Hanoi (VNA) - The Emirates’ Dubai–Da Nang route’s inauguration on June 2 not only marked a milestone for Vietnam’s aviation sector but also captured the attention of major international media outlets. Publications across Asia and beyond have published articles highlighting the immense tourism potential this new route unlocks, framing Da Nang as Southeast Asia’s emerging luxury destination, especially for Middle Eastern elites.
“The new direct route to Da Nang is a gateway for billionaires from one of the wealthiest regions on earth to access Vietnam’s central coast, carrying immense spending power”, said Travel Daily News Asia.
A key driver of Da Nang’s appeal is its luxury hospitality infrastructure. The city is home to a broad range of high-end accommodations and globally recognised brands. Dailyhunt noted that “InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, Premier Village Danang Resort, Novotel Danang Premier Han River and Mercure Danang French Village Ba Na Hills, along with international brands such as Hyatt, Sheraton and Marriott which are favoured by Middle Eastern elites.”
Beyond luxury resorts, the Emirates route is expected to accelerate growth in high-end golf tourism - a rising strength in Central Vietnam. Simon Mees, General Manager of Ba Na Hills Golf Club, emphasises the impact of enhanced air connectivity. “Improved connectivity, particularly with Emirates via Dubai, elevates the profile of Central Vietnam as a golfing destination to new heights.” Mees said.
At the forefront of the city’s halal tourism strategy is Sun World Ba Na Hills, one of Da Nang’s iconic attractions. “Halal tourism, which caters to the religious and lifestyle needs of Muslim travellers, is being embraced at Sun World Ba Na Hills as a core priority,” said Nguyen Lam An, Director of Sun World Ba Na Hills. “We’ve introduced Halal-certified buffet restaurants and are working to further personalize experiences for this discerning segment.”
In addition to Halal-friendly offerings, Ba Na Hills impresses visitors with immersive performances all staged at nearly 1,500m above sea level amid European-inspired architecture. International tourists are drawn to the Golden Bridge, a breathtaking architectural masterpiece and one of Vietnam’s most iconic and celebrated landmarks. Complementing this, Da Nang Downtown has emerged as a vibrant new hub for night markets and culinary entertainment, further enriching the city’s tourism ecosystem.
According to Travel Weekly Asia, Emirates’ launch also represents a broader strategic pivot for Da Nang: From relying on Northeast Asian markets to tapping into emerging affluent segments in Central Asia, Europe, and the Americas. “The new route expands market diversity, reaching beyond Northeast Asia to the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas through Dubai - one of the world’s leading transit hubs,” the outlet reported.
In addition to Emirates, Kazakhstan’s national carrier Air Astana recently began operating direct flights between Almaty and Da Nang, with twice-weekly services every Wednesday and Saturday, beginning June 4.
With its rapidly expanding international connectivity, Da Nang is increasingly positioned as a top-tier global destination, boosting local economic growth and elevating the city’s international profile.
“Looking ahead, Da Nang is likely to see a surge in tourism from this region, driven by its growing reputation as a Muslim-friendly luxury destination. The city’s commitment to providing exceptional service and catering to the specific needs of Muslim travelers will ensure its continued success as a top-tier destination for global tourists. As the Middle Eastern market continues to expand, Da Nang is well-positioned to capitalise on this opportunity, offering a world-class experience for visitors seeking both relaxation and cultural exploration.” TTW concluded./.
