Captain Rahul Bali on Film Industry’s Role in Boosting Tourism at HORECFEX 2026, Danang
- Editorial Team, The Newswala
Acclaimed Bollywood filmmaker, cultural ambassador, and visionary producer Captain Rahul Bali, renowned for fostering India-Vietnam cinematic relations through films like Love in Vietnam and SILAA, delivered a captivating keynote at HORECFEX 2026. Speaking at the Ariyana Convention Centre in Danang, Bali’s address on “The Economic Impact of the Film Industry on Tourism” drew global industry leaders, highlighting cinema’s transformative role in boosting tourism.
HORECFEX 2026, led by Chairman Mr. Nguyen Duc Quynh and Vice Chairman Mr. Andre Pierre Gentzsch, convened tourism and hospitality visionaries worldwide. Captain Bali’s speech stood out, focusing on how Bollywood films act as global catalysts for tourism growth. He emphasized cinema’s power to showcase destinations, cultures, and experiences, driving economic activity through increased tourist interest.
“When audiences see breathtaking locations on screen, they’re not just watching—they’re dreaming. Films like Love in Vietnam and SILAA showcase Vietnam’s heart and soul, sparking global tourism interest and cultural curiosity,” Bali stated.
With Love in Vietnam generating international buzz and SILAA set to follow, Bali’s work is a milestone in cultural diplomacy through cinema. He highlighted how films promote cross-border travel and transform locations into thriving tourist attractions, citing global examples of film-induced tourism driving economic upliftment.
Captain Bali advocated for stronger partnerships between filmmakers and tourism boards, proposing incentives and film-friendly policies to attract international productions to culturally rich destinations like Danang. “Films don’t just entertain; they inspire journeys. A single movie can turn a location into a bucket-list destination overnight,” he said, emphasizing the exponential economic impact of such collaborations.
The session, attended by industry leaders, government officials, and media, was praised for its visionary and practical insights. Notable attendees included Chairman Vietnam Tourism Mr. Nguyen Trung Khanh, Chairman Danang Tourism Association Mr. Cao Tri Dung, Director ICCA Ms. Walking Wong, Austrian Leadership Coach Ms. Irene Oehler, Director Danang Tourism Ms. Hanh Truong, hospitality leader Mr. John Gardner, American actress Ms. Tracie May, Austrian hospitality veteran Mr. Herbert Laubichler-Pichler, and Chairwoman Vietnam Hotel Association Ms. Do Thi Hong Xoan.
HORECFEX 2026 continues to be a premier platform for collaboration, with voices like Captain Bali reinforcing the synergy between creative industries and tourism-driven economic development. His address underscored the potential of films to shape travel trends and foster sustainable economic growth.
Captain Rahul Bali is a celebrated Bollywood filmmaker, internationally acclaimed speaker, cultural ambassador, festival curator, and producer of Indo-Vietnamese films Love in Vietnam and SILAA. Known for building cinematic bridges between nations, he is a global advocate for film diplomacy and the economic potential of creative industries in tourism.