In Da Nang, tourism and transportation are both spearheads that the city focuses on developing in the coming time.
For the tourism , on October 19, 2022, the People's Committee of Da Nang City issued Decision No. 2726/QD-UBND on promulgating the Project "Orientation for tourism development in Da Nang city until 2030, vision to 2045". According to the project, the city will allocate space for tourism development, develop road, air, sea, waterway, railway, telecommunications infrastructure and electricity and water systems, waste collection and treatment. At the same time, promote the implementation of digital transformation in tourism activities, develop tourism products and tourism markets, develop tourism investment resources and human resources. In addition, the city also focuses on building solutions to apply information technology to state management and organization of tourism activities, smart tourism monitoring systems, electronic trading floors and in tourism activities, business activities, administration and customer service organization. Along with that are solutions to develop tourism culture, develop policies to develop tourism, planning and investment, manage infrastructure, and link and cooperate in tourism development. At the same time, the city prioritizes public investment capital to deploy infrastructure investment items to serve tourism, combining tourism and people's livelihoods, combining the development of other economic sectors.
For the logistics, on May 9, 2023, the City People's Committee issued Decision No. 940/QD-UBND approving the Project "Developing logistics services in Da Nang city to effectively connect with the key economic region Central region and the East - West Economic Corridor for the period 2021 - 2030, vision to 2050". The overall goal by 2030 is to develop Da Nang city into a highly attractive logistics center, strongly attracting appropriate investors to perfect logistics infrastructure and ensure human resources. and specialized skills to ensure good operation of a dynamic logistics system, centered on the Central Key Economic Region, in which Da Nang seaport and Da Nang international airport (Da Nang International Airport) are gateways forwarding and transporting with localities, with countries in the ASEAN region and worldwide. By 2050, the city aims to build a modern logistics system with a clear structure and complete infrastructure to meet international logistics service quality requirements, becoming an important link in the Asia-Pacific transport corridor.
Focusing on attracting investment in the transportation will create momentum for the development of the tourism.
1. Invest in Da Nang International Airport to expand the tourist market and create opportunities to develop new tourism products
Da Nang is the only representative of Vietnam to be honored at The World's Best Airports of 2023 by Skytrax, an international air transport ranking organization. The two categories in which Da Nang was mentioned were Most Improved Airport in the World (ranked 3rd) and Best Regional Airport in Asia (ranked 10th). By 2024, according to the rankings of world airports recently announced by Skytrax, Da Nang International Airport will continue to be in the Top 100 best airports in the world. Thus, Da Nang International Airport has been contributing very positively to Da Nang tourism development, and gradually affirming its position on the international tourist airport map.
Currently, the designed terminal capacity of Da Nang International Airport is 10 million passengers/year, of which domestic terminal T1 is 06 million passengers/year, international terminal T2 is 04 million passengers/year. However, with the current status of the number of tourists coming to the city (in 2019 before the COVID-19 epidemic, it reached nearly 09 million, in 2022 and 2023 after COVID-19 recovery, it reached nearly 08 million) and there is an increasing trend, the current capacity of Da Nang International Airport will soon be overloaded. Therefore, investing in expanding Da Nang International Airport is extremely necessary.
Two projects to improve passenger service capacity that are calling for investment in the near future at Da Nang International Airport include:
- Expanding Passenger Terminal T1: increasing capacity to 10 million passengers/year, project implementation period: 2024-2026.
- Construction of Passenger Terminal T3: reaching capacity of 15 million passengers/year, project implementation period: 2030-2034.
The expansion of the airport not only meets the increasing demand for tourist service but also expands the market, expands the customer base and expands the consumption market for tourism products.
Da Nang International Airport (source: the Internet)
In fact, some direct international routes to Da Nang up to now include: Narita (Japan), Incheon (Korea), Busan (Korea), Daegu (Korea), Cheongju (Korea). China), Muan (South Korea), Taipei, Kaohsiung, Macau, Hong Kong (China), Singapore, Bangkok (Thailand), Chiangmai (Thailand), Siem Reap (Cambodia), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) , Manila (Philippines). If the passenger terminal project is expanded and newly built, it will create favorable conditions to diversify and increase the frequency of direct international flights to Da Nang city. These markets will contribute to the creation of new tourism products because these are also the markets that consume new tourism products.
For example, recently, India has been a potential market for Da Nang tourism. Direct flights Da Nang - Delhi and Da Nang - Mumbai (put into use in 2023, currently not being continued to operate) have contributed to bringing many Indian tourists to the city. In 2023, Indian tourists account for 4.4% of the number of foreign visitors staying in the city and Da Nang has reached the top of "Most searched destination in India" voted by Skyscanner India. Da Nang city's wedding tourism product also develops to meet the needs of this market. Notably, in January 2023, an Indian billionaire family chose Da Nang as the location to hold a wedding for their children, with a delegation of 350 guests and more than 100 event staff and chefs from India. Luxury to serve the wedding within 5 days. After that, Da Nang continued to welcome 2 more Indian couples to hold weddings with more than 400 guests, using more than 650 rooms at 5-star resorts.
