The resumption of international flights, the reopening of tourist attractions and the development of new products are key measures designed to help Da Nang’s tourism sector recover from two years of pandemic misery.

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. Photo: THU HA

Tourism businesses ready to welcome international tourists back

Tourism businesses are making a push to attract international tourists after international flights connecting with Da Nang reopen.

Mr Nguyen Ngoc Anh, the Director of the Omega Tours Trading Service Company Limited said that tourism business are waiting for specific guidance for tourism businesses to welcome international visitors back from national and municipal governments in order to offer new tours suitable to such travellers. Mr Anh said that tour operators in Da Nang will begin to target Asian source markets like Northeast Asia, and Southeast Asia after Viet Nam reopens its borders to vaccinated international tourists.

Mr Ho The Anh, the Director General of Da Nang International Terminal Investment and Operation Joint Stock Company (AHT) expressed his belief that Da Nang tourism will bounce back in the coming time after international flights to Da Nang, and Viet Nam as a whole, reopen to help increase international tourist arrivals in the city. Mr Anh added that hosting Routes Asia 2022 in June will offer great opportunities for Da Nang to resume international flights, which in turn spurring international trade and resuming international tourism. Routes Asia will provide a golden opportunity for Da Nang to market the city at both the aviation and tourism markets in Asia, and the world at large, Mr Anh remarked. AHT is working with its partners to organize this international event successfully.

Apart from the resumption of international flights, the reopening of tourist attractions and entertainment areas is very important to Da Nang to attract international tourists. Many tourist sites across Da Nang are reopening their doors to visitors such as the Nui Than Tai Hot Spring Park, Mikazuki Water Park 365, the Toom Sara traditional village nestled in Hoa Phu mountainous commune, and the Luong Stream-Hai Van Park.

In its efforts to attract even more visitors, the Water Park 365 entertainment complex 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.

Meanwhile, Sun World Ba Na Hills tourist area is planning to reopen soon with the opening of new items such as solar outdoor waterfall and flower garden in order to improve visitor experience in this site.

Tourism businesses in Da Nang are making every effort to improve the visitor experience by renewing their products and services. IN THE PHOTO: Visitors enjoyed the Nui Than Tai Hot Spring Park on the first day of opening on February 8. Photo: THU HA

Specific guidance for tourism businesses needed

Both Mr Nguyen Minh Xoang, the Director General of Hai Van Cat International Travel Service Company and Mr Cao Tri Dung, the Chairman of the Da Nang Tourism Association expressed their delight after Viet Nam’s national government has approved a full reopening of international tourism activities from March 15. However, they highlighted the need for specific guidance for tourism businesses to welcome international tourists back to help them prepare themselves for the return of international guests.

Chairman Dung said that Da Nang plans to launch new tourism products at reasonable prices in efforts to attract domestic visitors from Northwest Viet Nam, Central Highlands, Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh City and other localities across the country.

The focus will be creating new tourism products to improve visitor experience, improving the quality of tourism services, launching campaigns to promote Da Nang as a great place to spend time in a bid to attract more domestic and foreign visitors to the city in the coming time.

Till date, a combined total of 39 international air routes connecting Da Nang with such international destinations as China, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Qatar, Taiwan and Hong Kong (China) have been opened but these routes have been suspended since March 22, 2020 due to COVID-19. Currently, 8 domestic air routes linking Da Nang with Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Noi, Da Lat, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Buon Me Thuot, Hai Phong, Can Tho are reopening.

Reporting by THU HA – HOANG HIEP – Translating by H.L