Hanoi (VNA) - NC Press of the Republic of Korea, citing Visa data, reported that total card spending by Korean visitors on Phu Quoc rose around 160%. Accommodation and dining made up a significant share.
In an October 6 article, NC Press examined spending by travellers from the Republic of Korea in destinations including Hawaii, Okinawa, Guam and Vietnam, with particular attention to Phu Quoc.
Visa data showed that Korean card spending on the island rose around 160% year on year, compared with about 90% in Nha Trang. Da Nang still accounted for about 25% of Korean card spending in Vietnam, while newer resort destinations grew faster.
The 160% figure refers to the total value of card transactions, not spending by each individual tourist. It indicates the scale of Korean consumer spending on Phu Quoc during the surveyed period.
Accommodation and food accounted for 38% of Korean card spending in Vietnam, at 21% and 17%. The figures cover the whole country but are relevant to Phu Quoc, where resorts and dining are being developed together.
Hotels and meals take up much of the time and spending on a seaside holiday. This connects with hocance, a Korean blend of hotel and vacance describing a trip centred on hotel facilities and services.
Southern Phu Quoc offers several options for this type of holiday, including JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay, New World Phu Quoc, Premier Village Phu Quoc Resort and La Festa Phu Quoc near Sunset Town.
The resorts differ in architecture and services. Pools, spas, activities and restaurants allow guests to spend the day on site. Dining ranges from Vietnamese food and seafood to international dishes, including French, Mediterranean and Italian options.
Outside the resorts, visitors can try pastries at Maison Kayser, dine at Sun Bavaria GastroPub or visit VUI-Fest Bazaar. The venues are near pedestrian streets, Kiss Bridge and live performance sites.
Visitors can take the cable car to Hon Thom, visit Aquatopia Water Park, explore Exotica Village or relax at Santo Beach Club. Sunset Town offers restaurants and evening shows, including Kiss of the Sea and Symphony of the Sea.
At merchants connected to the National Citizen Commercial Joint Stock Bank network, South Korean visitors can use GLN and Naver Pay to scan QR codes. The NCB and NAPAS payment solution is available across Sun World and at several Phu Quoc locations, including JW Marriott, La Festa and Eschuri Vung Bau Golf.
NCB Visa Sun Signature cardholders can receive benefits at hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues and the golf course. Discounts at Eschuri Vung Bau Golf can reach 30% under programme conditions.
The NC Press figures do not show the contribution of individual products and services. The rise in card transactions and the share spent on accommodation and dining nevertheless show the potential of a destination investing in visitor services. /.
VNA
Sources: VietnamPlus / Vietnam News Agency
