Emirates, Vietnam's Sun Group inks tourism deal: A boost for casino sector?
Emirates and Vietnam’s Sun Group have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening inbound tourism to Vietnam and promoting the country as a premium travel destination within the airline’s global network.
The at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, with Emirates’ Senior Vice President for Commercial Operations in the Far East, Orhan Abbas, and Sun Group’s Deputy CEO, Nguyen Vu Quynh Anh, representing the two companies.
Reportedly, the collaboration will involve joint marketing campaigns, familiarisation trips for media and travel agents, and focused promotion of Vietnamese destinations where Sun Group operates significant developments.
Flights scheduled from June 2025
The airline group plans to expand its operations in Vietnam with the launch of four weekly flights to Da Nang beginning 2 June 2025, using Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. For the unaware, Emirates already runs 21 weekly flights to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
“We are expanding our Southeast Asia operations, adding new weekly flights to Da Nang starting in June, reflecting Vietnam’s rising appeal as a tourist destination,” said Orhan Abbas. He noted that the partnership would highlight Vietnam’s cultural depth and natural beauty across key global markets.
Sun Group is one of Vietnam’s most prominent developers of tourism infrastructure, known for iconic landmarks such as the Golden Bridge and Ba Na Hills in Da Nang, as well as the Kiss Bridge in Phu Quoc’s Sunset Town. The group is also the developer behind the long-awaited $2.1 billion (€1.96 billion) Van Don integrated resort project, which holds one of Vietnam’s limited casino licences.
A bigger aim at casino sector
Though the casino industry in Vietnam remains regulated, locals are still permitted to gamble only under specific pilot schemes. However, the government has increasingly shown openness to international investment in integrated resorts, particularly in areas designated as special economic zones.
The partnership is expected to attract premium travellers to destinations that combine cultural attractions, world-class hospitality, and regulated casino entertainment. With the backing of global travel operators like Emirates, Vietnam could experience growing interest not only in its scenic beaches and landscapes but also in its emerging resort and gaming sector.
