After 5 years of implementation, Resolution No. 43-NQ/TW dated January 24, 2019 of the Politburo on developing Da Nang by 2030, with a vision toward 2045, has been creating motivation for Da Nang to develop economic pillars, including tourism. The city develops tourism into a key economic sector to make Da Nang a high-quality tourism and service centre and one of the high-end, green, smart eco-tourism and marine resort centers organising international conferences and festivals.

To attract tourists, the Da Nang tourism industry researches tourist markets to build appropriate tourism products. Tourists participate in marine sports activities. Photo: THU HA

Prioritise resources for tourism development activities

Resolution No. 43-NQ/TW is considered an important, long-term guiding document with specific direction that has opened up many opportunities and great potential for Da Nang to make development strides.

With the kind support of the Politburo, the national government and agencies, Da Nang has implemented a series of key tasks and implemented many projects to develop Da Nang tourism in a sustainable direction, prioritising public investment resources in infrastructure, road traffic, aviation, tourist ports as well as parks, landscapes, food courts, night markets and other community projects to serve both the people and the development of tourism and other economic sectors.

Da Nang has prioritised resources for mobilised tourism development activities, including the city's budget (support for organising events, festivals, promotion, advertising and cooperation) and resources from businesses and investors in promotional activities to attract tourists. Da Nang is also the first locality in the country to establish the Da Nang Tourism Development Promotion Fund (May 2020) and is accelerating the formation of the Da Nang Event Organisation Fund.

Besides, Da Nang has been considered to be a potential business environment that is highly attractive to both domestic and foreign investors. As of December 2023, the city had 16 tourist zones and spots (an increase of 9 zones and spots compared to 2010); 1,285 tourist accommodation establishments with a total of more than 46,000 rooms (an increase of 1,104 establishments and more than 40,000 rooms compared to 2010). Many high-end hotels and resorts have been put into operation with famous international brands. There are also many attractions, tourism and theme parks associated with unique services.

In particular, Da Nang has focused on planning sustainable tourism development, developing tourism in 10 functional tourism spaces: east coast, Da Nang Bay, central urban areas, hillside and smart non-tariff urban areas, an  “aerotropolis" and eco-tourist seaport, eastern and western eco-tourism associated with agriculture and rural areas, tourism associated with innovation. In addition, Da Nang is also a leading locality in market research and technology application in tourism promotion in domestic and international markets.

The Da Nang tourism industry prioritises the development of key tourism product groups to attract tourists. Tourists shop at the Son Tra night market. Photo: THU HA

Develop and perfect pillar products

According to Chairman of the Da Nang Tourism Association Cao Tri Dung, to fully exploit the advantages and potential of Da Nang, the tourism industry needs to continue to develop and perfect the pillar product groups, including: high-end marine tourism products; cultural and historical producs; MICE (Meetings-Incentives-Conferences-Exhibitions); urban tourism products and eco-tourism products of forests, mountains, rivers and lakes are developing to the west of the city. Diversifying tourism products to capture tourist trends and increase rich experiences at destinations is the basic foundation to attract tourists from many different markets.

According to Mr. Cao Tri Dung, among the tourism product groups mentioned above, MICE tourism should be identified as the key product group because Da Nang has all the advantages to develop into an event center of international stature. Da Nang needs to host major multi-industry events at home and abroad, proactively organise sports competitions and music performances by renowned stars to attract tourists and thereby promote its tourism brand to other parts of the world.

At the same time, priority is given to developing high-end and ultra-luxury product and service lines to attract demand for organising personal events in Da Nang. “To meet customer requirements and trends, tourism products need to standardise service organisation processes with high-quality product positioning and promote responsible tourism. In particular, it is a must-do to apply technologies to products and services in a bid to bring optimal convenience and experience to customers.”, Mr. Cao Tri Dung suggested.

Director of Hai Van Cat International Travel Services Company Nguyen Minh Xoang acknowledged that Da Nang has all the elements to organise major international tourism events. Frequently being chosen and sought after by domestic and international tourists as a tourist and resort destination is an opportunity for Da Nang tourism to develop further. The tourism industry and businesses need to quickly seize opportunities and have solutions to attract tourist markets by researching the characteristics of tourism.

Reporting by THU HA - Translating by A.THU