The Da Nang Department of Tourism has just joined a working session with airlines and travel companies in India about opening direct flights to bring more tourists to Da Nang. This is within the framework of the Department's working trip to the capital New Delhi and Gurugram City in India from September 12 to 14, led by Director of the Department of Tourism Truong Thi Hong Hanh.

The delegation of the Da Nang Department of Tourism works with airlines and travel agencies in India. Photo: Photo courtesy of the Department of Tourism

In India, the Da Nang delegation worked with Air India, Vistara and Indigo airlines to provide them with must-to-know information on the destination of Da Nang, what benefits Da Nang might gain from the potential and impressive growth of the Indian tourist market, and Da Nang’s preferential policies for international airlines in the opening of new direct flights.

Also, the visiting Da Nang officials received information and proposals from aviation partners on plans to expand the flight network to Da Nang.

According to Mrs Hanh, Da Nang is a highly-attractive new destination for Indian tourists with its strength in beach resort tourism, the convergence of world-famous hotel brands, and special theme parks, night entertainment and rich culinary culture.

Da Nang also has the advantage of connecting to world cultural heritages and was honoured as “Asia’s leading festival and event destination”.

The actual growth of Indian visitors to Da Nang in the first 9 months of 2023 initially demonstrates Da Nang’s attraction. More than 95,000 Indian visitors travelled to Da Nang, accounting for nearly 50% of the total Indian visitors to Viet Nam.

The municipal Department of Tourism commits to providing specific support to airlines when operating flights to Da Nang as well as promoting new routes through the programme to welcome the first flight and foreign promotion programmes. This agency also acts as the focal point connecting airlines with tourism business units to form attractive, preferential product packages to promote tourist exchanges between Da Nang and major Indian cities.

The Da Nang Department of Tourism introduces the city’s strengths and potentials to Indian partners. Photo: Photo courtesy of the Department of Tourism

It was also heard at the meeting that the airlines are also interested in expanding their flight network to attractive new destinations in Southeast Asia, including Viet Nam with Da Nang being among destinations. Notably, Vistara and IndiGo airlines are studying plans to open direct flights to this central coastal Vietnamese city.

Also within the framework of the trip, the Department of Tourism organised a meeting programme with travel companies that are bringing tourists to Viet Nam and Da Nang in particular, including Motherson Air Travel, Dream Trip4U, Luxury Vacations & Holiday and ATG Holidays.

These are businesses that specialise in exploiting MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions), FIT (Free Independent Traveller or Tourist) and hi-end family segments in accordance with Da Nang's customer market orientation.

Travel representatives highly appreciated Da Nang destination for its ability to provide diverse products and services with good quality. According to travellers, Indian tourists often choose to spend at least 4 nights at 4 - 5 star hotels in Da Nang, preferring entertainment activities, night-time entertainment, bars, pubs and spas.

Currently, Da Nang is a convergence point for attractive product chains, highly suitable for Indian customers’ tastes.

Reporting by THU HA - Translating by A.THU