Massive infrastructure investment ahead of APEC 2027 could leave the Vietnamese island with the airports, conference facilities, accommodation and connectivity required to pursue a much larger share of Asia’s international meetings market.
VIETNAM – Phu Quoc is racing to complete a collection of major infrastructure projects ahead of APEC 2027, investment that could significantly change the Vietnamese island’s position in the regional business events market. Projects under development include an APEC conference centre, a multi-purpose performance venue, expansion of Phu Quoc International Airport, new transport links and additional accommodation infrastructure.
According to Vietnam’s Civil Aviation Authority, construction of the APEC conference centre had reached approximately 98% of its reinforced concrete structure and 93% of its steel structure by early August. Sun Group has committed to completing the conference centre before 30 April 2027, while Terminal 2 at Phu Quoc International Airport is targeted for completion by the end of March. A second runway was reported at around 85% completion.
The immediate objective is clear: Vietnam needs the infrastructure to accommodate the leaders, delegations and supporting activities associated with APEC. The more interesting question for the meetings sector is what happens afterward. Mega-events and international summits can leave destinations with substantial infrastructure that can subsequently be deployed for conferences, exhibitions, incentives and association congresses.
Phu Quoc already has considerable resort inventory and leisure appeal. Improved aviation capacity, road connectivity and purpose-built meeting facilities could address some of the limitations preventing island destinations from competing for larger international events. Infrastructure alone, however, does not create an association destination. Developing local professional networks, bidding expertise, PCO capabilities and connections with Vietnamese universities and industries will be equally important.
APEC 2027 could nevertheless provide the catalyst. Once the summit ends, Phu Quoc may find itself equipped to compete for a category of international meetings that previously would have looked elsewhere.
