A ceremony was held by the national carrier Vietnam Airlines at the Da Nang International Airport on Sunday afternoon to welcome the first direct flight from Japan’s Narita to Da Nang after a long suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Consul General of Japan in Da Nang Yakabe Yoshinori (sixth, right), Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Tourism Nguyen Xuan Binh (5th, left) and related units give gifts to the first guests from Japan on the Da Nang - Narita flight. Photo: THU HA

Upon arrival in Da Nang, 180 passengers were greeted with a traditional Japanese Yosakoi dance and a lively dancing performance on the tune of the newly-released song "Tuyet Voi Da Nang", along with gifts from the city.

Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Tourism Nguyen Xuan Binh underlined that the first flight operated by Vietnam Airlines from Japan to Da Nang was a very meaningful signal for the restoration and development of the city’s aviation and tourism sectors.

Ms. Konuma Mizuki (right) expressed her delight at receiving a warm welcome at Da Nang International Airport, hoping to have a wonderful time in the Vietnamese coastal city. Photo: THU HA

According to the Da Nang Department of Tourism, Japan is considered a key market of the city’s tourism with stable growth. The central coastal city received more than 183,000 Japanese arrivals in 2019, an increase of nearly 200% compared to 2015 (92,000 arrivals). Since Viet Nam reopened to international tourism in March 2022, the city has welcomed about 27,000 Japanese visitors.

According to the airline, in the initial phase, starting from March 26, 2023 to June 30, 2023, the Narita - Da Nang route will operate four flights a week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

From July 1 onward, Vietnam Airlines plans to operate daily flights with a frequency of seven flights a week in an attempt to boost tourism and trade exchange between Japan and Central Viet Nam.

Japanese tourists arriving in Da Nang on the first direct flight from Narita are presented with gifts. Photo: THU HA

In the next phase, from July 1, 2023, Vietnam Airlines plans to fly daily with a frequency of 7 flights per week to encourage tourism and trade exchange between Japan and Central Viet Nam.

The resumption of regular flights from Narita to Da Nang is expected to make a positive contribution to attracting Japanese tourists back to Da Nang in the coming time.

Reporting by THU HA - Translating by M.DUNG