Vietnam is gearing up for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit scheduled for 2027, with significant attention being paid to enhancing the region's infrastructure and tourism capabilities. On March 3, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held a meeting with provincial leaders and various government officials at the Government Office to address the preparations for the summit, which will be hosted in Phu Quoc, Kien Giang province.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Chinh underscored the importance of the APEC gathering as a strategic political event. The meeting serves not just as a platform for economic cooperation but also as a chance to promote the image of both Kien Giang and Phu Quoc. He emphasized the urgency of the preparations, pointing out, "With only two years left until 2027, we need to act quickly and with full commitment to make the event a success."
The Prime Minister's directives include investments to improve and expand facilities, including wastewater treatment plants, clean water supply systems, and the Phu Quoc airport. Reports indicate existing facilities meet the necessary criteria for hosting APEC; nevertheless, additional investments are required to fine-tune certain infrastructure projects.
"The cooperation among ministries, sectors, and localities is imperative. We must align our objectives with the needs of the APEC meeting, particularly concerning infrastructure and transportation," added Chinh. Responsibilities were assigned among Deputy Prime Ministers for overseeing various aspects, such as infrastructure, event contents, and land management, ensuring all key areas were effectively coordinated.
A significant focus of the meeting was on the tourism aspect of the APEC preparations, which is pivotal as the volume of high-profile visitors to Vietnam has surged recently. For example, Vietnam welcomed more than 4,500 Indian billionaires as guests for leisure and conferences, making it clear to stakeholders just how appealing the country has become as destination for high-net-worth individuals.
Nguyen Trung Khanh, director of the National Tourism Administration, highlighted the nation's effort to attract elite tourists, stating, "Vietnam's unique cultural and natural resources provide the foundation for our tourism sector to offer distinctive products appealing to high-end travelers." He noted the increasing recognition of Vietnam as both a safe and attractive destination for international travelers.
Despite these encouraging trends, challenges remain, particularly concerning human resources. Vietnam’s tourism industry faces significant gaps, with reports indicating a shortage of around 20% of trained personnel needed to adequately serve the surge of inbound guests, especially during peak tourist seasons.
A recent study revealed startling data: the tourism sector requires approximately 485,000 employees to operate efficiently, especially with the anticipated growth leading to hotel capacities reaching 1.3 to 1.45 million rooms by 2030. Yet, current training programs only graduate about 20,000 professionals annually, leaving the industry heavily reliant on untrained or inadequately trained workers.
According to Vu Van Tuyen, director of Travelogy Vietnam Tourism, there’s been noticeable investment from internationally renowned brands like InterContinental and Four Seasons, which have established luxury hotels and resorts, contributing to the high-end experience tourists now expect. "These investments have significantly enhanced the luxury travel experience within the country," Tuyen stated.
Experts like Dr. Nuno Ribeiro from RMIT University recommend enhancing the quality of training for tourism professionals, with immediate steps for businesses to partner with local educational institutions to close the gap. Dr. Ribeiro noted, "Businesses should connect with training organizations at home and abroad to attract qualified personnel to bridge initial gaps. This could significantly benefit the tourism sector."
Prime Minister Chinh's meeting signified Vietnam's commitment to elevatory efforts needed for hosting the APEC summit. He called upon all involved to remain focused, avoid wastage, and maintain long-term planning for sustainable tourism development. This includes supporting collaborative investments between public and private sectors.
Looking forward, Vietnam's tourism strategy emphasizes establishing high standards for training tourism professionals and enhancing the quality of services provided to attract elite international guests. This includes the creation of modern hospitality and tourism curricula aimed at equipping the workforce with relevant skills.
With infrastructure improvements and personnel training initiatives underway, Vietnam is setting up the groundwork necessary to successfully host the APEC 2027 summit. The government remains proactive, ensuring the country can cope with the demands of international visitors and leverage this assembly to boost its image as a premier destination for global tourists. The road to APEC 2027 is long, but with each foundational step, Vietnam is poised to shine on the global stage.