Da Nang was chosen by many domestic and international tourists as their destination in the first days of 2025. This is a positive signal for the local tourism industry with the goal of attracting more than 11.9 million visitors, up 10% year-on-year.

Foreign tourists arriving at Da Nang International Airport on New Year day. Photo: NGOC HA

At 6:45 am on January 1, Da Nang welcomed nearly 2,000 European and American tourists on board the Noordam cruise ship - one of four ships in the Vista Class of Holland American Line.

During their one-day stay in the city, the passengers visited some of the city’s famous destinations such as the Marble Mountains, Linh Ung Son Tra Pagoda, Museum of Cham Sculpture and My Khe Beach, as well as explored the city by cyclo tour.

Meanwhile, from 8:00am - 10:00am on the same day, Da Nang received over 1,000 air passengers from Ho Chi Minh City and such Asian countries as Thailand, South Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong - China.

The municipal Department of Tourism coordinated with relevant units to organise a thoughtful reception, leaving many impressions in the hearts of tourists.

Ms. Georgia Lynn, a US nationality, said that this was her first time coming to Viet Nam and Da Nang as well. She was so surprised at the warm welcome by leaders of departments and agencies.

“I have known Viet Nam for a long time through my friends who are Vietnamese people living abroad, and I am very happy to come here to travel. I hope that I will have unforgettable experience during my two-week journey in Viet Nam”, Ms. Georgia Lynn shared.

Mr. Vinh Nguyen, an overseas Vietnamese in the US, and his family of four also chose Da Nang to travel after more than 20 years away from home.

He said “Da Nang has truly changed in a modern direction and I am overwhelmed by the impressive urban development. My family is enjoying the most livable city in Viet Nam. We have 5 days and nights to visit the whole city and the Sun World Ba Na Hills tourist area is definitely a can’t-miss destination on our trip back to our hometown”.

Meanwhile, Ms. Bui Thanh Tu from Ho Chi Minh City expressed that she was impressed with the friendliness and hospitality of Da Nang people. This is also her husband's hometown, so she still comes back the city sometimes. This year, her family and her friends from abroad decided to choose Da Nang for the New Year holiday. “We will have days together, enjoying the beautiful scenery and cuisine of the city” she added.

On the first day of New Year 2025, the Marble Mountains tourist area also welcomed a group of tourists from Australia and several other foreign countries. Leaders of Ngu Hanh Son District presented flowers and gifts and sent best wishes to the foreigners.

Ms. Claire Healy, Head of the Australian tourist group, said that she and the members of the group were very happy and excited to visit Viet Nam, and were truly touched to the warm reception and souvenir gifts on the occasion of the New Year 2025.

The Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture also received over 600 visitors on the first day of the New Year.

Cruise passengers visiting some of the city's famous tourist attractions. Photo: NGOC HA

Although this year’s New Year and Lunar New Year are not far apart, the number of visitors to the city has increased quite well. It is estimated that the number of tourist arrivals to the city during the New Year holiday increased by about 30% compared to the same period last year, whilst the frequency of flights go up 80-90%.

On the first day of 2025, Da Nang International Airport welcomed 125 flights, including 57 international flights. From December 28, 2024 to January 1, 2025 alone, more than 600 flights landed at the airport, a rise of over 15% over the same period.

According to the forecast of Da Nang Port, the number of visitors to Da Nang by sea in 2025 will grow strongly. The Tien Sa Port is expected to welcome 76 cruise ship arrivals, an increase of 41 against 2024, with more than 70,000 passengers, up 64% against 2024.

Mr. Tan Van Vuong, Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Tourism, said that the positive signals on the first day of the new year bring great expectations for the tourism industry in 2025. The city aims to attract more than 11.9 million visitors, up 10% compared to 2024. Da Nang has set a breakthrough goal in promoting market expansion and the opening of air routes, and stimulating tourism demand.

Top priority will be given to luring more domestic tourists and opening more domestic direct flights to Da Nang, concentrating on Ha Noi, Hai Phong, Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho and northern and southern provinces.

For the international tourist market, the city will continue to maintain growth in the South Korean and Taiwanese (China) tourist markets, and increase promotion and exploitation of the Japanese, Chinese and Southeast Asian tourist markets.

Greater efforts will be made to expand and exploit potential markets such as India, Australia, the Middle East, Russia and Eastern Europe, as well as attract tourists in the segments of resort, cuisine, MICE, golf and wedding tourism.

Reporting by NGOC HA - Translating by M.DUNG