In an attempt to attract more tourists to Da Nang during the rainy season, a promotional programme entitled “2013 Tourism Stimulus in Da Nang” was launched in late July by the city’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism.  The programme aims to help about 100 local participating businesses to overcome their difficulties during the low tourism season.

As a result, many local restaurants and hotels are offering up to 50% discount on their usual prices, while local tourist attractions have given similar discounts on their tickets.  However, the city has still seen a dramatic decrease in the number of tourist arrivals.

Local travel agencies report that there has been a decrease of up to 80% in the volume of domestic visitors during September compared with the summer months.   In addition, the tourists’ stay period in the city has been shorter, and their total spending has been lower.

The tourism stimulus programme focuses on the potential domestic tourist markets of Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh City, and the northern and southeastern provinces, as well as such international markets as South Korea, Japan, China and Thailand.  However, the city’s promotion programme might have been launched too late for foreign visitors who usually make their travel plans 6 or 12 months ahead.

In addition, unlike its neighbours Hoi An and Hue cities, Da Nang has yet to develop a unique tourist product to attract more visitors to the city in the rainy season.