Malaysia enhances its tourism promotion in Danang, Vietnam, aiming to strengthen market interest with new direct flights, cultural exchanges, and collaboration with local agents.
Malaysia is stepping up its promotional efforts in Danang, Vietnam, with a strategic initiative to dominate market interest and attract Vietnamese tourists. On 16 August 2024, the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (Tourism Malaysia) organized the ‘Discover Malaysia’ seminar and networking luncheon in Danang. This event was meticulously designed to update local travel agents and media about Malaysia’s latest tourism developments, showcasing the country’s diverse attractions and unique offerings.
The event saw active participation from key stakeholders such as Tourism Melaka, the Malaysia Homestay Entrepreneurs Association, Education Malaysia, Sepang International Circuit, GL Play by Gamuda Land, and Monkeys Canopy Theme Park, along with seven prominent travel agents, hotels, and resorts from Malaysia. These entities presented compelling reasons for Vietnamese tourists to consider Malaysia as a top travel destination, emphasizing the array of experiences available—from vibrant theme parks to prestigious events like the Malaysia MotoGP.
In a bid to maximize the impact of this promotional campaign, Tourism Malaysia is also collaborating with the Malaysia Homestay Entrepreneurs Association and Education Malaysia. This collaboration focuses on highlighting Malaysia’s educational and cultural offerings, particularly targeting Vietnamese students by offering them experiential learning and cultural exchange opportunities. Such initiatives are expected to bolster Malaysia’s appeal as a destination that offers more than just leisure but also enriching experiences.
The seminar also highlighted a significant enhancement in connectivity between the two countries with Malaysia Airlines’ upcoming daily direct flights from Danang (DAD) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL), set to commence on 24 September 2024. This new route is anticipated to not only boost tourism but also foster stronger business ties between Vietnam and Malaysia. Madam Nor Hayati Zainuddin, Director of Tourism Malaysia in Vietnam, remarked, “Vietnam is an important source market for Malaysia. Robust promotional initiatives are essential for attracting more Vietnamese tourists, especially with the new direct flight from Danang to Kuala Lumpur by Malaysia Airlines. We look forward to strengthening our collaboration with local travel agents in Danang and greatly appreciate their continuous support in promoting Malaysia.”
As part of its broader strategy to captivate the Vietnamese market, Malaysia is also participating in the Hue International Dance Festival 2024, running from 17–23 August 2024 in Hue City, Vietnam. Malaysia’s involvement in this festival underscores the country’s commitment to showcasing its rich cultural heritage on the international stage. Featuring performances by Malaysian dancers, the festival will offer a vibrant display of traditional and contemporary dance forms, reflecting Malaysia’s multicultural identity.
Malaysia’s ambitious tourism goals for 2024 include attracting 27.3 million international tourists and generating RM102.7 billion (USD 22.82 billion) in tourism revenue. With 142 direct flights currently operating between Vietnam and Malaysia, Tourism Malaysia is poised for strong growth from the ASEAN market, particularly Vietnam. Looking ahead, the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign is set to further these efforts, with a target of drawing 35.6 million foreign tourists and generating RM147.1 billion in tourist receipts.
This intensified promotional push in Danang reflects Malaysia’s strategic intent to dominate the Vietnamese tourism market, positioning itself as a preferred travel destination within the region. By leveraging new direct flights, cultural initiatives, and strong partnerships with local travel agents, Malaysia is poised to significantly boost its market share in Vietnam, paving the way for long-term growth in tourism.
George is the News Feed Manager, Content Creator, and Social Media Manager at the TravelDailyNews network of online newspapers. At the same time, he is completing his studies in the Department of Business Administration at the Athens University of Economics and Business.
