The central provincial people's committee of Quang Nam, the UNESCO office in Ha Noi and the Korean National Commission for UNESCO aim to promote tourism among local communities and draw attention to the World Heritage Sites in the country's central provinces.

"It's a significant project as it helps raise awareness of the world heritage sites of Hoi An town, My Son sanctuary, a biophere reserve (Cham Island) and the complex of Hue Monuments," said vice chairman of the Quang Nam People's Committee Tran Minh Ca.

"The project will help introduce the charming landscapes and destinations of the central provinces to the world," he said.

The project, which is sponsored by South Korean Asiana Airlines, will communicate tourism information through international flights and direct air routes between Da Nang and Incheon in South Korea.

"We are honoured to join hands in preserving and promoting the UNESCO-recognised world heritage at Hoi An. We hope to boost tourism in the central provinces through our international flights," said Asiana Airlines president Yoon Young-doo.

He said the launching ceremony was a special event to mark the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and South Korea.

The project would also provide for the installation of solar-powered public lighting systems in Hoi An.

Last December, Asiana Airlines debuted its direct route between Seoul and Da Nang, 25km south of Hoi An, and it has since increased from two to three flights weekly.

According to last year's statistics, Quang Nam Province hosted 505,435 tourists, 4,564 of which were from South Korea.