Da Nang welcomed more than 336,000 tourists during the National Reunification and May Day holidays, from April 27 to May 1, up 11.6% year-on-year, the municipal Department of Tourism said.

The city earned about VND1,336 billion in tourism revenue on the five-day holidays, representing a year-on-year rise of 12.7%.

More than 300 domestic and international athletes participated in the openwater swimming championship, and the Danang SUP Race on the morning of April 28.

Tourist attractions packed with visitors

The total number of flights to Da Nang during the holidays was about 563. Of which, there were 255 international flights, an increase of 28 flights compared to the same period in 2023; and 308 domestic flights. 112 flights, including 61 domestic and 51 international flights, landed at Da Nang International Airport every day.

Notably, the number of travellers coming to Da Nang by train went up more than 60% over the same period in 2023 with more than 16,000 arrivals. There was a significant increase in the number of passengers travelling by road, especially self-sufficient vehicles.

The Azamara Journey cruise ship docked at the Tien Sa Port on April 28, bringing more than 800 foreign tourists from Europe and the US to the central coastal city.

About 20,800 tourists experienced sightseeing boat tours on the Han River, an increase of 9% over the same period in 2023. The room occupancy rate at 4-5 star and 3-star or less accommodation facilities reached 70% and 45% respectively.

Tourists majorly visited popular attractions in the city, such as the Sun World Ba Na Hills, the Asia Park, the Marble Mountains, the Mikazuki tourist area, the Son Tra Peninsula, and beaches.

Many exciting beach sports activities

Thanks to its unique, new tourism products, Da Nang was still a favourite destination chosen by domestic and foreign tourists.

Notably, the opening programme of the 2024 Da Nang Beach Tourism Season themed "Summer Waves" drew much attention from locals and tourists.

With 19 activities held at beaches and the Son Tra Peninsula, residents and tourists comfortably experiences beach sports and entertainment activities. Included were the Da Nang International Lifesaving Competition 2024, and sea swimming tournament and sup race entitled "Da Nang Summer Wave 2024".

Participating in the Da Nang International Lifesaving Competition 2024 for the first time, Mr. Albert G.Camay from the Philippines shared "Sea rescue is a very meaningful activity for the community. We are very happy to participate in such a meaningful contest at a beautiful beach in Da Nang. This is also an opportunity for us to meet, interact and learn from each other in the experience of rescue operations. Aside from taking part in competitions, we also visit and have fun at some tourist destinations in Da Nang".

Mr. Jerram Chudleigh, an athlete from Australia, excellently won the men's 2,000m swimming competition at the sea swimming championship 2024. He shared that this was a very interesting tournament for residents and tourists in the summer. He was impressed with Da Nang’s long and beautiful beach. He voiced his hope that many similar activities will be organised in the city in order to encourage people to learn, develop and improve swimming skills and protect their own safety.

In addition to beach sports activities, visitors immersed themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of summer through captivating activities such as taking check-in photos with sand art statues and art kites, experiencing craft villages, and enjoying beautiful photo exhibition about Son Tra.

Visitors to the Sun World Ba Na Hills Tourist Area

According to Head of the Management Board of Son Tra Peninsula and Da Nang Tourist Beaches Nguyen Duc Vu, the opening programme of the 2024 Beach Tourism Season, which is annually held on April 30 and May 1 at local beaches, has become an indispensible event for both locals and tourists during the holidays for April 30 and May 1.

One of the highlights of this year's activities was beach sports tournaments such as the Da Nang International Sea Lifesaving Competition on April 27; and the sea swimming and sup racing tournament entitled "Da Nang Summer Wave 2024" on April 28. These tournaments contributed to creating a variety of cultural and sports activities during the tourist season, and promoting the image of Da Nang beach tourism to domestic and foreign tourists.

Rich cultural and artistic activities

During the five-day break for the April 30 and May 1 holidays, units and localities organised a number of cultural and artistic activities citywide to meet the needs of cultural enjoyment and improve the spiritual life of people and tourists.

In particular, there were a series of cultural and artistic activities such as street dances, general art programmes, and outdoor movie screenings, all creating a vibrant atmosphere for the holiday.

Within the framework of the opening programme of the 2024 Beach Tourism Season, a variety of cultural shows took place at the East Sea Park from April 26 - May 1.

Moreover, a number of exhibitions were held in the city, such as the South Central Region and Highlands Artistic Photography exhibition at the APEC Sculpture Park, the exhibition "April Sunshine" at the Da Nang Museum of Fine Arts, and the thematic exhibition "The Pride of Dien Bien - A Golden History" at the Da Nang Museum.

According to the Department of Culture and Sports, cultural and artistic activities in the city on the April 30 and May 1 holidays ensured quality and were rich in content and form.

There will be nearly 20 activities to be held in the city to celebrate the Dien Bien Phu Victory (May 7) and President Ho Chi Minh's birthday (May 19), there by contributing to leaving an impression in the hearts of visitors to the city.

Reporting by T.HA, V.HOANG, X.DUNG - Translating by M.DUNG