Sri Lanka and Vietnam are planning to introduce a joint tourism package aimed at strengthening tourism cooperation between the two countries, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism announced.

Issuing a statement on the launch of direct flights between Colombo and Ho Chi Minh City, the Ministry said the proposed package will focus on promoting religious tourism by building on the longstanding religious and cultural ties between the two nations. It will also seek to enhance cultural, wellness, and adventure tourism.  

Vietnam's leading airline, VietJetAir, officially launched its inaugural direct flight service between Colombo and Ho Chi Minh City yesterday (18).  

Welcoming the airline's entry into the Sri Lankan market, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath extended his best wishes for the success of VietJet's operations in the country.

The Minister noted that the commencement of the direct flight service is a successful outcome of discussions held between the leaders of Sri Lanka and Vietnam last year.

VietJetAir will operate direct flights between Colombo and Ho Chi Minh City three times a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, the Ministry stated.

As Ho Chi Minh City serves as VietJetAir’s main aviation hub, the new route will provide Sri Lankan travellers with convenient access not only to other cities in Vietnam but also to destinations across East Asia, Southeast Asia, Australia, and several other international destinations, the Ministry added.