The Island of Overdevelopment: Vietnam’s Phu Quoc Raises Questions About Sustainability

The past decade has seen an explosion in tourism across Southeast Asia, with destinations like Bali and Jeju Island becoming household names among international travelers. This growth has been driven by a combination of factors, including improved infrastructure, increased marketing efforts, and the easing of visa restrictions.

Phu Quoc, once a tranquil retreat for Vietnamese vacationers, has undergone a radical transformation in recent years. The island is now home to a staggering $6.6 billion worth of projects, all aimed at making it an attractive destination for international visitors by 2027, when Vietnam hosts the APEC summit. New infrastructure, direct flights, and a growing range of amenities have been introduced, but concerns about overdevelopment are growing.

The island’s authorities are aware of these worries, which is why they’re actively courting international attention as “the next Bali or Jeju”. Their goal is to build a brand that can sustain interest beyond the APEC summit. However, this raises questions about whether Phu Quoc can become a major global destination without sacrificing its unique charm.

Historically, Phu Quoc’s isolation allowed it to maintain a distinct cultural identity, untouched by urbanization. But this seclusion also meant limited economic opportunities for residents, who relied heavily on fishing and subsistence farming. The current development drive is aimed at creating jobs and stimulating growth, but it’s essential that these efforts don’t erase the island’s character.

Luxury resorts and high-end tourism projects have emerged as a notable example of Phu Quoc’s struggles with overdevelopment. While they bring in revenue, they also create pressure to gentrify local communities and displace long-time residents. This is a familiar pattern across Southeast Asia, where economic growth has often come at the expense of social cohesion.

Phu Quoc can learn from these mistakes if it adopts a more nuanced approach to development. As it prepares for the APEC summit, the island’s authorities should prioritize balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability and community engagement. This will require careful planning and collaboration between government agencies, local stakeholders, and international partners.

In recent years, Phu Quoc has made strides in promoting eco-tourism and preserving its natural beauty. The establishment of national parks and protected areas has helped safeguard the island’s biodiversity, while initiatives like marine conservation and community-based tourism have created jobs for residents. These efforts demonstrate that sustainable development is possible, but they also underscore the need for a more thoughtful approach.

Phu Quoc’s success will be closely watched by policymakers and industry leaders across Southeast Asia. Can this island find a way to combine economic growth with environmental stewardship, or will it succumb to the same pressures that have beset its neighbors? The outcome will have far-reaching implications not just for Phu Quoc, but for the entire region.

The future of Phu Quoc hangs in the balance as it hurtles towards becoming a major global destination. Its authorities must ask themselves: what kind of development do we want to see on our shores? Will they prioritize profits over people, or can they find a way to build a sustainable economy that benefits all stakeholders – including the local community and the environment?

Phu Quoc’s next chapter will be defined by its ability to strike a balance between economic growth and environmental preservation. It’s not just about building resorts or attracting international visitors; it’s about creating a place where residents and tourists can thrive without sacrificing what makes this island special in the first place.