Da Nang sets ambitious tourism goal

Da Nang is striving to build itself into a resort paradise and a safe, friendly destination, heard a forum in the central city on March 25.

Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Tran Chi Cuong said the city aims to turn tourism into a spearhead of the local economy from 2016 to 2020.

The city will strive to create unique and highly competitive tourism products in line with cultural values and environmental protection. It sets a target to draw in 8 million tourists, including 2 million foreigners, and rake in 27.4 trillion VND (1.23 billion USD) in revenue by 2020, he added.

Apart from developing local tourism brand names, authorities will invest in maritime tourism services and high-end resorts, which are highly competitive in the region and beyond.

Additionally, the city will diversify services at the Ba Na – Suoi Mo tourism area, one of its famous interesting places that houses Ba Na Mountain, 1,487m high above sea level, and Suoi Mo Stream lying at its feet.

Da Nang plans to put into operation the Ba Na golf course and Than Tai Mountain hot spring resort, as well as develop tourism products at Son Tra Peninsula and Hai Van Pass.

It is moving to expand waterway tourism, raise local awareness about environmental protection and promote a code of conduct on tourism activities.

Chairman of the Da Nang Travel Association Cao Tri Dung said he hopes the city will create a healthy competitive environment for businesses.

He suggested quickly improving infrastructure at Da Nang Airport, enhancing its capacity, coordinating with central Quang Nam province to make the Dak Ok border gate an international one, and completing the highway system linking Da Nang with adjacent provinces.

It is necessary to connect local tourism products with that of Quang Nam and Thua Thien – Hue, he said.

Vietnam Tourism Company (VITOURS) Deputy Director Le Tan Thanh Tung proposed measures to draw visitors during off-season from September to February. He suggested exempting visa fees and organising cultural and sport events.