HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam has claimed the top spot on Emirates’ list of most-booked destinations for the summer 2025 travel season, driven by surging demand and the launch of the airline’s new Dubai–Đà Nẵng route.

In its latest booking data, Emirates — one of the world’s largest carriers — noted that while familiar destinations remain popular, there’s rising interest in places offering authentic culture and a sense of discovery. Việt Nam stood out with bookings up 61 per cent year-on-year, overtaking well-established destinations such as Japan and France.

According to booking data from Emirates — one of the world’s largest airlines, Việt Nam is leading the list of the most popular destinations for the summer 2025 travel peak, thanks in part to the appeal of the new Dubai–Đà Nẵng route. Photo courtesy of Sun Group

Emirates currently operates a total of 25 weekly flights to three major cities: HCM City, Hà Nội, and most recently, Đà Nẵng. According to Emirates, the Dubai–Đà Nẵng route, which transits through Bangkok (Thailand), is considered a new strategic connection, linking the Hàn River city to major European cities and key US economic hubs.

“Việt Nam's third-largest city is a gateway to three UNESCO-recognised world heritage sites and boasts over 3,000 kilometres of pristine coastline. For food lovers, Việt Nam is also a perfect destination to explore — from bustling street food markets to hidden gems. The country’s cuisine promises an unforgettable experience,” Emirates said.

Surveys show that Đà Nẵng and Việt Nam are enjoying strong interest among German travellers — who are increasingly seeking to explore the Eastern world, including Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Seychelles.

“The new route to Đà Nẵng opens the door for billionaires from one of the world’s wealthiest regions to access Việt Nam's central coast, bringing with them massive spending power,” Travel Daily News Asia observed.

Golden Bridge - one of Việt Nam's biggest tourism icon for international travellers. Photo courtesy of Sun Group

One of Đà Nẵng’s biggest appeal is its luxury hospitality, with high-end resorts such as InterContinental Đà Nẵng Sun Peninsula Resort, Premier Village Đà Nẵng Resort, Novotel Đà Nẵng Premier Hàn River lining its award-winning beaches. The city also boasts globally recognised landmarks, including the Dragon Bridge and the Golden Bridge at Sun World Bà Nà Hills — an increasingly popular spot for visitors seeking photo-worthy experiences. At Bà Nà Hills, visitors can also enjoy a year-round calendar of festivals, beer gardens, and performances, catering to Western travellers who enjoy a lively atmosphere.

The Hàn River illuminated during the DIFF 2025 grand finale. Photo courtesy of Trần Công Chính

In addition, as one of the few cities in Asia — and the only city in Việt Nam — to host an annual international fireworks festival, this is another reason Đà Nẵng continues to win over international visitors. The appeal of DIFF (Đà Nẵng International Fireworks Festival) lies in the participation of the world’s most skilled fireworks teams, and its nearly two-month-long schedule keeps Đà Nẵng alive throughout the summer. Alongside this are a series of accompanying festivals and events, keeping the city endlessly captivating.

On July 11, just before the DIFF 2025 grand finale, domestic and international flights reached record levels compared to previous years at the Đà Nẵng International Airport. On the day of the DIFF 2025 finale, the city welcomed 171 flights on July 11 alone — up 40 per cent compared to the first half of 2025.

With accolades such as Asia’s Leading Festival & Event City from the World Travel Awards, and a packed calendar of events year-round, Đà Nẵng continues to strengthen its reputation as one of the region’s most exciting and dynamic destinations. — VNA/VNS