"Transformation" from the right policy

Closing 7 months, Da Nang tourism received good news when the number of international visitors is estimated at 2.5 million, an increase of 34.7% and reaching the target for the whole year of 2024 early. It is forecasted that this year, foreign visitors may reach the same number as before the pandemic (3.5 million).

Going back in time to the 2000s, Da Nang was still a tourist lowland and almost unnamed on the tourism map of the Central region. Tourists often only passed through Da Nang and then stayed in Hue and Hoi An. The whole city only had about 70 hotels and 20 travel agencies/branches. But then, with the right policy and the determination to innovate in tourism thinking of the city's leaders and people, Da Nang had a spectacular transformation journey. In 2009, when tourism in the Han River city began to change, Da Nang welcomed more than 1.3 million visitors. By 2019, Da Nang welcomed nearly 8.7 million visitors; total tourism revenue reached approximately 31 trillion VND, 30 times higher than in 2009. Impressive milestones include 2009 - the time the first cable car line of Ba Na Hills was inaugurated; 2012, InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort - a symbol of luxury resort in Vietnam was born or in 2018 - when the Golden Bridge made the name of the Han River city famous around the world . Also during that period of transformation, the international fireworks competition, later upgraded to the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival, created a different attraction for Da Nang tourism. It is no coincidence that the World Tourism Organization twice awarded Da Nang the award "Asia's Leading Festival Event Destination" in 2016 and 2022. The titles and rankings continuously call Da Nang's name not only because of its nature but also because of its attractive service experiences. According to Ms. Truong Thi Hong Hanh - Director of Da Nang Department of Tourism, the driving force for the city to be determined to develop sustainable tourism is the attention and support of the Politburo, the Government, the Central Ministries and branches; including Resolution No. 33 on building and developing the city. Da Nang in the period of industrialization and modernization of the country; Resolution No. 43 on the construction and development of Da Nang City to 2030, with a vision to 2045. These are important, long-term guiding documents, opening up many opportunities and great potential for Da Nang to develop. Specifically, since Resolution 33 in 2003, Da Nang has been identified as needing to soon become one of the international tourism centers; There is a mechanism to pilot calling for domestic and foreign investment to build a number of high-end international standard tourist areas. In 2022, the "Project on orientation for tourism development in Da Nang City to 2030, with a vision to 2045" sets out 12 major development orientations such as: orientation for tourism development space; orientation for development of infrastructure serving tourism; tourism product development orientation... clearly shows the focus on tourism product development, improving quality and diversity to attract high-spending tourists and international visitors. “Any tourism market can accommodate all customer segments. However, Da Nang tourism is at world-class level thanks to investment and market leadership from investors with financial potential at home and abroad. Currently, the city has many domestic investors creating high-end tourism products, bringing the Da Nang and Vietnam tourism brand to the international market,” said Mr. Nguyen Van Tai - Chairman of the Board of Directors of New Connection Event and Tourism Joint Stock Company (Necotour).

Creating conditions for breakthrough tourism products

Resolution 08 of the Politburo on “developing tourism into a spearhead economic sector” clearly states that the development of the tourism industry has been contributing to promoting economic restructuring and on-site export; preserving and promoting the value of cultural heritage and natural resources. The tourism industry has created many jobs, improved people's lives as well as promoted the international integration process, promoting the image of the country and Vietnamese people. In particular, Da Nang is now considered a model with a breakthrough on the national tourism map, becoming a safe, friendly and attractive destination for world tourists. However, in the new context with changes in demand, tastes, market shifts and global tourism trends in the coming time... there will be no small challenges if Da Nang tourism does not have a breakthrough, even leading to the risk of falling behind.

When it comes to innovation, Singapore is a must-see. Its boundless creativity has helped the island nation of 6 million people attract 13.6 million international visitors in 2023. To explain this incredible achievement, we need to look back to the past to look at special milestones. For example, under Mr. Lee Hsien Loong, this small island nation opened two integrated casino resorts in 2010 to boost tourism. According to the Singapore Ministry of Trade and Industry, in 2019, these two resorts had a significant impact on economic development, contributing 1-2% to the annual gross domestic product (GDP). The number of tourists doubled to 19.1 million in a decade, as of 2019. Currently, the second phase of resort development is about to begin, with two major expansion projects with a total investment value of more than 10 billion Singapore dollars (equivalent to 7.4 billion USD). The casino part of the two resorts - the main source of income - will also be expanded. Along with that, Marina Bay Sands, famous for its ship-shaped rooftop garden spanning three skyscrapers, is expected to build a fourth hotel tower. Obviously, despite the impressive results of the tourism industry since the pandemic, Singapore is planning to invest heavily in infrastructure and tourism products. Looking at Da Nang, it is undeniable that the city of the Han River has been a place where "eagles" have nested and worked together for a long time, contributing greatly to creating competitive value for the tourism industry. With a launch pad from a series of special mechanisms and policies that have just been approved, especially the establishment of Vietnam's first free trade zone, Da Nang is expected to have key, focused investments to increase experiences, ready to compete with other destinations in the country and the region. According to experts, to turn danger into opportunity, to take the lead in the competition for global destinations, Da Nang needs a mechanism to attract investment resources, retain large investors with heart and strategic vision, thereby continuing to diversify tourism products, develop both quantity and quality, create high-class, unique, and exclusive tourism works and products to position the brand... "Recently, Da Nang has added many new products such as art shows, walking streets, night markets... Da Nang also has great potential to develop night-time economic complexes, associated with entertainment, cuisine, shopping... which without a suitable mechanism, it is very difficult to succeed". Associate Professor Dr. Pham Trung Luong, former Deputy Director of the Institute of Tourism Research affirmed.

Thanhnien.vn

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/du-lich-da-nang-tang-toc-chuan-bi-cho-cuoc-choi-moi-185240813141449898.htm