The Da Nang Department of Tourism has asked relevant agencies to make reports on the progress of the Da Nang night-time economic development project for the 2021-2025 period, which is a move to promote the creation of new various types of tourism products, services and utilities targeting both local residents and tourists.

Picture taken at the Son Tra night market before the COVID-19 outbreak

The project focuses on making nigh-time economic development strategies, mechanisms and policies in order to appeal for more investment inflows into this lucrative non-smoke segment.

In terms of plans to develop new night-time economic products and services, the project is divided into 2 phases.

In the 2021 – 2022 period, heed will paid to piloting night-time entertainment activities along the My An beach in Ngu Hanh Son District and scaling up annual festive events.

Also, measures will be taken to encourage shopping sites such as night markets, trade centres and supermarkets, food and beverage stores and entertainment venues to extend their operating hours, and organising shopping programmes which offer a wide range of discounts, incentives and gifts, to attract customers, in a bid to increase business efficiency in tandem with stimulating shopping demand at night.

In the 2022 – 2025 period, the project will place focus on facilitating the establishment of a separate night-time entertainment complex in the city, expanding the scope of operational activities of the An Thuong Tourist Streets complex, completing the Bach Dang - Nguyen Van Troi - Tran Hung Dao pedestrian promenade project, upgrading lighting decorations, developing cuisine and entertainment services along Nhu Nguyet and Chuong Duong streets, and hosting major international events.

Besides, the most possible favourable conditions will be created for the operation of a non-tariff goods area, supporting facilities and outlets in Hoa Vang District, and international trade and entertainment centres with the display of products developed by world-renowned famous brands for sale.

It is also highly possible to set up 24-hour convenience store chains and upgrade the scale of national and international-level food festivals in the city. Also, a variety of sightseeing programmes and tours will be developed to satisfy the tastes of both locals and tourists. 

The night-time economy, usually dubbed as a ‘gold mine’ for the hospotality sector, describes economic activity taking place in the evening after many people finish daytime employment or formal education, such as eating and drinking, entertainment, and nightlife.

In fact, economic activities nationwide bustle from 7.00am to 5.00pm. However, day light consumption only generates 30% of the total tourism revenue.

Meanwhile, the favorite time for tourists to dig deep into their pockets is from 6:00pm to 3:00 am the next day and so the tourism sector earns 70% its revenue from night consumption. Therefore, it’s a pity the potential of nighttime economy is left under-invested for the time being.

That Da Nang is able to become one of Viet Nam's best cities for nightlife is highly likely to be within this city’s reach if proper night-time development measures are taken in a prompt fashion.

Reporting by THU HA – Translating by A.T