APEC 2027: A NEW INVESTMENT MAP FOR PHU QUOC REAL ESTATE

Phu Quoc’s selection as the host of APEC 2027 is more than a diplomatic milestone—it signals the beginning of a new growth cycle for the Pearl Island, opening up fresh opportunities across its real estate landscape.

The Convention and Exhibition Center, part of the APEC 2027 infrastructure complex, with a total investment exceeding VND 21,800 billion (Photo: DNCC)

APEC and the elevation effect on host cities 

APEC stands among the world’s most influential economic forums, bringing together 21 member economies that account for roughly 38% of the global population, nearly 50% of international trade, and over 60% of global GDP. Hosting APEC is therefore not merely a matter of prestige—it is a catalyst that elevates a destination’s standing while accelerating its urban transformation.

History offers clear evidence. Cities that have hosted APEC often undergo a visible and lasting shift—across infrastructure, tourism, real estate, and the broader service economy. Bali (Indonesia), following APEC 2013, and Shanghai (China), after APEC 2001, both significantly strengthened their positions on the global investment map. In Vietnam, the impact is equally evident. After hosting APEC 2017, Da Nang experienced a surge in international arrivals in the years that followed, while steadily emerging as one of the country’s most livable cities—where growth is not only rapid, but increasingly well-balanced and sustainable.

An Opportunity for Phu Quoc to define it is standing 

Against this backdrop, APEC 2027 is widely expected to serve as a powerful catalyst for Phu Quoc—accelerating infrastructure upgrades while elevating the island’s position as a premier destination.

According to tourism data, in 2025 the Pearl Island welcomed approximately 8.1 million visitors, including 1.8 million international arrivals, generating nearly VND 44 trillion in total revenue. The strong rebound of international tourism, coupled with steady growth, underscores Phu Quoc’s rising appeal on the global stage—laying a solid foundation for its next phase of development.

In parallel with this momentum, the island’s infrastructure is entering a period of accelerated investment to meet its evolving role. Phu Quoc International Airport is currently undergoing expansion, with its capacity set to reach 20 million passengers per year—positioning the island to meet future demand with greater readiness and ambition.

Phu Quoc International Airport is currently being expanded to cover an area of ​​1,050 hectares, meeting 4E standards - Photo: DNCC

Alongside this, the island’s urban transport network, seaports, service hubs, and residential developments have been comprehensively planned and are being implemented in a synchronized manner, steadily aligning with international standards. These projects are expected to come into operation ahead of APEC 2027. Importantly, such infrastructure investment is not solely for the event itself—it establishes a long-term foundation for the island’s broader economic growth.

Clearly, APEC 2027 represents a pivotal turning point for Phu Quoc, enabling its transition from a purely resort destination into a multifunctional urban center—integrating international conferences, commerce, services, and finance. This transformation is set to unlock an entirely new layer of demand—not only from tourists, but also from professionals, entrepreneurs, and long-term residents who choose Phu Quoc as a place to live, work, and build enduring connections.

Capital flows toward sustainable real estate 

Vietnam’s resort real estate market is entering a phase of selective recovery, where portfolio restructuring is becoming increasingly evident. Rather than chasing short-term, high-growth hotspots, capital is gradually shifting toward destinations defined by clear planning frameworks, integrated infrastructure, and long-term development drivers.

A landmark event such as APEC 2027 plays a pivotal role in reinforcing investor confidence—thanks to its ability to accelerate public investment, elevate destination status, and attract international capital flows.

Phu Quoc now embodies many of the conditions required to emerge as the focal point of this new cycle. With a strategic vision to become an international hub for tourism and services, the Pearl Island is moving into a more forward-looking phase of development—anchored in infrastructure upgrades and the expansion of its urban functions.

According to industry experts, in development cycles tied to milestone events, real estate values typically grow in phases—closely aligned with infrastructure completion and the expansion of economic activities.

In particular, the period leading up to such events—when master plans begin to materialize and infrastructure is actively being deployed—is often seen as the foundational stage for the next wave of value appreciation.

The Meliá Forest Bay Phu Quoc project is developed by CityLand Group.
 

In this phase of a redefined investment landscape, markets that embody core fundamentals and are backed by long-term growth drivers—such as Phu Quoc—are poised to attract substantial capital inflows and emerge as strategic destinations for both domestic and international investors.