This is the message that Huynh Thi Thanh Thuy, Miss International 2024, wishes to convey to friends around the world during her journey to promote the image of Da Nang as a tourist city, and Vietnam as a whole.

Chairman of the Da Nang City People's Committee, Le Trung Chinh, awarded a certificate of merit to Huynh Thi Thanh Thuy for her outstanding achievement in winning the title of Miss International 2024. Photo: VAN HOANG.

Da Nang weekend had a conversation with Miss International Thanh Thuy about her journey to bring the values of Vietnamese culture to friends around the world, just before the Lunar New Year of the Snake in 2025.

*The promotion of culture and tourism is one of the key aspects of the "Miss International" competition. How did Thanh Thuy promote and share Vietnamese culture with international friends during this contest?

The Miss International competition places a strong emphasis on cultural exchange and experiences among nations. As the representative of Vietnam in this prestigious beauty pageant, Thuy has always aimed to showcase the beauty and cultural identity of our country to international friends, along with the friendliness and sincerity of the Vietnamese people.

Whenever I meet international friends, I always begin the conversation with "Hello" and teach everyone simple, friendly Vietnamese phrases. In addition, I introduce them to the distinctive culture and cuisine of Vietnam, such as Quang noodles, pho, and various tourist destinations in the country. Thuy is pleasantly surprised and delighted to learn that many international friends have positive and familiar feelings when mentioning Da Nang, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and other provinces and cities in Vietnam.

Prior to that, Thuy also brought Vietnamese coffee as gifts for other friends, which was met with great enthusiasm. They expressed a strong desire to visit Vietnam to experience and explore more of the beauty of the country and its people.

Miss Thanh Thuy presents gifts and Vietnamese specialties to Consul General Mori Takero and his wife. Photo: VAN HOANG.

* Recently, the Chairman of the Da Nang City People's Committee, Le Trung Chinh, invited Miss Thanh Thuy to become the tourism ambassador for Da Nang. According to Thanh Thuy, what qualities are needed to take on this role?

Thanh Thuy has been closely connected to and has felt the vibrant rhythm of this city for over 20 years. Da Nang is not only where I was born and raised but also where I hold the most beautiful memories of my childhood. It serves as a source of inspiration for the authenticity, friendliness, and openness that I bring to the Miss International 2024 competition. Therefore, when I was trusted and chosen to become the "Tourism Ambassador for Da Nang," Thanh Thuy felt incredibly honored and proud. This is a wonderful opportunity for me to share my love for my homeland along with the beauty of Da Nang's tourism, cuisine, and culture with friends both domestically and internationally.

For Thuy, becoming a tourism ambassador is not just about representing the image of the city; it is also a significant responsibility for a young person in building her homeland. To fulfill this role, I recognize that I need to put in even more effort to convey all the wonderful aspects of Da Nang, from the natural gifts it offers to the city's development showcased through its ancient and modern architecture. These beautiful sights are not only tourist destinations but also symbols of the confidence, unity, and sharing spirit of the people, reflecting the dynamic and creative growth of the city. Every policy, every target, and every project of the city is a source of pride for its citizens, with each individual finding their identity in the collective development effort.

Thanh Thuy believes that the key factor in becoming a tourism ambassador is to promote the culture and positive values of the people of Da Nang. This city is not only famous for its natural landscapes but also for its unique and integrated cultural values, ranging from vibrant traditional festivals to local specialties. Above all, the hospitality, warmth, and sincerity of the people of Da Nang create a distinct charm that any visitor can easily feel. With the title of Miss International, Thuy hopes to contribute to making Da Nang not just a developed tourist city but also a place where every visitor feels the closeness, friendliness, and heartfelt connection akin to a second home.

Photo: NVCC

 * In the upcoming journey, what plans do you have to promote the image of the country and its people, especially the beauty of Da Nang, to friends both nationally and internationally?

I take great pride in introducing Da Nang, a city renowned as one of the "most liveable" places in Vietnam. Each time I return to Da Nang, I share everyday moments and stunning landmarks through social media platforms, allowing everyone to appreciate the beauty and hospitality of this land.

In the upcoming journey, for each country I visit, Thuy will continuously strive to showcase the image of a young woman from Da Nang and Vietnam, characterized by friendliness, politeness, and hard work. If given the opportunity, I plan to bring unique local specialties from my homeland to introduce and share with international friends. Thuy hopes that through these small actions, Da Nang will become increasingly recognized and turn into an ideal destination for travelers, contributing to the growth of the city's tourism industry.

* At the beginning of the Lunar New Year of the Snake in 2025, what message will Thanh Thuy convey to young people regarding the promotion of cultural and tourism values of Vietnam in general, and Da Nang in particular?

With the fresh start of 2025, Thuy wants to share an inspiring message with the younger generation: "Always be confident in being yourself, daring to express your unique personality and identity authentically and boldly." Thuy believes that every young person has the power to make a difference and contribute to building a better society; they should strive continuously to share the positive values of people from all corners of the country with international friends.

Thuy hopes that the younger generation will not only preserve but also enhance the distinctive traditional cultural values of the country and her homeland. In particular, with their dynamism and creativity, young people of Da Nang will become "ambassadors" spreading the beauty of the city's nature, history, and culture everywhere. I wish that through the combination of love for their homeland, passion for tourism, and a commitment to cultural preservation, the image of Da Nang will shine even brighter in the eyes of everyone. It is the small yet meaningful actions of each individual that will contribute to make Da Nang increasingly prominent, becoming an attractive destination not only for tourism but also for its culture and people—where every visitor can feel the love, hospitality, and rich identity of this land.

Reporting by VAN HOANG – TUONG VY – Translating by HONG VAN