Abstract
Phu Quoc, a large island in Vietnam's Southwest Sea, holds a strategic position in terms of economics, politics, defense, and security. The island is endowed with a favorable climate, diverse terrain, and rich biological resources, which have made tourism a key driver of local development. This study aims to estimate the economic value generated by tourism activities on Phu Quoc Island, thereby emphasizing the potential for ecotourism. The research employs the Zonal Travel Cost Method (ZTCM) to assess this value, utilizing data from the People's Committee of Phu Quoc district and a sample of survey respondents. The findings reveal the significant economic contributions of ecotourism, demonstrating the island's capacity to generate substantial tourism revenue. The study concludes that Phu Quoc has immense potential for generating tourism welfare, provided that infrastructure is well-developed, recreational activities are diversified, and the ecological environment is sustainably protected. These insights offer valuable guidance for policymakers in planning and managing the sustainable development of ecotourism on Phu Quoc Island.