Developing Danang into the Center of International Tourism and Service Industries 17:58 | Oct 25th, 2014

On October 25th, Danang’s People Committee held the seminar “Developing Danang into the

Center of International Tourism and Service Industries” with the participation of over 300 guests

from various national ministries and organizations (The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism,

Vietnam Institute of Economics etc), major officials from Central Vietnam and Tay Nguyen,

leading experts and researchers, interested investors along with representatives from renowned

corporations throughout Vietnam and overseas.

During his opening speech, Mr. Huynh Duc Tho, Vice President of Danang’s People

Committee, stated that the seminar would continue to achieve notable success like its

precedents. Throughout the event, keynote speakers would discuss thoroughly about the

strengths and weaknesses, as well as Danang’s potentials in becoming the Center of

International Tourism and Service Industries. Also, participants shall provide effective solutions

to reinforce the executive management, improve key services along with building competency

for Danang so as to develop Danang into a prestigious destination of significant importance to

the national tourism industry.

Mr. Huynh Duc Tho, Vice President of Danang’s People Committee, during his opening speech.

During the one-day seminar, several critical issues were raised including: how spatial planning

can help Danang become an international tourism destination; solutions to develop

destinations for foreign tourism in Danang; Bach Dang – 2035 Vision; Developing Danang into

a major regional destination; improving the traffic system in Danang to elevate international

tourism; Medical tourism in Danang: an unexplored industry; a brief overview of the

entertainment industry in Vietnam and how to develop entertainment activities in Danang;

Building competency for Danang in particular and Central Vietnam in general; Danang’s

ambition to become a highly competitive international tourism center etc.

According to Mr. Tran Du Lich, M.A, a well-established economist, in order to develop Danang

into the center of International Tourism, the governors should identify the city’s position in the

vast picture of regional and international Tourism. Danang is undoubtedly an emerging city but

is still lagging behind concerning its international tourism industry. In fact, taking into account

its advantageous location (between Hue and Hoi An), Danang’s turnover rates by tourism

sectors is considerably low. The questions remain: how to retain international tourists? How to

meet visitors’ demands for shopping and other leisure activities?

The solutions for such issues, according to Mr. Tran Du Lich, is to offer a wider range of tourism

products that can compete with those of Hue, Hoi An, My Son etc. Also, spatial planning

should be more consistent with tourism development to complement to the overall expansion

of the city’s tourism industry. More importantly, Danang’s governors should provide a variety

of practical solutions to deal with existing issues.

Architecture Robert Day (Vice President, Director of Planning & Landscape at WATG) stated

that Danang’s beautiful long beach plays an important role as it gives the city a distinctive

advantage. Danang is also surrounded by Hoi An, My Son, Hue, all are attractive destinations

which can help draw more tourists to Danang with well-crafted strategy.

Mr. Robert Day proposed that there should be an affordable tourism center integrated with

the local residence. Around Danang port, the city should invest in shopping malls and

supermarkets for more convenience. As to Son Tra Peninsula, the city should develop a high-

end, distinguished resort along the mountain. Especially, governors should invest in

developing fine sidewalks along the beach and the local residence to promote leisure activities.

According to Mr. Peter R. Ryder, C.E.O of Indochina, it is advisable for Danang city to focus on

the following issues for better development: the orientation for a sustainable development of

the tourism industry, specifically improving travelling and shopping experience to meet the

endless demands of visitors; opening flights from Australia, North America, and Europe etc. to

diversify the market and attract a wider range of tourists; Improving Visa application

procedure; extending the minimum length of stay for visitors; Enforcing personnel training to

maintain a high standard etc. /