1 January, 2022 marked the 25^th anniversary of Da Nang’s recognition as centrally-governed city. Over the past 25 years, the tourism industry has become a spearhead economic sector, and it has been   a   significant   driver   of   economic   and   social   development.   It   has stimulated economic   growth   by   generating   income,   employment,   investment   and   exports.   It   has also generated   valuable   spin-‑off   benefits,   including   preservation of cultural   heritage.

Recording impressive growth

Da Nang has seen a boom in tourist accommodation establishments over the past 25 years. The number of such venues increased from 58 with a combined total of 1,948 rooms in 1997 to 1,231 with 44,505 rooms in total till date, of which, 212 are between 3 and 5 star ratings with 26,050 rooms in total, accounting for about 59% of the city’s total hotel rooms..

In 2019, the total number of visitor arrivals to Da Nang reached 8.6 million, of whom, 3.5 million were foreigners. The economic contribution of tourism has been estimated at VND 30,973 billion. Da Nang now serves 496 flights every week on 35 international routes and 662 flights a week on 10 domestic routes.

In the 2016-2019 period, the tourism industry has witnessed strong growth with numerous quality tourism products and services that have received high praise from visitors. Da Nang’s tourist arrivals have experienced an average annual growth of 16.73% between 2016 and 2019 while the city has enjoyed annual average growth of 24.6% in tourism earnings during the period. Tourism's contribution to the city’s economy GDP has shown a steady rise between 2016 and 2019, the sector has significantly contributed to the city’s GDP earnings. Tourism has been an engine of economic growth in Da Nang. The share of the city’s GDP contribution from the tourism sector was 23.72% in 2016, 24.1% in 2017, 26.35% in 2018, and 31.4% in 2019. The sector also created employment opportunities for 50,963 people in 2019, representing a 2.2-fold increase from 2016.

Significant rise in tour operators and guides

Mrs Truong Thi Hong Hanh, the Director of the municipal Department of Tourism attributed positive results produced by the tourism sector to the city's efforts to build a synchronous and modern infrastructure system and issue support mechanisms and policies to attract strategic investors to put their money in tourism projects. Included were such domestic business as Sun Group, VinaCapital, Vingroup, BRG, and DHC group in addition to international investors like Intercontinental, Hyatt, Pullman, Sheraton, Marriott, Hilton, and Novotel.

Due to its careful investment in tourism products and infrastructure, Da Nang has become a favourite destination for international tourists. (The picture was taken before COVID-19) Photo: N.H

Most notably, Sun Group has invested in such large tourism projects as Sun World Ba Na Hills tourist area with many impressive architectural works, including the world-class cable cars, Vang (Golden) Bridge and Fantastic indoor entertainment area in addition to attractive cultural events like flower and beer festivals, and carnivals. Especially, boasting a world-class facilities and 5-star standard service, InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort possesses a huge collection of world-prestigious awards, helping the city promote its tourism globally.

According to tourism experts, Da Nang has emerged as attractive destination for domestic and international travelers thanks to its rich and varied tourism products. In addition, the city is now home to numerous tourist attractions such as Nui Than Tai Hot Spring Park, Helio Center entertainment area, and Mikazuki Spa & Hotel Resort. Da Nang has also strengthened the city's brand and identity by highlighting its international-level events such as the International Fireworks Festival, the 5^th Asian Beach Games (ABG 5) in 2016, the APEC Economic Leaders' Week (AELW) in November 2017. The city has also been honoured with international wards, and the most prominent of which is ‘Asia’s Leading Festival and Event Destination’ in 2016. Hence, Da Nang has consistently strengthened its position on the world tourism map.

Acting as an engine of economic growth

Mrs Truong Thi Hong Hanh remarked that the real importance of tourism lies not only in the fact that it contributes to the growth of the economy, in general, but also in the fact that the sector can give an impetus to the city’s growth, create jobs and improve the welfare of local residents. The Da Nang government has also developed action plans and created short and long-term approaches for sustainable tourism development. Da Nang has become more attractive in the eyes of domestic and international tourists due to the friendliness and hospitality of local residents.

Mrs Hanh attributed the attractiveness of the city to the consensus among citizens and members of local government, thereby making the city a more favourable destination for domestic and international tourists, as well as driving tourism growth in recent years.

Mr. Cao Tri Dung, the Chairman of the Da Nang Tourism Association, attributed success in the tourism industry to efforts and determination of the entire political system and creative city leaders with breakthrough thinking. In addition, the reasons behind the sector’s success are due to new attractive tourism products and the city’s initiative to establish close links with other central localities to promote the development of tourism and jointly create their special regional products.

Mrs Dung said that Da Nang boasts great potential for tourism development with diversified and high-quality tourism services that can be able to receive a maximum capacity of 25-30 million tourists per year. Da Nang is expected to welcome its potential tourists arrived by air, land and sea in the future.

Currently, the city's tourism industry is recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 crisis and adapting to a new normal. Hopefully, the tourism will witness a strong rebound in 2022 and the years ahead.

Reporting by NHAT HA – translating by H.L