Since 2014, the European Union-funded 'Environmentally and Socially Responsible Tourism Capacity Development Programme' project, or EU Project for short, has been aiming to promote tourism cooperation between the 3 central coast localities of Da Nang, Thua Thien-Hue Province and Quang Nam Province.

Over the period, the project has helped to establish consultative forums for tourist destination management, conduct surveys of tourist demand, and encourage each locality to promote its own responsible tourism products.  Thanks to this, the 3 localities have been able to manage their own tourist destinations effectively and promote the development of responsible tourism in the central region.

Paragliding and water-skiing on the Han River

In an attempt to attract even more domestic and foreign visitors, some representatives from the EU Project have stressed the need for these localities to take more proactive measures to promote cooperation between them.

In particular, the localities should link their websites and work together to release common travel publications, a tourism logo and slogan both at home and abroad, and build a regional tourism brand name. 

Mutual support will be increased to develop new tours linking cultural heritage sites in each locality, and tours advertising attractive beach tourism products, community tourism, and eco-tourism sites.

The EU Project’s research expert, Dr Hoang Gia Thu, stressed the need for the localities to work jointly with local authorities and businesses to providing training courses for tourism sector employees in order to enhance their professional skills.

The project’s team leader, Ms Mary McKeon, said that the focus should be on protecting the natural environment and improving telecommunication services at local tourist attractions.  Importance should also be attached to creating more rest-stops for visitors, and diversifying entertainment activities to satisfy their increasing demands.