A beach in Phu Quoc (Photo: VNA)

Trung said after COVID-19 infection cases were found, the provincial authorities held a meeting with local leaders and decided to zone off and trace down cases, lock down several hamlets in An Thoi ward, and raise warning level from “new normal” to “at risk”.

Therefore, the plan will still be launched in November. However, testing for SARS-CoV-2 will be added in order to ensure safety for local residents and visitors. At the same time, all residents will also be fully vaccinated, including workers coming from other areas.

The province and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism advocated making thorough preparations for the plan, contributing to promoting the country’s anti-pandemic achievements and popularising the images of Phu Quoc as a friendly, modern and safe destination for foreign visitors.

Director of the provincial Tourism Department Bui Quoc Thai said the reception to tourists from the airport and hotels will be rehearsed from November 1-11 before the island city is officially open.

During the pilot period, the scheme is only applied for those involved in full-package tours organised by travel agents, and not for those with other purposes. Foreign tourists joining in the scheme will make immigration procedures via charter or commercial flights.

The province has chosen seven enterprises in Phu Quoc, 14 four to five-star hotels with 8,000 rooms to serve foreigners. All of their staff have been given two full vaccine shots.