In 2025, Da Nang's tourism industry will focus on implementing various strategies to attract more tourists from new markets. This effort aims to offset the decline in traditional markets, particularly targeting Muslim, Middle Eastern, Russian, and Eastern European tourists.

International tourists arrive in Da Nang. Photo: NGOC HA

Currently, Da Nang has direct flights connecting to Muslim tourist markets such as flights to New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad (India); Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia); Singapore; and Manila (Philippines). Travel agencies are working with airlines in an effort to promote the opening of more direct flights between Da Nang and Jakarta, Bali (Indonesia), Manila (Philippines), as well as increase the frequency of flights between the central coastal city and major cities in India.

As for the Russian and Eastern European markets, Da Nang is boosting the restoration of direct flights with Russia and expanding to other Eastern European countries such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, and Belarus. Charter flights between Kazakhstan and Da Nang are expected to start in April.

With regard to Middle East market, a Da Nang - Dubai direct air route (1 hour layover in Bangkok) will be opened in June, aiming to serve passengers from 150 countries and territories of the 5-star airline Emirates.

According to a Emirates representative, the flight schedule is optimally designed to easily transport passengers from major cities in Europe such as London, Paris, Amsterdam, Manchester, Milan, Rome or major cities in the US to Da Nang. In particular, the opening of Emirates-operated air routes to Da Nang easily connects wealthy guests from the Middle East to the central coastal city.

Mr. Adnan Kazim, the airline's Deputy President & Chief Commercial Officer, said “Viet Nam plays a strategic role in Emirates’ Southeast Asia network. The expansion of operations to Da Nang as a third destination in Viet Nam comes at an opportune time, right after the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between the UAE and Viet Nam. We believe that this new route will enhance bilateral trade relations and economic cooperation between the two countries in the time to come”.

Director of the Da Nang Department of Tourism Truong Thi Hong Hanh said that in addition to the flight system, accommodation establishments, cuisine facilities, tourism service providers and destinations, ancillary services, and market promotion policies are developed to suit each customer market.

Ms. Hanh cited that ancillary services for Muslim guests are increasingly important. For example, some hotels, airports, and shopping malls are establishing prayer rooms. Da Nang International Airport, for instance, opened a prayer room in 2023 to accommodate Muslim passengers. This facility includes separate rooms for men and women, with a maximum capacity of 20 guests.

Moreover, tour guides are trained in Islamic culture and needs. Some tourism documents have been translated into Arabic and Hindi. Centres such as Vincom, Lotte Mart, and Han Market have added more Halal products and special items for Muslim tourists.

The city has issued a number of policies to expand the Muslim tourist market. In particular, many tourism promotion activities have been conducted at major fairs in India, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Middle East. The city’s Tourism Association and businesses have cooperated with specialised travel companies in Muslim countries to develop tours for Muslim visitors.

A number of restaurants specialising in serving Halal cuisine have been opened in the city, namely Family Indian Restaurant, Mumtaz Indian Restaurant, and Baba's Kitchen, along with Halal-friendly restaurants in 5-star hotels such as InterContinental, Sheraton, and Hyatt Regency.

Besides, private chef services and fine dining are provided at resorts to serve the needs of Middle Eastern guests. Some resorts offer high-end car services with private drivers, suitable for high-class guests from the Middle East, or have private villas with private swimming pools, suitable for Muslim family culture.

“In the coming time, the Da Nang Department of Tourism will deploy the sharing of market information and cultural customs, as well as organise training courses to serve specific markets to all tourism businesses in the city. At the same time, hotels and restaurants citywide are encouraged to register for Halal certification to ensure customer service” said Ms. Hanh.

Reporting by NGOC HA - Translating by M.DUNG