The number of tourists visiting Da Nang reached a peak in 2019.

International visitors have increased 62 times compared to 2022.

According to a report by the Da Nang City Department of Tourism, in the first quarter of 2023, the total number of guests served by accommodation establishments was estimated at 1.4 million, an increase of more than 4.6 times compared to the same period in 2022; of which international guests were estimated at 391,600, an increase of 62 times compared to the same period in 2022; domestic guests were estimated at 1.032 million, an increase of 3.4 times compared to the same period in 2022.

According to data from the city's Statistics Department, the average length of stay for overnight visitors in the first quarter was approximately 1.66 days, with international visitors averaging 2.05 days and domestic visitors averaging 1.43 days. "Overall, the number of visitors has reached the 2019 level, demonstrating that Da Nang's potential as a destination, with its tourism products and ecosystem, is being very well utilized," Mr. Cao Tri Dung commented.

One of the factors contributing to the increase in tourists, especially foreign tourists, visiting Da Nang is the resumption of many international flights in a short period of time. For example, the flight route from Narita (Japan) to Da Nang, operated by Vietnam Airlines, currently has a frequency of 4 flights/week and will increase to 7 flights/week from July 1st. Japan is one of the potential markets for Da Nang tourism; before the pandemic, in 2019, the total number of Japanese tourists to Da Nang reached over 183,000, a growth of nearly 200% compared to 2015 (92,000).

Along with the route from Japan, the route from Vientiane (Laos) to Da Nang has also been officially launched by Lao Airlines, the national airline of Laos, with a frequency of two flights per week on Thursdays and Sundays.

Currently, Da Nang has 16 regular international flight routes operated by 20 airlines, with an estimated frequency of over 280 flights per week (an average of 40 flights per day) carrying more than 560,000 international passengers.

New market, new product

International tourists arrive in Da Nang not only by air but also by cruise ship. According to statistics from the city's Department of Tourism, in the first quarter of 2023, Da Nang welcomed 9 cruise ships carrying 7,300 passengers to Tien Sa port. These ships were operated by the Da Nang branch of Saigon Tourist Travel Service Co., Ltd., Tan Hong Trading and Tourism Co., Ltd. in Ho Chi Minh City, Pacific Legend Tourism and Service Co., Ltd., and others.

The fact that international tourists returned to Da Nang in 2019 is a positive sign. However, according to Mr. Cao Tri Dung, in the long term, Da Nang also needs to add new tourism products to meet the increasingly high demands and tastes of tourists.

According to a representative of a travel agency specializing in cruise ship tourism, cruise ship passengers from international markets, including Europe, have begun returning to Da Nang. Basically, services catering to this market segment in the city are currently stable, and security and safety measures at the destination are quite good. However, in the long term, it will take time for travel agencies to gather feedback from tourists regarding services at the destination, allowing for more practical assessments and adjustments to attract more visitors.

According to Mr. Nguyen Xuan Binh, Deputy Director of the Da Nang City Department of Tourism, the department is preparing to organize tourism promotion activities in Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia; finalize the plan for organizing the "Enjoy the Da Nang Summer" festival... In addition, the department will continue to develop projects on tourism product development; submit to the City People's Committee a plan to develop cuisine as a tourism product in Da Nang City for the period 2023-2030; coordinate with the Son Tra District People's Committee to develop a pilot plan for organizing night-time tourism services on Nguyen Van Troi Bridge and the park on the east bank at the foot of Nguyen Van Troi Bridge; coordinate with the Hai Chau District People's Committee to develop a plan for piloting the Bach Dang - Tran Hung Dao pedestrian street; and organize decorations to create check-in points to serve tourists…

Ha Mai Trinh