An overview of the Asia Pacific Onboard Travel (APOT) Forum 2023's press conference. (Photo: VNA)
Da Nang (VNA) ജ– The Asia Pacific Onboard Travel(APOT) Forum 2023 is taking place in the central coastal city of Da Nang from November25-28.
This is the second time the APOT has been held in the cityafter the first successful organised in 2014. This year’s edition features a range of activities, including a competition among catering chefs and an exchange of knowledge in the aviation sector and related industries in the Asia-Pacificregion, namely in-flight services, catering, interior design, supply,transport and travel.
The highlight of the event was the Catrion "Jet SettersPalette" cooking contest on November 26 organised by CATRION, a SaudiAirlines Catering Company. There will also be an exchange between chefs to beheld on November 27. Notably, participating chefs will enjoy a performanceby Master Chef Dimuthu, so the exchange will be an opportunity for chefs in DaNang to learn, exchange and practice kitchen skills.
🍌 Keerthi Hapugasdeniya, the founder of APOT, said that previously, the APOT forumwas successfully held in many different nations such as the Republic ofKorea, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Australia, China and Vietnam.
Within the framework of the event, delegates will be taken to the SunWorld Ba Na Hills tourist area to try local cuisine, and participate in asightseeing tour on the Han River to enjoy the beauty of Da Nang at night. APOT is a non-profit organisation dedicated to collaboration,knowledge sharing and advancement in aviation and related industries in theAsia-Pacific region. Over the past decade, APOT hascontinued to organise annual events and forums that bring together leaders andexperts to drive growth and positive changes in the industry./.
The central city of Da Nang is striving to become a major socio-economic centre under its freshly-approved master plan for 2021-2030 with a vision towards 2050.
In an attempt to improve service quality and serve passenger demand, the Vietnam Railway Corporation (VNR) has worked with localities, including Thua Thien – Hue, to boost its heritage tourism connection.
The Museum of Cham Sculpture of Da Nang has been recognised as a historical relic site of the city, as it opens the Cham Culture showroom creating diversified exhibits and arts space for tourism attraction.
The central city of Da Nang will play a key role as a driving force for the urban growth of the central coastal and Central Highlands region, as a centre of start-up and innovation and a unique international coastal and port urban area.
A recent report, City Pulse 2025, by Gensler Research Institute, ranked HCM City among the world’s top cities for resident retention, placing it second globally. This underscores the city's reputation as a liveable, dynamic urban centre, an image that supports efforts to attract investors, experts, and MICE travellers.
Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh has instructed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) to coordinate with other ministries, agencies and localities to effectively implement policies and directives from the Party, Government, and Prime Minister on tourism development.
Da Nang's appeal stems from its numerous outstanding tourist attractions, particularly My Khe Beach, Sun World Ba Na Hills resort, and the ancient town of Hoi An. Additionally, Da Nang tourism is renowned for its affordability, especially attractive to young travellers and couples, according to Chosun Ilbo.
With new direct flights from major Indian cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru, Vietnam is becoming an increasingly compelling destination for Indian tourists seeking a quick, emotionally rich four-day escape that blends luxury, culture, and natural wonder.
By source market, China continued to lead with 3.1 million visitors, equivalent to 25.5% of all foreign arrivals. The Republic of Korea followed with 2.5 million, or 20.7%. Other major markets included Taiwan (China) with 737,000, the US with 522,000, and Japan with 380,000.
Khanh Hoa has welcomed 16 international cruises so far this year, with more than 19,000 tourists disembarking to explore the province’s scenic landscapes and renowned cultural, religious, and artistic landmarks, as well as to enjoy local cuisine and sightseeing tours.
According to local plans, fireworks shows will be held at multiple locations, with Ha Long Bay as the focal point. More than mere entertainment, these displays are part of a strategic cultural tourism product aimed at strengthening the region’s brand.
Chatbot and virtual assistants support itinerary consultation and tour bookings, and provide around-the-clock response across multiple platforms while AI advertising applications have been used to optimise budgets and target the right customers. AI has been also employed to analyse customer data, enabling the delivery of personalised tour recommendations.
Many Vietnamese regions possess favourable conditions, including natural landscapes, climate, and rich cultural identities, to host sport events that integrate with cultural and tourism experiences.
Dubbed the “land of ancient towers”, Khanh Hoa boasts a rich Cham legacy through architectural masterpieces like the Po Nagar, Hoa Lai, Po Klong Garai, and Po Rome towers.
Vietnam’s e-visa system is now seen as one of the most efficient, convenient, and transparent in the region. Fully online registration, no paperwork or interviews, and fast and flexible processing time have improved foreigners’ entry experience, creating a competitive advantage over countries clinging to complicated and costly visa procedures.
Sunset Town unfolded like a living fairytale. Every street and hidden corner recalls iconic European landmarks – from Venice’s San Marco Bell Tower and Paris’s Arc de Triomphe to Almafi-style squares and cobblestone paths reminiscent of southern Italy.
Its natural advantages have made Mui Ne a magnet for enthusiasts of kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). These activities not only diversify the local tourism offerings but also contribute to the area’s long-term development strategy focused on sustainability.
In July alone, the city welcomed 695,930 international arrivals, surging 75.3% year-on-year. For the seven-month period, international visitors totalled 4.5 million, up 48% year-on-year.
Welcoming the crew on the morning of July 30, Dang Dong Ha, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, emphasised that the film offers a valuable opportunity to promote Quang Tri’s tourism potential, particularly to Indian visitors, but also to a broader global audience.
With a proactive and creative approach, Hanoi is positioning itself as one of Southeast Asia’s most compelling destinations where tradition meets innovation, and every visit offers a blend of the familiar and the new.
An overview of the Asia Pacific Onboard Travel (APOT) Forum 2023's press conference. (Photo: VNA) 
