Da Nang is positioning itself to attract tourists from the Middle East, particularly the Halal segment, calling them a “goldmine” due to their high spending, long stays, and demand for premium services. The city is actively building a tailored ecosystem to welcome this luxury travel market.

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Local hotels and resorts are enhancing culinary services to cater to Halal and Middle Eastern guests. Photo: Duong Anh

At a press conference on May 27 to announce the Enjoy Da Nang Festival, Tan Van Vuong, Deputy Director of Da Nang’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, highlighted ongoing efforts to court Muslim travelers from the Halal and Middle Eastern markets - tourist segments ranked among the world’s highest spenders.

Vuong noted that the Middle East is a strategic international market the city is actively promoting. Beginning June 2, Emirates Airlines will operate a new route connecting Dubai (UAE) – Bangkok (Thailand) – Da Nang (Vietnam) with four flights per week.

This new route coincides with the signing of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Vietnam and the UAE, a strategic milestone that not only targets affluent Middle Eastern and European travelers but also elevates the global profile of central Vietnam’s tourism sector.

“These are high-quality tourists who align perfectly with the service and product ecosystem that Da Nang and its businesses have developed in recent years,” Vuong emphasized. “This aligns with the city’s long-term vision to diversify and upscale its tourism markets.”

Ready to serve Halal and high-end guests

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Several hotels in Da Nang now feature prayer rooms for Muslim visitors. Photo: Duong Anh

According to the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Da Nang has prepared its infrastructure to serve Halal and Middle Eastern visitors. The city has conducted staff training on cultural nuances and has organized workshops to implement Halal standards at hotels and restaurants.

Some local hotels have already set up prayer rooms and adapted food offerings to Halal requirements.

Cao Tri Dung, Chairman of the Da Nang Tourism Association, praised the new Dubai-Da Nang flight, saying it makes travel from the Middle East and Europe to central Vietnam more convenient than ever.

He noted that Da Nang’s tourism ecosystem - spanning luxury accommodation, cuisine, and cultural experiences - is increasingly appealing to Middle Eastern travelers. However, he also emphasized the need for more specialized services to ensure long-term growth in this market.

“This flight not only opens access to the Middle Eastern market but also unlocks significant potential in Europe, which has long lacked direct connections to Da Nang,” Dung said. “This is a major opportunity for Da Nang to tap into affluent tourist segments and improve international connectivity across central Vietnam.”

Ho Giap