On the morning of April 2, the Da Nang Department of Tourism officially welcomed the first direct flight from Almaty, Kazakhstan, marking a significant step in expanding tourism connections with the CIS market.

The A330/300 aircraft, operating under flight number VJ52, carried nearly 300 passengers and landed at Da Nang International Airport to a warm reception. A water cannon salute, traditional artistic performances, and a special welcome ceremony, including floral gifts and commemorative conical hats for all passengers, were held to celebrate the occasion.

Expansion of Direct Flights from Kazakhstan to Da Nang

As part of the tourism expansion plan, travel operators will operate direct flights from Kazakhstan to Da Nang with a frequency of four flights per week between April and October 2025. Specifically:

• Almaty – Da Nang: Two flights per week (Tuesdays and Fridays)
• Astana – Da Nang: Two flights per week (Wednesdays and Saturdays)

CIS Travelers: Preferences and Tourism Potential

Market research indicates that travelers from CIS countries prefer winter travel (December to February), often embarking on long tours of 10–15 days with family or in groups through travel agencies. These visitors are particularly drawn to tropical beaches, sunbathing, water activities, and leisure sightseeing.

CIS tourists predominantly follow Islam, which influences their dietary choices—most do not consume pork. However, they have a strong preference for alcoholic beverages such as cocktails, vodka, and beer, especially at hotel bars and beachfront lounges.

Strategic Tourism Development for the CIS Market

In response to this growing demand, the Da Nang Department of Tourism has proactively implemented a Development and Service Plan for the international tourist market via direct flights from CIS countries. Key initiatives include:

• Strengthening marketing and promotional efforts to increase Da Nang’s visibility among CIS travelers.
• Conducting market research to align tourism services with visitor preferences.
• Enhancing collaboration with travel agencies and airlines to boost the CIS market presence.
• Ensuring safety and security measures to provide a seamless experience for international tourists.
• Developing tailored tourism products and improving the quality of hospitality services to meet the expectations of CIS visitors.

This direct flight route from Kazakhstan marks a new milestone in Da Nang’s strategy to attract international tourists, reinforcing its reputation as a premier beach destination in Southeast Asia.