On Wednesday, the Da Nang Department of Tourism organised a meeting to deploy the Da Nang tourism development plan in 2024. Notable among attendees at the event was Vice Da Nang People’s Committee Chairman Tran Chi Cuong.

Vice Chairman of the Da Nang People's Committee Tran Chi Cuong recognises and appreciates the efforts made by the tourism industry in 2023. Photo: THU HA

Addressing the event, Vice Chairman Cuong acknowledged efforts exerted by the tourism industry and related units in 2023. The outstanding achievements were mainly attributed to efforts made by the tourism industry and the community, businesses and attention and direction of the entire political system over recent times.

Recently, Da Nang was voted as one of the best destinations in Asia, but in response to the trust and votes of tourists, the city’s tourism industry needs to do well in terms of service quality, products, and customer satisfaction so as to meet customer needs for sustainable development.

In a context of many difficulties, travel businesses are required to find new markets, customers, build new product packages to make more development strides. The city government always accompanies businesses in promotion programmes, finding flight routes, exploiting new markets, and solving common difficulties. 

Vice Chairman Cuong requested the Da Nang Tourism Association, member associations, investors, corporations and the tourism business community to research and propose plans to form an event fund in a bid to attract customers, strongly promote the role of driving force, accompany the city in promotional activities, promoting tourism, accelerating the opening of flights, and organising festival events; ensuring service quality, security and safety, renewing products so as to create excitement for the city.

Vice Chairman of the Da Nang People's Committee Tran Chi Cuong (middle) awards Certificates of Merit from the Chairman of the Da Nang People's Committee to individuals and groups for their outstanding achievements. Photo: THU HA

At the same time, the city leaders believe that with the efforts made by relevant local agencies and businesses in the coming time, the tourism industry will continue to further affirm its role as one of the city's five key economic sectors.

Accepting the instructions of the Da Nang People's Committee Vice Chairman, Director of the Department of Tourism Truong Thi Hong Hanh said that she will continue to work together with other concerned local agencies to resolve difficulties, obstacles and limitations, as well as implement the Da Nang tourism development plan in 2024, strive to maintain growth momentum and develop sustainable tourism in the coming time.

In 2024, the Department will continue to focus on restoring international tourist markets, building high-quality resort-oriented tourism products, and effectively communicating tourist attractions.

According to a report from the Department of Tourism, in 2023, guests served by accommodation establishments reached more than 7.39 million, an increase of 2 times compared to 2022, equal to 92% compared to 2019. Among them, the number of international visitors reached more than 1.98 million, a rise of more than 4.2 times from 2022 and the volume of domestic ones stood at about 5.41 million, up by 66% compared to 2022.

Accommodation, dining and travel revenue reached nearly VND28,000 billion, up by 44% from 2022. Of this, revenue from accommodation and travel services was nearly VND 15,000 billion, nearly 2 times higher than in 2022.

According to Director of the Department of Tourism Truong Thi Hong Hanh, her agency will strive to maintain growth momentum and develop sustainable and effective tourism in the coming time. Photo: THU HA

In 2023, there were about 40,000 flights to Da Nang, an increase of 1.35 times compared to 2022. In particular, the city welcomed 163 MICE delegations with about 46,000 visitors, including 68 domestic and 95 international delegations from markets such as India, Malaysia, Taiwan (China), Spain and France.

However, up to now, kinetic tourism projects have not been started, leading to slow formation of new tourism products. Enterprises are facing difficulties in capital and land rent, affecting investment in upgrading products.

In 2024, it is expected that guests served by accommodation establishments will reach 8.42 million, an increase of more than 13.8% compared to 2023. Revenue from accommodation, catering, and travel services is expected to reach more than VND 30,800 billion, an increase of more than 10% compared to 2023.

The tourism industry will set sights on effectively implementing plans and projects on Da Nang tourism development orientation by 2030, with a vision towards 2045. Work is expected to commence on night-time key economic development projects and plans have been approved by the city’s administration according to the roadmap such as the River of Light project and inland waterway wharf, service complex, an international fireworks festival, cultural and entertainment park southeast of the Peace Monument.

At the conference, the Department of Tourism signed a coordination regulation with the district-level People's Committees, awarded Certificates of Merit from the Chairman of the municipal People's Committee and the Director of the Department of Tourism to individuals and groups in recognition for their outstanding achievements in local tourism activities.

Reporting by THU HA - Translating by A. THU