Malaysia sees Vietnam as promising outbound market
VOV.VN - With the advantage of direct air services between Ho Chi Minh City and Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia’s tourism sector regards Vietnam as an outbound market with strong potential for promoting Sabah state as an appealing destination for Vietnamese travellers.
A workshop highlighting Sabah destination and tourism business networking was jointly held in Ho Chi Minh City on January 12, by the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board in Vietnam and the Sabah Tourism Board.
The event forms part of the Visit Malaysia 2026 promotional strategy and preparations for Sabah Tourism Year 2027.
The workshop connected 18 travel operators from Sabah with 65 Vietnamese tourism partners through B2B sessions, enabling both sides to exchange information, explore cooperation opportunities and boost market expansion.
Amirah Nadiah Mazlan, Director of the Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board in Vietnam, said Malaysia aims to boost cooperation with the Vietnamese market and gradually position Sabah as a more familiar destination for Vietnamese travellers through sustainable and well-targeted tourism products.
Air connectivity continues to be viewed as a key advantage, as AirAsia operates direct Ho Chi Minh City-Kota Kinabalu services three times a week, with a flight time of just over two hours, allowing travellers to plan shorter stays more easily.
Christina Kong, Chair of the Sabah Enhanced Travel Innovation Association (SETIA) said the promotional activities would help Vietnamese travellers gain a better understanding of Sabah’s diverse ecosystems and the cultural landscape of more than 30 ethnic communities.
She noted that the state offers a range of attractions, including internationally recognised islands, Mount Kinabalu, rich natural ecosystems and wildlife, as well as world-renowned diving sites such as Sipadan, alongside travel packages suited to different segments of the Vietnamese market.
She also acknowledged that Sabah’s presence in Vietnam remains limited and expressed the expectation that the programme would help provide more information and broaden outreach to Vietnamese travellers.
Malaysia Airlines launches first flight to Da Nang
VOV.VN - Malaysia Airlines flight MH748 landed at Da Nang International Airport on September 24, bringing 160 passengers from Kuala Lumpur to Da Nang for a sightseeing trip.
