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I
n recent years, meeting, incentive,
conference and exhibition (MICE)
business has become increasingly
important in Vietnam. Phu Quoc,
however, has been late to enter the
fray, although it has long been known
for its untouched natural environment,
easy going locals, snorkelling and scuba
diving options and stunning beaches.
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE?
The authorities now see MICE tour-
ism as a key future driver of growth,
with the potential to generate addi-
tional income, employment and foreign
investment, while assisting market di-
versification. However, not everyone in
the business is so confident.
“We organise leisure tours for high-
end clients, but we are also starting
to host MICE tours for small groups of
foreign and local companies from Hanoi
and Ho Chi Minh City; that said, MICE is
small business on Phu Quoc,” said Tran
Duc Dung, director of Con Dao Explorer
& Phu Quoc Explorer.
Joan Casadevall, general manager
of the Itaca Resto & Lounge in Phu Quoc,
is also dubious about the potential: “In
comparison with other destinations, Phu
Quoc has a lack of exhibition grounds,
accommodation units and entertain-
ment facilities, so without a MICE master
plan monitored by local authorities, it
will be really tough to drive Phu Quoc to
become an emerging MICE spot.”
Phu Quoc Island in the southernmost province of Kien Giang has designs on
becoming a top choice for MICE events of all sizes.
Duc Hanh
reports on the
island’s prospects.
PHU QUOC
RIPE FOR MICE?