Strategic Synergies: CRTC Spearheads Efforts to Revitalize Khanh Hoa’s Chinese Tourist Market
To overcome current market challenges, Cam Ranh International Terminal (CRTC) is proactively rolling out exclusive airline support policies and partnering with regional stakeholders to restore direct flight networks and elevate the destination's appeal.
Despite broader tourism recoveries, Khanh Hoa has experienced a slower return of Chinese visitors, with arrivals dropping by 15% in 2025 and 5.3% in the first seven months of 2026 compared to previous years. A major bottleneck identified by CRTC General Director Pham Thanh Son is the sharp reduction in direct flights, largely driven by rising fuel costs. Consequently, while passengers from 94 Chinese cities still booked tickets to Cam Ranh, transit rates surged from 16% to 36%, adding 4 to 6 hours to their journey. Crucially, major transit hubs like Beijing and Shanghai currently lack direct connections to the province.
Chinese visitors and delegates exploring the pristine nature and immersive eco-tourism experiences at Yang Bay Tourist Park.
Simultaneously, the market landscape has evolved, shifting rapidly from traditional group tours to Free Independent Travelers (FIT) who prioritize diverse experiences over standard beach resorts. During a recent strategic FAM trip, Chinese aviation and travel delegates praised Khanh Hoa's beautiful beaches, rich cuisine, and warm climate as an ideal winter escape. However, they emphasized that to effectively compete with destinations in Thailand or Singapore, Khanh Hoa needs regular scheduled flights, more favorable visa policies, and upgraded experiential products encompassing culture, nightlife, and wellness.
Chinese tourists admiring the breathtaking coastal beauty and cultural heritage at the iconic Hon Chong Promontory.
To tackle these challenges, the Khanh Hoa Tourism Association has called for tight coordination between local authorities, CRTC, and airlines to reopen and expand commercial and charter routes to key cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing, and Chengdu. Taking a proactive leadership role during working sessions with Chinese partners, Mr. Pham Thanh Son committed that CRTC will implement dedicated support policies specifically designed for airlines launching new routes during this critical recovery phase. Backed by robust infrastructure readiness and aggressive joint promotional efforts, CRTC is laying a solid foundation for the sustainable resurgence of this billion-population market.