Vietnam Airlines has signed on as the official travel partner for Miss England, Grace Richardson, for the 75th Miss World Festival, scheduled to take place across Vietnam from 29 August to 5 September 2026. The flag carrier will provide nonstop transportation from London Heathrow to Vietnam, underscoring its commitment to enhancing international connectivity and cultural exchange between the UK and Vietnam.
Richardson, who will represent England on the global stage, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. “I am absolutely thrilled that Vietnam Airlines is supporting my journey to Miss World. Travelling to Vietnam is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and knowing that I will be flying with Vietnam's national airline makes it even more special,” she said.
The Miss World Festival will bring together contestants from more than 100 countries, with activities planned in Hải Phòng and Vũng Tàu, and the Grand Final set for Nha Trang. The event is expected to reinforce Vietnam’s position as a vibrant destination for international events, a key focus for the country’s tourism board.
Strengthening UK-Vietnam air links
Vietnam Airlines operates the UK’s only nonstop flights to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, using Boeing B787-9 Dreamliners on the route. The carrier recently earned APEX five-star status, a recognition that aligns with its push to attract premium travellers and expand its global footprint.
The airline is offering special return fares from London Heathrow for travel between 18 August and 6 December 2026, a move likely to appeal to both festival attendees and leisure travellers. This promotional pricing comes as the carrier looks to stimulate demand on the UK-Vietnam corridor, which has seen steady growth in recent years.
The partnership with Miss World is part of a broader strategy by Vietnam Airlines to leverage major events to boost brand visibility and drive traffic. Similar collaborations have been seen across the industry, such as the World Cup's impact on US travel earnings, highlighting how sporting and cultural events can catalyse travel demand.
For travel professionals, the Miss World Festival represents a significant MICE and events opportunity. Vietnam’s growing appeal as a destination for large-scale gatherings is supported by recent hotel developments, including Ascott's nine new properties in the country, which add more than 3,200 units to the hospitality inventory.
Vietnam Airlines’ involvement also underscores the importance of airline partnerships in destination marketing. By aligning with a global event like Miss World, the carrier is positioning itself as a bridge between cultures, a role that resonates with its expansion ambitions.
As the festival approaches, agents and tour operators should monitor booking trends and consider packaging travel to Vietnam around the event. The airline’s promotional fares provide a window for clients to experience Vietnam’s renowned hospitality, a hallmark of the carrier’s service.
With the 75th Miss World Festival set to draw global attention, Vietnam Airlines is betting on the event to further cement its reputation as a world-class carrier. The partnership is a clear signal of the airline’s intent to remain at the forefront of international travel and cultural diplomacy.
