Reporters Thu Ha and Khanh Hoa from the Da Nang Newspaper recently interviewed some tourism experts to gather their suggestions about making the city into the world’s most attractive new destination next year.  The interviews came after Da Nang had taken top spot in the online travel review site TripAdvisor’s “Destinations on the Rise” awards which recognise the destinations that have seen the greatest increase in positive feedback and interest from users of the site.

The Deputy General Director of Da Nang-based Viet Nam Tourism Joint Stock Co (Vitours), Mr Le Tan Thanh Tung, affirmed that this prestigious award would help Da Nang attract more foreign visitors next year.  Therefore, he stressed the urgency for the local tourism sector to develop even more attractive tours and special tourism products for foreign tourists, as well as organise more special international tourism events.  He also suggested that a free-of-charge bus service between Da Nang and Hoi An City should be offered to the visitors.  In addition, he recommended more entertainment and shopping areas to encourage those who are staying at the local luxury resorts to increase their spending.

Parachute surfing on the Han River

According to Mr Doris Gallant, who is a lecturer in the Tourism Faculty of Duy Tan University, a recent survey conducted by the USA’s Vibrant Nation revealed that 58% of women aged 40-60 usually spend an average of 2,500 USD on each trip.  He also noted that high-spending visitors prefer to use high-class tourism products and services rather than standard ones.  Therefore, it is necessary to create special tourism products at very competitive prices in order to extend the stay period of high-end visitors in the city.

The General Director of Indochina Capital, Mr Peter R Ryder, suggested that the number of international direct flights to Da Nang should be increased in the years ahead in order to bring more foreign visitors directly to the city.  In his opinion, this will help to bring more benefits for the city’s tourism revenue.  In addition, special attention should be paid to further streamlining the visa application procedures, providing visa exemptions for tourists from more foreign countries, and allowing foreign visitors to stay in the city for at least 15 days.

According to the Chairman of the Da Nang Travel Association, Mr Huynh Tan Vinh, emphasis should be on regularly visiting travel site TripAdvisor in order to gather feedback from those who have already visited the city.  In addition, local relevant agencies should make greater efforts to advertise the city’s tourism in new international tourist markets, as well as improve the professional skills of those involved in the local tourism sector. 

Mr Vinh also highlighted the significance of ensuring a balance between the development of the city’s tourism sector and the sustainable protection of the local environmental resources and cultural values.  Special attention should also be paid to ensuring closer links with the city’s neighbouring localities of Thua Thien-Hue Province and Hoi An City in order to further the development of the local tourism sector.