Streamlined visa processes and greater flight connectivity will help boost tourism between the UAE and Vietnam, as the countries strengthen ties after finalising a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) last year, according to travel industry executives.

An article on the UAE's The National features assessment of travel industry executives about the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Vietnam and the UAE.

Speaking to the UAE’s The National newspaper, Emily Jenkins, head of product and digital solutions at DW Travel - a travel agency in Dubai, said that the CEPA will simplify travel, trade and investment links between the UAE and Vietnam, and tourism will naturally benefit from that momentum.

"A simplified visa process for UAE residents travelling to Vietnam would remove a key challenge we often face when driving business to new destinations," she said.

Vietnam’s first CEPA with a Middle Eastern nation is aimed to unlock 20 billion USD in bilateral trade. As part of the deal, the UAE agreed to phase out tariffs on 99% of Vietnam's exports, and Vietnam pledged to remove tariffs on 98.5% of the UAE's exports.

A boost for tourism is expected to come from a new direct route launched by Abu Dhabi's Etihad Airways to Hanoi, Vietnam's capital city, this month, becoming the first airline to connect the destinations. The carrier will operate six flights a week on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, in a two-class configuration.

Captain Majed Al Marzouqi, chief operations and guest officer at Etihad Airways, told The National that the direct air route reflects the significant trade between the UAE and Vietnam. The new route will cater to both business and leisure passengers.

Trade between Vietnam and the UAE has grown significantly, with the UAE the Southeast Asian country’s largest trading partner in the Middle East.

Vietnam's exports to the UAE include electronics, textiles, footwear, seafood and agricultural products, while the UAE exports petroleum products, metals and fertilisers to Vietnam.

Al Marzouqi said Hanoi is a new gateway to explore for people in the UAE as well as passengers from Europe to fly through Abu Dhabi.

Travellers from Hanoi can also connect to the rest of the world through Abu Dhabi, utilising the stopover programme in the UAE’s capital city for two nights free of cost, he added.

Jenkins said that UAE-based travellers are increasingly looking for new, authentic destinations in Asia beyond traditional favourites like Thailand or Bali, and Vietnam offers “a perfect mix of culture, nature and value”.

She explained that they are already noticing growing search and booking interest for Vietnam among UAE travellers, particularly to destinations like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang. Airlines have started to respond with more capacity and competitive fares.

Joint marketing between national carriers, tourism boards and hoteliers would also help position Vietnam as a top emerging destination for Gulf travellers, she suggested.

UAE travel agencies need to collaborate with airlines, hotels and trusted destination management companies in Vietnam to curate relevant itineraries, according to Jenkins.

On Vietnam’s side, strengthening Halal certification, language training for guides and increased awareness of Muslim-friendly infrastructure would also make a major difference in converting interest into bookings.

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