Recently, on the afternoon of April 30, 2025, the airline Emirates signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Sun Group in the framework of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) international tourism fair in Dubai, after announcing that it would operate a new direct flight in Vietnam, specifically to Da Nang.
Da Nang is the third destination in Vietnam chosen by Emirates to operate flights, after Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Round-trip flights to Da Nang will be operated on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, using Boeing 777-300ER aircraft with two classes, with 35 business class seats and 368 economy class seats.
Opportunity to attract high-spending customers
Emirates officially operates a new direct flight to Da Nang
Emirates has long played an important role in connecting emerging destinations to its global network. For example, when the airline resumed direct flights between Dubai and Adelaide (Australia), the city of the land of kangaroos recorded an additional $62 million annually from tourism spending. Similarly, the cooperation agreement between Emirates and Greece to enhance connectivity to destinations such as Santorini, Mykonos, and Rhodes has boosted year-round tourism, contributing to the Mediterranean country's record tourism revenue of €21.5 billion in 2024.
The new route to Da Nang will not only attract tourists from the Middle East but also expand connectivity to European and American markets via the Dubai transit hub. According to Emirates, the flight schedule will be optimally designed to easily transport passengers from major cities in Europe such as London, Paris, Amsterdam, Manchester, Milan, Rome, or major cities in the US to Da Nang. This creates an opportunity for Da Nang to welcome high-spending tourists, especially from the Gulf countries.
Da Nang tourism promises to boom as Emirates officially opens a direct flight 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 per trip in the Land of Smiles, much higher than the spending of tourists from other regions. Total spending on overseas tourism from Gulf countries reached approximately $76 billion in 2023, with 49% coming from Saudi Arabian tourists - where Emirates is headquartered. These are telling figures for Da Nang tourism in particular, and Vietnamese tourism in general, to expect when Emirates opens a flight to the city on the Han River.
The launch of direct flights to Da Nang by Emirates, a globally renowned 5-star airline, will open up opportunities to promote the city to 150 countries and territories. This will also create opportunities to attract and serve tourists, while also preparing the conditions for connectivity, trade, and business as Da Nang operates as an international financial center and free trade zone.
The invaluable partnership between two giants
The cooperation between Sun Group and Emirates opens up more opportunities to welcome high-end tourists to Vietnam
In addition to opening a new flight route to Da Nang, Emirates' strategic cooperation agreement with Sun Group is also considered to open up many new opportunities for Vietnamese tourism.
While Emirates is one of the world's largest airlines, Sun Group has been honored by the World Travel Awards as the "Leading Travel Group in Asia" and is currently one of Vietnam's leading private enterprises.
Under the cooperation agreement, Emirates and Sun Group will jointly conduct marketing and promotion campaigns to introduce Vietnam as a leading tourist destination on the airline's global network. Both sides will also seek opportunities to organize experience programs for media representatives and travel agents from key markets to raise awareness of the diversity of Vietnamese tourism products, and support travel companies in these markets through promotions and gifts.
Sun Group is committed to providing exclusive experiences for Emirates passengers
Orhan Abbas, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations, Far East, Emirates, shared: "The expansion of our flight routes demonstrates the growing appeal of Vietnamese tourism and our commitment to providing customers with more choices. The partnership with Sun Group will open up exciting opportunities to showcase Vietnam's unique culture, heritage, and landscapes to a global audience."
The partnership between two renowned brands offering premium services and high-quality products will boost Vietnam's tourism industry, enhancing Vietnam's reputation on the regional tourism map. With its extensive media network and customer reach, Emirates acts as an ambassador, introducing Vietnam to global tourists and promoting famous destinations—home to Sun Group's high-end and comprehensive tourism ecosystems—that can cater to high-spending tourists 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
Besides opportunities, Vietnamese tourism also faces challenges in turning everything into reality. This requires a sustainable tourism development strategy, investment in high-quality infrastructure and services to welcome new international tourists, especially high-end travelers. Well-designed, high-quality tourism products personalized for each tourist are needed. By meeting the stringent demands of high-end travelers, Vietnam will elevate its position on the world tourism map, becoming a strong tourism brand like Maldives, Hawaii, etc.
“We are committed to partnering with Emirates to deliver exclusive experiences and opportunities to enjoy bespoke services for Emirates passengers at Sun Group's leading attractions in Vietnam—from Sun World parks to world-award-winning resorts. We believe this marks the beginning of a long-term partnership that will bring value to tourists, the nation, and both brands,” emphasized Nguyen Vu Quynh Anh, Sun Group's Vice General Director and General Director of the Group's Entertainment and Resort Sector.
