The event was held by Vietnam Airlines at the Paris-based UNESCO headquarters to introduce tourism promotion programmes on direct air routes from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to France.

Le Dung, Director of the Vietnam Airlines representative office in Europe, said these programmes are targeted toward Vietnamese residents in France who often choose the national flag carrier to fly back home.

The festival was also part of activities marking the 40th anniversary of Vietnam-France diplomatic ties and the 20th founding anniversary of Vietnam Airlines, he said.

There were two free music and dance performances involving many famous signers from Vietnam and abroad, including Miss Vietnam Ngoc Han and a 20-member art troupe from Vietnam Music and Dance Theatre.

Visitors to the festival had the chance to buy low-cost air tickets and those for beach tours at a discount.

Winners in a lucky draw were given two pairs of free tickets on Hanoi-HCM City-Paris flights plus travel to the central beaches in Hue and Danang.

At present, Vietnam Airlines has operated many direct flights between France and Vietnam. The carrier has also maintained connect flights from Vietnam to Frankfurt (Germany), London (the UK), and Prague (the Czech Republic).