Da Nang welcomed nearly 36,000 domestic and foreign visitors in the early days of 2022. Da Nang’s tourism industry shows positive signs of recovery as tourists are gradually returning to the city after a long absence due to COVID-19. In its efforts to meet demand for the sightseeing and entertainment from local residents and tourists, the Da Nang government has allowed the resumption of the performance of Da Nang's Rong (Dragon) Bridge from February 12. Following the municipal administration’s approval, the dragon’s head at the eastern end of the Rong Bridge will continue breathing fire and squirting water at 9:00pm on the weekends. The return for the weekend shows of fire breathing and water squirting at the eastern end of the Rong Bridge has attracted a great deal of attention from locals and tourists, especially young people.

Some of Da Nang attractions are very crowded with tourists. In the photo: Tourists visited Love Bridge located on Tran Hung Dao Street on February 13. Photo: THU HA

First day of resumption for the performance of the Dragon Bridge saw a large number of locals and tourists who were exicited to watch the special show of fire breathing and water squirting, making the city very different from other Vietnamese localities.

We have observed that most visited destinations by tourist arrivals in Da Nang included seaside resorts, and emerging tourist spots such as the APEC Sculpture Park, and beautifully decorated cafes.

The Water Park 365 entertainment complex is one of Da Nang’s amusement facilities that reopened their doors to the public before the Tet Festival. This place has become a favorite destination for tourists. In its efforts to attract even more visitors, this amusement park is offering a 30% discount on its entry tickets from December 24, 2021 to February 28, 2022 in addition to offering such services as traditional Japanese Onsen Bath, sauna, admission to Ninja Kid's Park at no cost. In a similar vein, visitors to Luong Spring eco-tourism site will enjoy 50% off admission ticket.

The APEC Sculpture Park is one of the best places to visit in Da Nang, and it is crowded with locals and tourists. Photo: THU HA

A representative of Sheraton Grand Danang Resort said this venue has welcomed more than 1,600 guests since early January, 2022. The resort's occupancy rate reached about 57% which is a good sign of recovery for Da Nang’s tourism sector.

Despite being reopened from February 8, the Nui Than Tai Hot Spring Park has become a favorite tourist destination of Da Nang for locals and tourists. The Park welcomed nearly 1,000 visitors for the first reopening day.

Ms Le Thi Bich Huong, the Director of Communications and Marketing of the Nui Than Tai Hot Spring Park said that the focus has been on completing landscape renovations in this park in a bid to give a new face to it, as well as create a safe and healthy environment for visitors.

Besides, this tourist site has opened many new healthcare services with the aim of strengthening the body's immunity and disease resistance, including mineral baths, traditional Japanese Onsen Bath, mud baths and lemongrass baths. Visitors to this tourist site will also have a chance to explore such new attractions as the road of love, the extended temple for the God of Wealth, sports area, and beautiful photography spots on hillside areas.

Apart from tourist accommodation facilities, and tourist attractions across the city, travel agencies are also exerting every effort to lure tourists back to Da Nang.

Mr Nguyen Ngoc Thien, the Deputy Director General of the Hai Van Cat International Travel Joint Stock Company said that since the 2^nd day of the Lunar New Year, the company has witnessed between 600 and 700 guests, mainly solo travellers, taking sightseeing tours in Da Nang and Hoi An. Most of the guests has used such services as thermal baths and beach resorts.

In the coming time, the company will develop new tourism products and exploit more visitor sources from its potential visitor markets, Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Thien added.

Da Nang’s tourism industry will work with the municipal Tourism Association, along with tourism businesses to launch campaigns in April 2022 in an attempt to stimulate domestic tourist demand. The intention is to attract even more tourists to Da Nang, and help local tourism industry bounce back from COVID-19, as well as restart tourism activities in the new normal.

Reporting by THU HA – Translating by H.L