Hanoi welcomes first direct flight from Iran, boosting tourism opportunities
Welcoming Iranian tourists is expected to expand the market and elevate high-end tourism to list Hanoi and Vietnam as key regional destinations.
THE HANOI TIMES — Some 200 Iranian tourists arrived in Hanoi on a VIP charter flight on March 28, marking the first direct air connection between Iran and Vietnam.
The milestone creates new opportunities for tourism cooperation, according to the city's Department of Tourism.
Iranian tourists take photos at Noi Bai International Airport. Photo: Hoai Nam/The Hanoi Times
The Iranian tour group will visit key destinations in Vietnam through April 5, including the One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi, Ha Long Bay in the northern province of Quang Ninh, and the central coastal city of Danang, according to ASIA DMC, the tour organizer.
The company plans to bring nearly 1,000 more Iranian visitors to explore Vietnam's landscapes and culture.
Finding more source markets, especially in the Middle East, diversifies Vietnam's visitor base and contributes to the growth of high-end tourism services. Strengthening Vietnam's appeal as a premium destination cements its position on the global tourism map, the Department of Tourism said.
Vietnam has made significant progress in international tourism, ranking in the top 20 most popular destinations in the world with a score of 89 out of 100. The arrival of Iranian charter tourists reflects Vietnam's growing appeal, particularly among Middle Eastern travelers, a promising but still underdeveloped market.
According to the department, Hanoi recorded 7.3 million visitors in the first quarter of this year, up 8.7% from the same period last year. This includes 1.85 million international arrivals, a rise of 17.4% year-on-year.
The Temple of Literature at night. Photo: Khanh Huy/ The Hanoi Times
