Vietnam’s Khanh Hoa targets Russian tourists to offset domestic travel low season

Nguyen Long Bien, vice-chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, said the local administration and relevant agencies would work alongside travel firms to address difficulties in their efforts to tap the Russian market.

He instructed the provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism to coordinate with relevant units to strengthen inspections of accommodation facilities, restaurants, souvenir shops, and other tourism service suppliers, ensuring a healthy tourism environment while improving security and safety for visitors.

The Nha Trang Ward administration was also asked to accelerate plans to upgrade the eastern side of Tran Phu Street and call for investment in nighttime entertainment and leisure services to refresh the range of products available to tourists.

Khanh Hoa will also promote investment in and upgrades to seaport and tourist pier infrastructure to facilitate international arrivals and the organization of sea- and island-based tours.

“Community-based tourism models should be implemented, while the nighttime economy development plan should be quickly translated into specific projects, with clear locations identified for night streets where Russian, international and domestic tourists can enjoy new experiences,” Bien said.

The Russian source market is showing encouraging signs of recovery in the province as direct air routes are gradually being restored and flight frequencies expanded.

The province welcomed over 734,700 Russian visitors between January and July, more than triple the figure recorded during the same period last year, according to the department.

Nguyen Huong Thuy of Anex Vietnam Travel and Trading Company, which specializes in bringing Russian tourists to Khanh Hoa, said the province has a long history of welcoming visitors from Russia and remains one of Vietnam’s established destinations for this market.

She said the continued expansion of direct flights, particularly services connecting Moscow with the province, is expected to provide fresh momentum for the Russian market during the 2026-27 winter season and in subsequent years.

An expanded flight network will also help maintain a stable flow of international visitors for the province’s tourism ecosystem, including accommodation, transportation, restaurants, sightseeing and entertainment services, she said.

“Starting September 23, we will launch a direct Moscow-Cam Ranh charter service program with a frequency of three times a week,” Thuy said.

“Together with existing routes, Anex’s network to Khanh Hoa’s Cam Ranh International Airport is expected to reach about 28 flights a week during the winter season, equivalent to an average of four flights a day.”

The airport currently receives around 14-16 flights a day from Russia and Commonwealth of Independent States, welcoming thousands of tourists to Khanh Hoa.

From January 2027, the Moscow-Cam Ranh route alone is expected to increase from three to five flights a week, further strengthening direct connectivity between Russia and Khanh Hoa.

Hoang Thi Phong Thu, chairwoman of Pegas Misr Vietnam, said Khanh Hoa has an advantage in offering a diverse culinary experience.

In addition to traditional Vietnamese cuisine, the province has a wide range of Japanese, Chinese, and Korean restaurants, which can also appeal to Russian tourists.

She also hinted at prioritizing the development of air links, including both charter and scheduled flights, while promoting the nighttime economy through artistic performances and cultural events that encourage visitors to extend their stays.

The tourism industry also needs to improve both the quantity and quality of its Russian-speaking workforce, particularly employees who understand Russian culture and tourists’ consumption habits, Thu said.