“We had a reason to connect Indian Wedding Planners with Da Nang Tourism. We by far know Indian Weddings are demanding in terms of infrastructure, facilities, airfares, food, entertainment which are the key aspects in attracting destination weddings. This virgin destination has an exploration to follow and so we made the world of potential wedding planners know about Da Nang.” – Meenal Gupta, Editor, WED Tease
The Da Nang Tourism introduction program took place on July 25, 2019 at St.Regis Hotel in Mumbai, India. The program was jointly organized by the Danang City Department of Tourism and Bangkok Airways with a plan to diversify international tourist markets approved by the city in the period of 2019-2020.
For the first time to promote in India, the Tourism Department has focused on connecting Indian market travel partners, especially in the financial capital of India -Mumbai to develop this market in the near future.
Attending the event were Mr. Tran Xuan Thuy, Consul General of Vietnam in Mumbai, India; Mr. Sudhir Patil, Founder of Veena World, one of the leading travelers in India and President of the Maharashtra Travel Association and members of the Association; approx. 72 guests who are Indian tour operators, wedding organizers and units specializing in MICE.
Sharing with guests at the program on stable development and the attraction of Vietnam tourism has attracted more than 15.5 million visitors in the past year, Mr. Tran Xuan Thuy especially emphasized the tourism potentials of Danang, one of the most livable cities in Vietnam.
Indian travel representative to welcome the tourism business delegation from Da Nang, Mr. Sudhir Patil (Veena World) expressed his thanks to Da Nang and Mumbai’s market connection efforts as well as the expectation of good cooperation in the future between business partners.
Mr. Thanut Nachon Chanachon, Representative of Bangkok Airways in India, co-event organizer believed the positive changes of the Indian outbound market to Da Nang in the near future: “The destination of Da Nang is really a new and attractive name for Indian market. Many of our partners are committed to promoting this new market, so I think the effect of the event will be visible in the near future ”.
Mr. Varun Madaan, the founder of Vivaah Makers opened the wedding market in India for Da Nang after his survey visit in November 2018. Upon his support, Da Nang already sees confirmed Big Fat India Weddings in November 2019 and March 2020.
There exists a small concern about the lack of direct flights but the businesses still actively reach the Indian market and also appreciate the effectiveness of partner connections in the program.
In the program, one of the well known attractions in Da Nang, Sunworld got introduced to Indian customers. Ms. Phung Pham Thanh Thuy, Business Manager of Sunworld said: “The number of Indian tourists coming to Vietnam is very limited compared to the potential and the power that this market has. Tourism promotion in India is considered necessary to introduce Da Nang to travel partners and media to facilitate the construction of suitable tour packages. Travel units, transport companies, service providers such as hotels, entertainment.. need to join hands to build facilities to meet the needs of Indian guests ”.
Mr. Nguyen Son Thuy, Indochina Unique Tourists Director said: “India is a potential source of customers to supplement the structure of the“ pie ”market share in the context of China and South Korea markets are accounting for a high proportion in Danang. Da Nang has always pioneered in finding new markets and promoting itself in India once again affirms this role.”
According to Ms. Le Nguyen Bao Ly, Deputy General Director of Vietnam Travel Mart, the unit has been exploiting the Indian market for many years but still faces difficulties in high ticket prices because there is no direct flight, “Hopefully, the program will attract guest partners who are really interested in Da Nang destination and push the tour actively. Currently popular tours focus only on Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in combination with Cambodia, Indian visitors to Da Nang are still in minority.
Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Anh, Director of Omega Tours (DMC) expects to exploit Indian visitors in these upcoming 3-6 months. However, he noted that this is still a challenging market.
The program was well planned and very well organized by Da Nang City Department of Tourism and Bangkok Airways. The organizers showed great interest to understand the demands of wedding planners and absorbed the requirements.
WED Tease Connect associated with a great event platform in exploring opportunities with Da Nang Tourism. The wedding planners won Lucky Draws that included rewards of great interest and value.