Da Nang shows off many advantages to develop inland waterway tourism. Tourists believe that more practical solutions are needed so that inland waterways can become the strength of Da Nang's tourism industry, besides the existing products.

With the advantage of beautiful Han River, it is necessary to add more services to increase utilities as well as river tourism products for tourists. A tourist boat is seen operating on the Han River at night. Photo: THU HA

More water tourism products promised

As one of the operators of inland waterway passenger transport since mid-2018, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Tam, the General Director of Viet AnGroup Corporation said that a positive signal shows that in the past time, many new regulations and documents have been issued to create an open and convenient mechanism for inland waterway passenger transport enterprises operating in the city.

Outstandingly, the Da Nang government has promulgated a plan for the development of inland waterway passenger transport in Da Nang in 2025, with orientations towards 2030.

Recently, the municipal authorities have announced the opening of an inland waterway passenger transport route off the Son Tra Peninsula, from CT15 wharf to Hon Sup - Bai Nam - Bai Da to enrich this type of transport. According to Mr. Nguyen Thanh Tam, given its special position with rivers flowing into the sea, Da Nang can build many types and products of tourism both above and below the water.

Therefore, businesses want the city to soon release a policy or specific guidance on the process of investing in inland waterways, floating marinas, yacht service centres and other inland waterway tourism products invested synchronously to serve tourism, along with zoning for investment in water sports and entertainment activities.

Dang Hoa, the owner of the Han Giang cruise ship, said that in terms of inland waterway tourism, Da Nang has many development advantages. Routes should be developed on Cam Le, Co Co and Vinh Dien rivers. These rivers have very beautiful and poetic landscapes along riversides, associated with many historical relics and cultural relics that can be exploited together to form new and very interesting products.

Or further is the beautiful Han River - Hon Chao route, there should be rest stops for tourists to relieve fatigue, seasickness during their boat trips.

Many visitors to Da Nang love to experience a boat tour on the Han River. Photo: THU HA

Step by step to solve problems

As reported by the Da Nang Department of Tourism, in 2021, there were 10 enterprises operating water tourism with a total of 28 ships in operation, ensuring standards according to regulations to serve tourists.

By 2023, the city will house 19 businesses operating a total of 26 tourist boats with a total accommodation capacity of more than 2,000 seats. The total number of crew members and service personnel on board is 145 people. This number of employees has participated in tourism training.

With regard to the exploitation of inland waterway tourism routes, in the 2021 - 2023 period, there are 3 recognised routes, namely the Han River - Tran Thi Ly Bridge, Han River - sea mouth - Son Tra Peninsula and Han River - Hon Chao.

The other routes, namely an inland waterway passenger transport route off Son Tra Peninsula; CT15 - Hon Sup - Bai Nam - Bai Da - CT15; Han River - Ngu Hanh Son; Cam Le - Tuy Loan - Thai Lai and Cu De river - Truong Dinh are expected to take shape in the coming time.

Besides, relevant local agencies are mulling over the construction of an inland wharf in connection with tourism specialised planning integrated into the adjustment of the Da Nang Master Plan in the 2021 - 2030 period, with a vision towards 2050, and a project to develop inland waterway tourism by 2030, with a vision towards 2045.

Other tasks include the development of inland waterway technical infrastructure like a dedicated port for tourism and release regulations on inland waterway transport suitable with reality so as to fully tap the potential of various types of cruise ships, especially high-class ones with less than 30 seaters to serve the high-end passenger segment.

Reporting by NHAT HA - Translating by A.THU