Colombo hosts Vietnam tourism promotion event ahead of direct air routes

The event drew Vietnamese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Trinh Thi Tam, Viettravel General Director Tran Doan The Duy, representatives from Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air, alongside Sri Lankan Deputy Speaker Rizvie Salih, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe, tourism authorities, and over 100 enterprises in tourism, aviation, and hospitality.

In her opening remarks, Ambassador Trinh Thi Tam emphasized that the event takes place immediately preceding the official inauguration of direct air routes by Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air connecting Ho Chi Minh City and Colombo this August. She noted that direct air connectivity will significantly reduce travel time, create new momentum for tourism, trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges, and foster a deeper, more substantive traditional friendship between the two nations.

Deputy Minister Ruwan Ranasinghe expressed delight at the growth in two-way visitor arrivals, highlighting nearly 9,000 Sri Lankan visitors to Vietnam and over 4,500 Vietnamese visitors to Sri Lanka in the first six months of the year. He lauded the efforts of authorities and business communities in materializing direct air links, expressing confidence in robust bilateral tourism growth ahead.

During the event, Viettravel showcased Vietnam's prominent tourism products, bespoke itineraries tailored for the Sri Lankan market, and partnership opportunities for travel agencies. Representatives from Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air introduced their international route networks and air routes connecting the two nations, facilitating travel for tourists, business people, and citizens.

A standout feature of the program was a culinary showcase presented by Chef Nguyen Van Thong, Culinary Culture Artisan and Vice President of the Young Chefs Association of Vietnam. Attendees tasted iconic dishes including vegetarian fresh spring rolls (gỏi cuốn chay), chicken banh mi (bánh mì gà), and beef pho (phở bò), leaving a lasting impression of Vietnamese culture and cuisine. A lucky draw featuring travel experience packages in Vietnam was also held to encourage direct exploration of the country.

Sri Lankan tourism enterprises praised the initiative, affirming that direct air routes will serve as a crucial catalyst for bilateral tourism cooperation and expressing eagerness to build collaborative programs to push up two-way visitor flows.

The program marks a key economic and cultural diplomacy initiative by the Vietnamese Embassy in Sri Lanka to promote the country's image, strengthen business connectivity, and maximize the potential of the new direct air routes, thereby deepening the Comprehensive Partnership between Vietnam and Sri Lanka.

New Vietnam–Sri Lanka air link opens tourism opportunities

VOV.VN - Direct flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Colombo, scheduled to begin operating in August 2026, are expected to strengthen tourism, trade and cultural exchanges between Vietnam and Sri Lanka, making the South Asian state a more attractive destination for Vietnamese travelers.