On October 23 to 24, 2024, a momentous occasion unfolded as the Department of Tourism of Da Nang City, in partnership with Vietjet Air, proudly hosted the inaugural ceremony for the Da Nang – Ahmedabad (India) flight route. This event, which also included a warm welcome for the first flight from Ahmedabad to Da Nang, marked a significant milestone in the history of our two cities.

The launch event took place on the afternoon of October 23, 2024, at the international departure terminal of Da Nang International Airport. Esteemed leaders from the Da Nang People’s Committee, the Department of Tourism, the Central Airport Authority, Da Nang International Airport, and the Da Nang International Terminal Investment and Operation JSC attended. Notable attendees included representatives from the press and Miss Universe India 2024, Rhea Singha, underscoring the significance of this new aviation route and fostering international connections.

At 06:55 on October 24, 2024, the inaugural flight from Ahmedabad, India, was greeted with open arms at the international arrival terminal of Da Nang International Airport. Representatives from the Da Nang People’s Committee, the Department of Tourism, the Central Airport Authority, Da Nang International Airport, and Vietjet Air were all present to celebrate this momentous occasion. Passengers were not just welcomed, but embraced with thoughtful gifts, the opportunity to capture memories with check-in photos, and a showcase of various artistic performances at the airport.

The introduction of the Da Nang – Ahmedabad route, operated by Vietjet Air, marks a significant step in enhancing tourism, particularly from Ahmedabad and India. This new connection invites travelers to explore the rich attractions of Da Nang, indulge in its exquisite cuisine, and experience the city’s unique tourism offerings, positioning Da Nang as one of Asia’s premier destinations for festivals and events.

In a collaborative initiative, the Department of Tourism and Vietjet Air hosted Miss Universe India 2024, Rhea Singha, alongside key opinion leader Ekta Sandhir. Their engagement aims to showcase the exceptional luxury services available while creating promotional videos and photoshoots highlighting Da Nang’s beauty as a travel destination.

In conjunction with the launch of the new flight route, a familiarization trip involving 20 Indian travel agencies and a press delegation of 19 journalists from India was organized to explore the rich attractions of Da Nang. Over their four-day visit, they experienced iconic sites including Sun World Ba Na Hills, Son Tra Peninsula, Linh Ung Pagoda, Marble Mountains, and the historic Hoi An Ancient Town.

Mr. Tan Van Vuong, Deputy Director of the Da Nang Department of Tourism, underscored India’s potential as a key tourism market for the city. The newly established Da Nang – Ahmedabad flight route is a testament to our commitment to attracting Indian visitors. In line with this strategic focus, the tourism sector has been actively working to promote Da Nang through enhanced flight connections to various Indian cities while also diversifying the range of products and services available. We are dedicated to cultivating a comprehensive tourism ecosystem that caters to the interests of Indian travelers and are committed to continually enhancing service quality, safety, and security for all visitors.

During the recent event, Mr. Do Xuan Quang, Deputy General Director of Vietjet, expressed the airline’s commitment to expanding its network to India, linking Da Nang with a diverse population of 1.4 billion. He emphasized Vietjet’s dedication to offering affordable and flexible flight options alongside a range of services tailored to meet passengers’ needs. Mr. Quang noted that the airline’s environmentally friendly flights will enhance trade and tourism between the two countries and benefit the broader region.

Since 2018, Da Nang has actively sought to promote its offerings within the Indian market through various strategic initiatives. These include engaging in tourism programs in Mumbai and New Delhi, conducting familiarization trips with Indian travel agencies and wedding planners, participating in the SATTE South Asia Travel and Tourism Exchange, and hosting key opinion leaders from Ahmedabad to experience the beauty of Da Nang firsthand. Furthermore, the city has enhanced its online visibility through marketing efforts on platforms such as Instagram, specifically targeting the Indian audience.

Da Nang collaborates closely with tourism and service providers, airlines, and Da Nang International Airport to ensure an enriching experience for Indian tourists. Efforts to facilitate this include establishing prayer rooms at the airport and promoting Halal-certified and Indian dining options.

To strategically prepare for the growing Indian market, the Department of Tourism has organized seminars for tourism businesses, hotels, travel companies, and their staff. These sessions are designed to share valuable insights and knowledge, focusing on how to serve Indian guests best and develop tourism products that align with their preferences.

In the first nine months of 2024, Da Nang has impressively welcomed 8.67 million overnight visitors, including over 3.17 million international tourists. Notably, 139,086 of these visitors were from India, marking a 4.2% increase from the same period in 2023, even without direct flights from major Indian cities. Furthermore, Da Nang has had the privilege of hosting four significant Indian weddings with more than 1,200 guests and accommodating 20 MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) groups from India, totaling around 3,000 attendees.