services and world-class infrastructure, positions Phu Quoc as a rapidly emerging tourism hub in Southeast Asia. This integrated approach, driven by Sun Group, a leading Vietnamese conglomerate, promises to reshape the island’s role in global tourism.

A New Aviation Ecosystem: Phu Quoc’s Strategic Position

Phu Quoc holds a unique advantage in that it has developed a comprehensive aviation ecosystem that includes both an expanded international airport and an airline that carries the island’s name—Sun PhuQuoc Airways. This dual approach, rarely seen in the region, allows Phu Quoc to leverage domestic and international travel simultaneously, providing a competitive edge over other island destinations that rely solely on external airlines or infrastructure.

Sun PhuQuoc Airways, which began operations on November 1, 2025, is set to be a key driver in Phu Quoc’s tourism growth. The airline’s launch is part of a broader strategy to increase air connectivity to and from the island, making it more accessible for international travelers. The introduction of a local airline also helps Phu Quoc retain a larger share of the profits from the travel industry, contributing to the island’s economic growth.

Phu Quoc’s Evolution: From Natural Growth to Deliberate Expansion

According to the Centre for Aviation (CAPA), Phu Quoc’s development is no longer driven by the “natural momentum” typically seen in island destinations. Instead, the island is entering a phase of deliberate growth, characterized by a strategic convergence of transport infrastructure, tourism development, and the leadership of Sun Group. This shift marks a pivotal moment for the island, as it moves from a popular vacation spot to a globally recognized tourism destination.

CAPA noted that Sun Group’s plan is not just to enhance the island’s tourism offerings but also to position Phu Quoc as a regional aviation hub. The group has outlined an ambitious growth trajectory for Sun PhuQuoc Airways, with plans to expand its fleet from approximately eight aircraft by 2025 to nearly 100 aircraft by 2030. This fleet expansion will include wide-body jets, allowing the airline to operate intercontinental routes in the future, further solidifying Phu Quoc’s position on the global tourism map.

Sun Group’s Integrated Approach to Tourism and Hospitality

One of the key elements of Phu Quoc’s tourism strategy is Sun Group’s integrated business model, which allows the conglomerate to control the entire value chain of the island’s tourism experience. From air transport and luxury accommodations to large-scale entertainment complexes, Sun Group has synchronized control over various sectors, creating a closed-loop ecosystem for travelers. This integration is expected to offer visitors a seamless and comprehensive travel experience, where they can fly with Sun PhuQuoc Airways, stay at five-star resorts, and enjoy the island’s world-class entertainment offerings.

According to CAPA, this business model not only creates an efficient travel experience but also addresses Phu Quoc’s connectivity bottleneck, which has historically limited the island’s growth as a global tourism destination. By controlling the air transport, accommodation, and entertainment sectors, Sun Group has laid the groundwork for Phu Quoc to become a leading tourism hub in the region.

Phu Quoc International Airport’s Upgrades and Future Plans

As part of its strategic expansion, Phu Quoc International Airport is undergoing significant upgrades to handle increased passenger traffic. By 2026, the airport is expected to have the capacity to accommodate 20 million passengers annually. This expansion will not only cater to the needs of APEC 2027 but will also provide the infrastructure necessary for long-term international tourism growth.

The ongoing upgrades are part of the broader strategy to turn Phu Quoc into a global aviation hub, supporting both domestic and international tourism. This will allow the island to attract more visitors, from short-term tourists to high-end travelers, ensuring its place among the top global tourist destinations.

Phu Quoc’s Competitive Advantage in Regional Tourism

CAPA highlighted the regional dynamics that favor Phu Quoc’s growth. While Thailand—a key competitor in Southeast Asian tourism—is experiencing a slowdown in its tourism activities, Phu Quoc stands to benefit from a shift in visitor flows. As other destinations face challenges in maintaining tourist numbers, Phu Quoc’s rapid development and improved aviation infrastructure position it to capture a larger share of international tourists, particularly those seeking new destinations with high-quality tourism experiences.

The island’s ability to attract high-end tourists is also bolstered by its international-standard hospitality infrastructure. Luxury resorts, world-class diving experiences, and a variety of cultural and recreational activities make Phu Quoc an attractive destination for high-income travelers. The Sun Group’s investment in the island’s tourism ecosystem ensures that these visitors will enjoy a seamless, all-encompassing experience, from flights to entertainment.

The Path Forward: Phu Quoc’s Regional Hub Potential

Looking to the future, Phu Quoc stands at a critical turning point, with the potential to become a regional hub for tourism, resort development, and aviation. If the current development plans proceed as scheduled, Phu Quoc has the foundation to surpass established destinations like Bali, Phuket, and Jeju within the next decade. This growth is supported by Sun Group’s strategic vision, which includes an expanding airline fleet, improved airport infrastructure, and an integrated tourism experience that can appeal to a wide range of global travelers.

Phu Quoc’s ability to offer a comprehensive tourism ecosystem that blends aviation, luxury resorts, and entertainment sets it apart from other destinations in the region. By addressing connectivity issues and focusing on sustainable tourism development, Phu Quoc is positioning itself to become a dominant player in the Southeast Asian tourism market.

Conclusion: Phu Quoc’s Bright Future as a Tourism and Aviation Hub

The development of Phu Quoc’s aviation ecosystem, led by Sun PhuQuoc Airways and the ongoing upgrades to Phu Quoc International Airport, marks a bold step in the island’s efforts to become a global tourism hub. With Sun Group at the helm, Phu Quoc is poised to take its place among the world’s top tourism destinations, offering an integrated experience that combines air transport, luxury resorts, and entertainment. If the plans unfold as anticipated, Phu Quoc has the potential to surpass established tourist spots like Bali, Phuket, and Jeju, making it a top contender in the competitive Southeast Asian tourism market.