Opening up India's skies

Da Nang City is actively expanding into new international markets, in addition to its number one international tourist market, South Korea. According to the Da Nang City People's Committee's plan to restore tourism and diversify international tourist markets, the Department of Tourism is organizing discussions with airlines and travel companies in India regarding the opening of direct flights.

Businesses from Central Vietnam and India exchange ideas on cooperation opportunities.

Mr. Nguyen Duc Quynh, Vice Chairman of the Da Nang Tourism Association and Chairman of the Da Nang Hotel Association, stated that from a market previously unfamiliar to Da Nang, Indian tourists accounted for 4.2% of the total international visitors to Da Nang in 2023, despite the city not having direct flights from India. "Clearly, this is a large market for Da Nang City, and also represents one of the highest-spending groups among Asian markets. Therefore, if we are ready with the necessary infrastructure and services for Indian tourists, this market will quickly become a key market for Da Nang," Mr. Quynh said. Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Anh, Chairman of the Da Nang Travel Association, also noted that tourism businesses need to focus on the culinary aspect within this unique market ecosystem, such as training staff and creating distinctive experiences for stays of 4-5 days.

Quang Nam promotes tourism in India.

In mid-September, the Quang Nam Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism coordinated a program to introduce Quang Nam tourism in Mumbai, aiming to promote the image, destinations, and tourism products and services of Quang Nam to Indian partners. This was the first time Quang Nam promoted tourism in India, attracting nearly 250 organizations, agencies, airlines, businesses, and major Bollywood film companies. On this occasion, the Quang Nam Tourism Association and the Indian Tourism Association signed a cooperation agreement on tourist exchange, creating opportunities for connecting tourism businesses. In the first six months of 2023, Quang Nam welcomed 25,000 Indian tourists, ranking among the top 10 largest international tourist markets. "This promotion opens a new chapter in tourism cooperation between Quang Nam, Central Vietnam destinations, and India," said Mr. Van Ba ​​Son, Deputy Director of the Quang Nam Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Surveys from travel agencies show that Indian tourists highly appreciate Da Nang as a destination for its diverse range of quality products and services. Mr. Anuj Anand, Business Director of Motherson Air Travel, shared: "The company plans to bring tourists to new destinations, and Da Nang is a must-see. Da Nang's current tourism products also suit the tastes of Indian tourists, such as those who need to stay at least four nights in 4-5 star hotels, enjoy nightlife, bars, pubs, and spas." Mr. Vinay Arora, Director of ATG Holidays, expressed satisfaction and surprise at the number and quality of Indian hotels and restaurants in Da Nang, as well as the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) policies the city is offering to other groups.

M ON DIRECT FLIGHTS

Recognizing this potential, the Da Nang Department of Tourism has launched tourism promotion activities in New Delhi and Gurugram (India), the largest city in the Haryana state of North India, where major airlines are headquartered. The Department provided information on destinations, potential, the impressive growth of the Indian tourist market, and preferential policies for international airlines opening direct flights, such as Air India, Vistara, and Indigo.

---

High-end Indian tourists at a resort in Da Nang City.

According to the Da Nang Department of Tourism, in the first nine months of 2023, the number of Indian tourists visiting Da Nang City increased sharply to over 95,000, accounting for nearly 50% of the total number of Indian tourists to Vietnam. Currently, travel companies specializing in attracting Indian tourists to Vietnam, such as Motherson Air Travel, Dream Trip4U, Luxury Vacations & Holiday, and ATG Holidays, are expanding their networks. These travel businesses specialize in attracting MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourists, FIT (Individual Travelers), and high-end family tourists, which aligns with Da Nang City's target market.

---

According to Ms. Truong Thi Hong Hanh, Director of the Department of Tourism, with a series of strengths such as beach resort tourism, a concentration of world-renowned hotel brands, unique themed amusement parks, vibrant nightlife and rich culinary culture, and the advantage of connecting to world cultural heritage sites, Da Nang City is an attractive new destination for Indian tourists. Da Nang City has also been honored as a leading festival and event destination in Asia. "The Department of Tourism is committed to providing specific support to airline partners to expand their flight network to Da Nang City, such as promoting new routes, welcoming the first flights, and conducting overseas promotional programs. The Department also acts as a liaison connecting airlines with tourism businesses to create attractive and preferential product packages to offer, attracting tourist exchanges between Da Nang City and major cities in India," Ms. Hanh affirmed.

Indian airlines have shown particular interest in opening direct routes to the key tourist market of Da Nang. Among them, Vistara Airlines and IndiGo Airlines have already begun preparations and are preparing to launch direct flights.

Source link: https://thanhnien.vn/du-lich-mien-trung-mo-cua-bau-troi-an-do-185230925103504223.htm