By leveraging the unique potential of each region, Da Nang's tourism sector is gradually building a diverse and rich ecosystem that attracts visitors from around the world. The harmonious blend of leisure tourism, event organisation, nature experiences, and cultural exploration has made the city an attractive, interesting, and distinctive destination.

Exploiting the tourism strengths of each area will soon enable Da Nang to establish a high-quality, sustainable regional linkage chain. IN THE PHOTO: Co Tu people singing to entertain visitors at Toom Sara Village, Hoa Phu Commune, Hoa Vang District. Photo: T.Y.

Identifying and enhancing regional strengths

Developing tourism based on regional characteristics is a key strategy that allows Da Nang's tourism industry to fully harness its potential. Experts believe each region has its own unique value. While the coastline from Nam O to the border of Hoi An, Quang Nam Province, is considered the "heart" of Da Nang's tourism, the western part of the city is attractive due to its beautiful rivers, mountains, and peaceful countryside.

In the central area, traditional markets, shopping centres, museums, entertainment venues, and the charm of the Han River offer visitors a rich and diverse experience of Da Nang’s life and people. When connected, these elements can create a seamless experience, from relaxing on the beach at sunrise to exploring nature and finally enjoying the culture and cuisine at local markets and shopping centres. Each region's tourism products will complement one another, making the visitor's journey more varied and complete.

In recent years, recognising the tourism potential of the northwest, Da Nang has focused on planning and developing tourism infrastructure along Nguyen Tat Thanh coastal road, such as opening public beaches at Thanh Khe, Lien Chieu, Nam Xuan Thieu, Bac Xuan Thieu, Phu Loc. These beaches not only enrich Da Nang’s beach tourism but also provide locals and tourists with more recreational and relaxation spaces. Additionally, the city has approved a Japanese company's plan to upgrade Xuan Thieu Resort to 5-star standards, transforming it into an international-class resort. The development of the Nam O Rock Eco-Park and Square is also expected to divert visitors from My Khe Beach to Nguyen Tat Thanh Beach and Nam O Rock.

Mr Cao Tri Dung, Chairman of Da Nang Tourism Association, emphasised that investing in infrastructure and services in this area is crucial for extending tourists' stays. The northwest not only boasts beautiful natural landscapes but also holds cultural and historical value, with traditional craft villages and unique culinary experiences along the Cu De River. "When infrastructure and services are adequately invested in, visitors will have more options, thereby boosting the local economy and creating jobs," Mr. Dung said.

In addition to its strengths in beach tourism and events, Da Nang has also been actively implementing the “Co Tu Cultural Preservation in Conjunction with Community Eco-Tourism Development in Hoa Bac Commune, Hoa Vang District” project and other community-based ecotourism projects. These efforts reflect the city’s determination to establish interlinked tourism routes.

According to Mr Nguyen Thuc Dung, Permanent Vice Chairman of Hoa Vang People's Committee, ecotourism, exploration, and experiences linked to green and sustainable agriculture are the long-term economic development orientations for the area. Thus, Hoa Vang is actively implementing a rural tourism development programme as part of the new rural development plan, aiming to complete the mountain tourism, water recreation, and natural experience planning by 2025. The district is also calling for businesses to invest in unique rural tourism products.

Mr. Dung cited that after nearly a year of operation, nine ecotourism models in the area, such as Banarita Glamping Farm, An Phu Farm, and Nam Yen Valley Vineyard, have generated revenues ranging from hundreds of millions to several VND billion. As of now, the ecotourism sites in Hoa Bac, Hoa Phu, and Hoa Ninh communes welcome 1,000-2,000 visitors each month, creating positive changes in local economic development and cultural preservation.

Strengthening regional tourism connectivity

A key factor in ensuring the sustainable development of the tourism sector is the seamless connectivity between different regions within the city. This connection not only creates a cohesive and expansive tourism ecosystem but also maximises the use of existing tourism resources. The Chairman of Da Nang Tourism Association noted that over the years, Da Nang has secured an important position on Viet Nam’s tourism map, excelling in natural resources, transport infrastructure, environment, and service quality. This also reflects the innovative thinking of local leaders and tourism and service sector stakeholders. However, current regional linkages are still somewhat fragmented, lacking quality tours and routes with strong appeal.

From the perspective of travel agencies, many companies wish to see breakthroughs in regional connections between mountains, rivers, seas, and rural areas through the creation of unified and interlinked tourism products. At the same time, efforts should be focused on enhancing the quality of experiences, diversifying beach activities, leisure tourism, exploration, cuisine, conferences, and events to attract various visitor demographics.

Mr. Nguyen Minh Xoang, Director of Hai Van Cat International Travel Company, argued that a modern and convenient transportation system is crucial for connecting the city’s tourist destinations. Moreover, creating a shared promotional programme and developing linked tourism service packages between regions will give visitors the opportunity for comprehensive experiences, thereby extending their stays and increasing their spending. "The creation of a favourable ecosystem that includes tourism products, transportation, accommodation, and services not only brings economic benefits but also contributes to the sustainable development and preservation of Da Nang’s cultural and natural values," Mr. Xoang explained.

Furthermore, to create a strong interregional tourism route, Da Nang has partnered with Thua Thien Hue and Quang Nam provinces to form a distinctive regional tourism product chain focused on green and sustainable development. Cao Tri Dung observed that a tourism product linking the sea (Da Nang), cultural heritage (Hue Imperial City), and ancient urban architecture (Hoi An) would be much more appealing than promoting each location individually. Regional cooperation helps localities better utilise resources, ancillary services, increase employment opportunities, and raise residents’ incomes. It also helps evenly distribute economic benefits among regions, avoiding over-tourism in one place and under-utilisation in another.

In its development orientation, by 2045, Da Nang eyes becoming one of the leading centres for high-end beach resorts, green and smart ecotourism, and international-scale conferences and events. With a clear development strategy, many people express confidence that the city's tourism industry will continue to shine in the future. In this context, the combination of high-end resort tourism, ecotourism, cultural tourism, and experiential tourism, based on exploiting regional strengths, will drive economic development and provide opportunities for Da Nang to create more diverse and rich tourism products.

Reporting by TIEU YEN - Translating by TRUC VY