In the first quarter of 2023, new international routes were continuously put into operation, significantly contributing to an increase in the number of tourists coming to Da Nang, whilst the average length of their stay periods also recorded a hike.

International tourists arrive at the Da Nang International Airport. Photo: THU HA

A sharp rise in flight routes

In a short time, many international routes have been resumed. For example, on March 26, the flight route from Narita (Japan) to Da Nang, operated by Vietnam Airlines, was re-opened. Japan was one of Da Nang’s potential tourist source markets before COVID-19 in 2019 with more than 183,000 Japanese visitors to Da Nang, up nearly 200% from 2015 with 92,000 tourists.

This route is operated with a frequency of 4 flights/week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. From July 1, 2023, Vietnam Airlines plans to operate a frequency of 7 flights/week to encourage tourism and trade exchanges between Japan and Central Viet Nam.

Along with the above-mentioned air service, at the end of March 2023, the route from Vientiane (Laos) to Da Nang was also put into operation by Lao Airlines with a frequency of 2 flights/week on Thursdays and Sundays.

According to Chairman of the Da Nang Tourism Association Cao Tri Dung, the flight route from Vientiane (Laos) to Da Nang is of great significance for Da Nang tourism, not only connecting Da Nang with the Laotian market but also beefing up linkage between Da Nang and tourist markets in the northeast region of Thailand.

There is no denying that the opening of new routes directly from these aforementioned markets will leverage the Da Nang tourism industry to diversify markets and attract more tourists in the coming time.

Since new international routes were opened, the number of visitors to Da Nang has been increasing day by day. During a recent 4-day visit to Da Nang, Ms. Konuma Mizuki, a tourist from Japan said she was looking forward to experiencing Da Nang's attractions.

She had been to Da Nang before, but after a long hiatus due to the COVID-19, she could not travel. On this occasion, she would visit famous destinations in Da Nang such as the Sun World Ba Na Hills and the Marble Mountains special national scenic spot as well as enjoy the typical dishes of Da Nang cuisine.

For the time being, there are 16 regular international flight routes, operated by 20 airlines, connecting Da Nang with other parts of the world, with an estimated frequency of more than 280 flights/week (an average of 40 flights/day) carrying more than 560,000 international passengers.

More products satisfying visitors' tastes

Recently, international tourists have not only come to Da Nang by air but also by sea. According to the city's Department of Tourism, in the first quarter of 2023, 9 cruise ships carrying a combined total of 7,300 guests docked at the Tien Sa Port. These ships are operated by the Da Nang branch of Saigontourist Travel Service Co.,Ltd, the Tan Hong Trading and Tourism Co.,Ltd. in Ho Chi Minh City and the Pacific Legend Travel and Service Co., Ltd.

Cruise ship passengers are receiving information instructions at the area in front of Trung Vuong Theater. Photo: T.H

According to a representative of a travel agency specialising in bringing cruise passengers to Da Nang, cruise passengers from international markets including the European one have begun to return to Da Nang. Basically, the services for this tourist market in the city are currently stable and the work of ensuring safety of these high-end guests here is ensured. 

However, in the long run, it also takes time for operators to capture visitors' feedback on services at the destination, thereby making more practical evaluations and adjustments and making it easier to attract guests.

Prior to the return of international tourists to Da Nang via sea and air, the growth rate of Da Nang tourism was very good. In general, the number of visitors has reached the milestone in 2019, which shows that the internal resources of Da Nang's attractions, tourism products and tourism ecosystem are being promoted. However, in the long run, it is also necessary to add attractive new tourism products to meet the increasing demands of tourists.

As assessed by Deputy Director of the Da Nang Department of Tourism Nguyen Xuan Binh, international flights that have been continuously put into operation since the beginning of the year have contributed to the strong recovery of the international tourist market of Da Nang tourism. Since COVID-19 until now, the city has been drastically implementing the acceleration of the recovery of tourism development and the recovery of international tourist markets in particular, thereby contributing to the city's socio-economic development.

“We expect flights from key international markets to Da Nang will further help lure larger numbers of visitors to the city in the near future”, said Binh.

The Da Nang tourism industry is prepares to organise tourism promotion in Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia and complete the plan to organise the ‘Enjoy the summer of Da Nang’ festival.
Along with that, heed will be paid to developing a pilot plan to organise nigh-time tourism services on Nguyen Van Troi pedestrian bridge and a park on its eastern end, putting Bach Dang - Tran Hung Dao pedestrian promenade on trial in the coming time, and organising decorations to create check-in points to serve visitors.

Reporting by THU HA - Translating by A.THU