(AG Provincial E-Portal) - According to An Giang's Department of Tourism, during the 2026 Lunar New Year - the Year of the Horse holiday, which ran from the 27th day of the 12th lunar month to the 6th day of the new year (February 14-22), the province welcomed over 1.7 million tourists, a 37.3% increase compared to the same period. Total tourism revenue reached approximately 2,622 billion VND, up 39%.
Communes, wards and special zones attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors, including Phu Quoc, Ha Tien, Vinh Te, Nui Cam, Thoi Son, and Tri Ton. Notably, Phu Quoc special zone welcomed 92,994 international tourists, up 24.3% compared to the same period, accounting for 94.3% of the province's total international tourist arrivals.
International tourist arrivals to Phu Quoc Pearl Island have been impressive, peaking on February 14, 2026 (27th day of the Lunar New Year), with 50 international flights and over 18,000 passengers, the highest since the airport opened in 2012 and during the Lunar New Year peak in 2026, continuing the growth trend.
Mr. Nguyen Ba Quan, Director of Phu Quoc International Airport, Sun Group's Airports Joint Stock Corporation, stated: “We prioritized balancing growth with operational control. To serve the Lunar New Year peak season effectively, the airport developed a flexible and coordinated operational plan. Personnel, equipment, and facilities were enhanced, and infrastructure and processes were reviewed and adjusted according to actual traffic. We proactively identified growth trends and developed corresponding operational scenarios. As a result, despite significant traffic growth, the airport maintained high readiness.”
During the 2026 Lunar New Year, An Giang's tourism sector saw remarkable growth, with impressive increases and innovative services catering to visitors. From spiritual destinations like Chau Doc, Tri Ton, and Tinh Bien to border areas like “Ha Tien, the land of poetry” and islands like the Phu Quoc pearl island, Hon Son, and Nam Du, An Giang's tourism painted a vibrant picture, solidifying its position in domestic and international tourists' hearts.
At key tourist spots like Nui Sam National Tourist Area, Nui Cam and Tra Su Melaleuca Forest, visitors immerse themselves in the traditional Tet atmosphere, enjoying spring flower markets, food streets, and lion-dragon performances. They also experienced calligraphy gift-giving and community- based ecotourism.
In Rach Gia city, Phu Cuong urban area was decorated to welcome the Spring Festival with a blend of traditional and modern elements, creating an impressive highlight - a new musical fountain that drew crowds of locals and tourists.
Phu Quoc, the "tourism paradise", is expected to welcome 365,818 visitors during the Lunar New Year, thanks to large-scale attractions like the "Symphony of the Sea" and "Awaken Sea" shows, musical fountains, and breathtaking fireworks; experiences at Kiss Bridge, Vui Fest Bazaar night market, and lively street performances; and shows at VinWonders and Grand World, offering a diverse range of festive activities.
During the 2026 Lunar New Year tourism season, An Giang's Department of Tourism closely monitored food safety, security, and public pricing at tourist sites and service providers, ensuring a safe, civilized, and friendly tourism environment.
An Giang Department of Tourism Director, Bui Quoc Thai, emphasized that the growth in tourist numbers during the 2026 Lunar New Year - the Year of the Horse is a positive sign for An Giang's tourism industry, laying the groundwork for the province to surpass its 2025 targets in 2026. The strong start suggests An Giang is on track to become a key tourism hub in the Mekong Delta, “a kick-start” for a promising year. This momentum will help An Giang's tourism industry expand, aiming for a more explosive and sustainable 2026 ahead of the APEC Summit 2027 in Phu Quoc Island./.
Author: Le Huy Hai
