A direct flight from the central city of Danang to Japan will begin operating soon following detailed discussions between Vietnam Airlines, Japanese air carriers, and the two countries’ travel agencies.

The People’s Committee of the central city and Vietnam Airlines have signed a memorandum of understanding to deploy a flight route connecting Japan’s Osaka, Vietnam’s Danang and Cambodia’s Siem Reap.

Alternative routes, connecting Danang with Fukuoka or Nagoia, were considered but they are less profitable.

Since the coastal provinces of Vietnam have always been the most popular choice among the Japanese, a direct flight route connecting Danang with Japan will increase both foreign investment and tourism.

Japan has rolled out a tourism campaign titled Visit the World Campaign, which places Vietnam as one of its top priorities.

According to Fuji Hideo, the Japan Association of Travel Agent’s vice chairman, about 16-17 million Japanese travel every year and the number is predicted to climb to 20 million in 2010.

A committee has been set up to promote the tourism industry in the Mekong Delta, including Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, and Myanmar.

Vietnam Airlines said an increasing number of Japanese tourists were finding an interesting destination.

“We will quote the same prices for flights departing for Danang and those for Hanoi and HCMC. Furthermore, Vietnam Airlines will actively launch campaigns to prepare the market for this new route,” said Pham Ngoc Minh, Vietnam Airlines’ general director.