Emirates opens new route to Da Nang – an opportunity for Vietnamese tourism to attract high-end tourists

Recently, on April 30, 2025, Emirates airline signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) withSun Group Corporation within the framework of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) International Tourism Fair in Dubai, after announcing that it would operate a new direct flight route in Vietnam, specifically to Da Nang.

Da Nang is the third destination in Vietnam that Emirates has chosen to operate flights to, after Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Round-trip flights to Da Nang will be operated every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, using a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft with two classes, with 35 seats in Business Class and 368 seats in Economy Class.

Opportunity to attract high spending customers

Emirates officially operates new direct flight to Da Nang

Emirates has long been instrumental in connecting emerging destinations to its global network. When it relaunched direct flights between Dubai and Adelaide, Australia, for example, the city saw an additional $62 million in tourism spending each year. Similarly, Emirates’ partnership with Greece to increase connectivity to destinations such as Santorini, Mykonos and Rhodes has helped boost year-round tourism, contributing to a record €21.5 billion in tourism revenue for the Mediterranean country by 2024.

The new route to Da Nang will not only attract tourists from the Middle East but also expand connections with European and American markets through the Dubai hub. According to Emirates, the flight schedule will be optimized to easily transport passengers from major European cities such as London, Paris, Amsterdam, Manchester, Milan, Rome or major cities in the US to Da Nang. This will create an opportunity for Da Nang to welcome high-spending tourists, especially from the Gulf countries.

Da Nang tourism promises to boom when Emirates officially opens direct flights to this coastal city.

The latest data from the Tourism Authority of Thailand shows that Middle Eastern tourists spend an average of about 2,500 USD per trip to the land of golden temples, much higher than the spending of tourists from other regions. Total outbound travel spending from Gulf countries will reach about 76 billion USD in 2023, with 49% coming from tourists from Saudi Arabia - where Emirates is headquartered. These are telling numbers that Da Nang tourism in particular and Vietnam tourism in general can expect when Emirates opens flights to the city of the Han River.

“The opening of direct flights to Da Nang by Emirates, a 5-star airline with a global brand and quality, will open up opportunities to promote the city to 150 countries and territories. This will also open up opportunities to attract and serve tourists, while also preparing conditions for connectivity, trade and business when Da Nang operates as an international financial center and free trade zone,” said Ms. Truong Thi Hong Hanh, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Da Nang City.

The priceless "handshake" between two giants

The cooperation between Sun Group and Emirates opens up more opportunities to welcome more high-end tourists to Vietnam.

In addition to opening a new flight route to Da Nang, Emirates' signing of a strategic cooperation agreement with Sun Group is also considered to open up many new opportunities for Vietnamese tourism.

If Emirates is the world's largest airline, Sun Group was honored by the World Travel Awards as "Asia's Leading Tourism Group" and is currently one of the leading private enterprises in Vietnam.

Under the agreement, Emirates and Sun Group will work together on joint marketing and promotional campaigns to promote Vietnam as a top travel destination across the airline’s global network. The two parties will also explore opportunities to host experiential programs for media representatives and travel agents from key markets to raise awareness of the diversity of Vietnam’s tourism products, while supporting travel companies in these markets through promotions and giveaways.

Sun Group is committed to bringing exclusive experiences to Emirates passengers.

Mr. Orhan Abbas - Emirates' Senior Vice President, Far East Sales, shared: "The route expansion demonstrates the growing appeal of Vietnam tourism and our commitment to providing customers with more choices. The partnership with Sun Group will open up exciting opportunities to introduce Vietnam's unique culture, heritage and landscapes to a wide range of global travelers."

The partnership between two famous brands with high-class services and high-quality products will promote Vietnam's tourism industry, enhancing Vietnam's reputation on the regional tourism map. With its extensive media network and customer reach, Emirates plays the role of an "ambassador" to introduce Vietnam to global tourists, helping to promote famous destinations - where Sun Group's complete and high-class tourism ecosystems can welcome high-spending customers such as Da Nang, Phu Quoc, Sa Pa... and soon Cat Ba, Ha Nam...

Sun Group's high-end tourism ecosystems are ready to serve high-end tourists.

In addition to opportunities, Vietnamese tourism also faces challenges to make everything come true. That is, it is necessary to have a sustainable tourism development strategy, invest in infrastructure and high-quality services to be ready to welcome new international visitors, especially high-end visitors. There needs to be systematic, quality tourism products, personalized for each visitor. When it can meet the strict requirements of high-end visitors, Vietnam will be elevated on the world tourism map, becoming a strong tourism brand like the way names like Maldives, Hawaii... have done.

“We are committed to working with Emirates to deliver exclusive experiences and tailor-made services to Emirates passengers at Sun Group’s leading attractions in Vietnam — from Sun World theme parks to award-winning resorts. We believe this marks the beginning of a long-term partnership that will bring value to visitors, the country and both brands,” said Nguyen Vu Quynh Anh, Deputy General Director of Sun Group and General Director of the Group’s Entertainment and Resort Division.

Ngoc Linh

Source: https://doanhnghiepvn.vn/kinh-te/kinh-doanh/emirates-mo-duong-bay-moi-toi-da-nang-co-hoi-cho-du-lich-viet-hut-khach-cao-cap/20250506034901546