Ho Chi Minh City recently welcomed 200 Iranian tourists on the inaugural direct charter flight from Tehran, marking a significant step in expanding tourism cooperation between Vietnam and Iran.

Operated by Meraj Airlines, the VIP charter flight landed at Tan Son Nhat International Airport on Wednesday, where city tourism officials greeted passengers with traditional Vietnamese conical hats, or non la, and other gifts. 

The timing coincided with Nowruz, the Iranian New Year, a peak travel period that underscores Vietnam’s growing appeal among Middle Eastern tourists.

City officials see the flight as an important milestone in attracting visitors from an emerging market.

Middle Eastern travelers, known for favoring high-end accommodations and family-oriented experiences, represent a promising demographic for Vietnam’s tourism industry.

Following their arrival, the Iranian visitors embarked on a cross-country tour, including stops at key historical and cultural landmarks. 

Their itinerary features the Cu Chi Tunnels, Ben Thanh Market, and the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City; Ba Na Hills in Da Nang; Hoi An Ancient Town in Quang Nam Province; and the Temple of Literature in Hanoi.

They are staying at luxury hotels such as New World Saigon Hotel, Equatorial Ho Chi Minh City, Four Points by Sheraton Danang, and Dolce by Wyndham Hanoi Golden Lake.

The group’s journey will conclude on March 28, while another group of approximately 200 Iranian tourists is scheduled to arrive in Hanoi on the same day. This second cohort will also explore Vietnam’s rich heritage across the country before leaving on April 5.

The direct charter service strengthens Vietnam’s connectivity with the Middle East and aligns with the city’s broader push to attract high-spending international tourists. 

Ho Chi Minh City has recently welcomed other large foreign groups, including 1,000 Indian MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) travelers from India-based pharmaceutical company JB Pharma in early December 2024, further cementing its reputation as a global travel destination.

Tourism industry experts, including Subhash Chandar, general manager of Asia Destination Management Company, have praised the initiative as a major step in Vietnam-Iran tourism cooperation. They see it as an opportunity for cultural exchange and long-term market growth.

Vietnam continues to enhance its position as a premier travel hub in Southeast Asia. In 2024, the country welcomed about 17.5 million international visitors, a 38.9-percent increase from the previous year, along with 110 million domestic tourists.

Tourism revenue for the year reached roughly VND840 trillion ($32.8 billion), a 23.8-percent rise from 2023.

For 2025, Vietnam’s tourism industry aims to attract 22-23 million foreign visitors and serve up to 130 million domestic travelers, with projected revenues between VND980 trillion ($38.2 billion) and VND1.05 quadrillion ($41.1 billion).

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