The Night-time Economy Development Project, issued by the Da Nang People’s Committee in 2020, is the basis for departments, agencies, sectors and localities in the city, to take many solutions for the sake of fully capitalising on the night-time economy. Up to now, many new and attractive night-time products and services have been developed, contributing to promoting local tourism activities.

Tran Hung Dao Street at night. Photo: NGUYEN XUAN TU

The Da Nang Department of Tourism reports that the project has effectively addressed the issue of nighttime activities for tourists visiting Da Nang. It has introduced a variety of unique and distinctive night-time tourism products and services which have been well-received by both locals and visitors. These offerings help to extend the duration of tourists' stays and increase overall revenue.

Mrs. Truong Thi Hong Hanh, Director of the municipal Department of Tourism, stated many night-time tourism products have been so far developed, including the pilot model of My An night beach, An Thuong tourist quarter, Bach Dang Walking Street, night-time tourism services at the east bank park at the foot of Nguyen Van Troi Bridge, Nguyen Van Troi pedestrian bridge, night markets, art shows, night tours on the Han River, water music show at September 2 Square, and the fire-breathing and water-spraying shows at the eastern end of the Dragon Bridge.

At the same time, a number of night-time experience programmes, events and festivals have been organised at tourist destinations and high-class resorts and hotels such as Da Nang Downtown Complex, Sun World Ba Na Hills and Mikazuki, or night-time activities along both sides of the Han River and along vibrant and attractive coastal routes.

Entertainment venues, cuisine, healthcare - beauty services, specialised night food streets like Pham Hong Thai, Le Thanh Nghi and Vo Nguyen Giap, and commercial centres, all create brands and attractive destinations for tourists. Many large-scale, unique cultural and night tourism events and festivals have been organised such as the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival, the Enjoy Da Nang Festival, and the opening program of the Beach Tourism Season, Mrs. Hanh shared.

However, she emphasised that the exploitation and development of the night-time economy is still not commensurate with the city's tourism.

According to the municipal Department of Tourism, the development of the night-time economy in Da Nang faces several challenges, such as the lack of a clear policy framework to manage and encourage its growth. Additionally, some key projects that could drive the night-time economy have not yet been completed, whilst service areas that support the night-time economy are still interspersed with residential areas.

To tackle these issues, the city plans to implement strategies that promote the development of night-time tourism products. This includes identifying specific areas designated for nighttime economic activities within the tourism sector. The city will also work to effectively organize existing nighttime tourism offerings and invest in the improvement of walking streets, night markets, and food streets.

Further plans also focus on enhancing nighttime tourism services on Nguyen Van Troi Bridge and in the park located on its eastern bank. Moreover, large-scale and unique nighttime events and festivals will be organised, with highlights such as the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival and various events along the Han River.

The municipal Department of Tourism is researching and organizing new nighttime tours imbued with unique and attractive cultural values, as well as is mobilising tourist service providers to renew and organize unique night products and services.

The Department of Tourism and related units are actively supporting businesses and investors to speed up the investment progress of projects to create entertainment tourism products, and large-scale and classy theme parks serving both day and night, as well as form free trade zones with high-class trade and service activities.

Also, localities citywide actively coordinate with relevant departments, agencies and sectors to promote nighttime economic development projects.

Visitors at the An Thuong Tourist Quarter. Photo: NGOC HA

Mr. Nguyen Hoa, Chairman of Ngu Hanh Son District People's Committee, said that the Da Nang People's Committee has just approved the investment policy for the second stage of the An Thuong Tourist Area project with a total cost of over VND 100 billion. In the second stage of the project, sidewalks on Chau Thi Vinh Te, Hoang Ke Viem, Ngo Thi Si and Mai Thuc Lan streets will be renovated. Some streets in the An Thuong Tourist Area will be widened, whilst lighting systems will be upgraded.

“The An Thuong Tourist Area Project's first phase, once operational, created a unique tourism product that has attracted a significant number of tourists, particularly international visitors. The second phase of the project will expand the space and enhance the technical infrastructure of some connecting routes in coordination with phase one. Upon completion, this area will offer a variety of cultural activities, entertainment options, and shopping venues for tourists to enjoy both day and night” said Mr. Hoa.

Similarly, the development of the nighttime economy to serve tourism in Hai Chau District is prioritised to boost local tourism.

Mr. Truong Thanh Dung, Vice Chairman of Hai Chau District People's Committee, said that the district planned to expand the space of Bach Dang walking street to the south, extending to Asia Park, and to establish a night-time market on Tran Van Tru Street. At the same time, the development of the nighttime economy on streets of Le Hong Phong, Thai Phien, Tran Quoc Toan and Hoang Van Thu will be promoted, in which vehicles will be banned in the evening on Le Hong Phong street.

“Bach Dang Walking Street has transformed into a vibrant space for relaxation, entertainment, and recreation, featuring a variety of cultural and artistic events. Food and beverage services are designed to complement the experiences of residents and tourists. With plans to establish food and shopping specialised route in the near future, we aim to promote the development of the nighttime economy in the locality, creating a lively nightlife for the city and helping to attract more tourists” Mr. Dung noted.

Reporting by NGOC HA - Translating by M.DUNG