2. Convert Tien Sa Port into a tourist port after Lien Chieu Port comes into operation
Lien Chieu Port investment project has an estimated area of 288.33 hectares. The overall investment project is divided into 2 component projects, including: Component project 1 (Component A) Shared infrastructure construction of 920m of breakwaters in series with 1,070m of breakwaters under development construction declaration; Construction of shipping channels, turning basins, and connecting water areas to accommodate ships up to 200 thousand tons; Invest in a transportation system connecting wharves; Invest in a liquid cargo terminal (can dock on both sides) to serve the relocation of petroleum terminals in Lien Chieu Bay.
For Project Component 2 (Component B) includes ports and seaport infrastructure, including 8 container wharves, total wharf length of 2,750m for ships from 50 thousand tons to 200 thousand tons; 6 general and bulk cargo berths with a berth length of 1,550m can receive ships from 50 thousand tons to 100 thousand tons; The wharf for inland waterway ships has a wharf length of 1,230m, receiving ships up to 5 thousand tons. Meanwhile, the rear of the port is synchronously invested in warehouses, port yards, and other auxiliary works such as executive offices, service houses, repair workshops, technical infrastructure and equipment to ensure safety. port exploitation activities.
Putting Lien Chieu Port into operation soon will create conditions for converting the entire Tien Sa Port into a specialized port serving tourism. Currently, Tien Sa Port is a natural deep-water seaport, with a maximum water depth of 12m, wharf length of 1,205 meters, including 2 overhangs, 1 specialized onshore bridge for container exploitation and embankment. Tien Sa Port is capable of receiving general cargo ships of up to 40,000 DWT, container ships of up to 2,000 teus and passenger ships of up to 75,000 GRT.
In 2023, Da Nang city will welcome 22 cruise ships with more than 18,000 passengers. According to the plans of shipping companies, in the first 3 months of 2024 there will be nearly 20 cruise ships, bringing nearly 20,000 visitors to visit and experience the city from the UK, US, Germany, China markets... Cruise lines that regularly bring guests to Da Nang include: Seabourn Encore, Aidabella, Azamara Journey, Zuiderdam, Resorts World One, Seabourn Odyssey, Aztania, Westerdam, Viking Cruise (Zhao Shang Yi Dun), Dream Cruise, etc.
International cruise ship docking at Tien Sa Port (source: the Internet)
According to the Vietnam Maritime Administration, in the "Vietnam Maritime Strategy to 2020" approved in Central Resolution 4, session 9, the goal of building Vietnam into a strong maritime country, developing economic socio-economic conditions in coastal areas, promoting the development of the marine tourism industry. According to Decision No. 2190/QD-TTg of the Prime Minister approving Vietnam's seaport planning to 2020 and orientation to 2030, it is stated: Investment in ports and tourist wharfs with existing passenger terminals. meeting international standards, receiving and serving international tourist ships of up to 100,000 DWT at major tourist centers." However, investing in building a tourist seaport requires synchronous infrastructure, services, and huge investment capital, and in Vietnam there is no dedicated tourist seaport, the tourist port is still combined with a cargo port. production, leading to limited quality of tourist service.
Therefore, the step of Da Nang city to turn Tien Sa Port into a specialized tourism port will be the right step to exploit the cruise tourism market because Da Nang is considered a convenient destination for tourists. international shipping line because it is located on an important maritime traffic route in Asia, suitable for the route connecting cruise lines in the region and the world. In addition, cruise tourists are high-spending customers and are an important source of visitors to the city's tourism industry.
3. Along with the seaport, Da Nang promotes investment in developing inland waterway ports to develop tourism
The potential for developing economic waterway tourism in Da Nang city is very large; with a 63.2km long river system including 7 rivers, including 19.9km of national inland waterways including Han River, Vinh Dien River and 43.3km of local inland waterways including Cu De River, Cam Le River , Tuy Loan River, Yen River, Qua Giang River.
In particular, the Han River flowing through the city center has the ability to exploit inland waterway tourism and connect to the sea, connecting with Hoi An (Quang Nam province) via Co Co River. At the same time, expand the waterway from Da Nang Bay to connect with Cu Lao Cham (Quang Nam) and Ly Son Island (Quang Ngai). Along the banks of the Han River are important places, including many historical and cultural relics and modern works.
According to a report from the Da Nang Department of Tourism, in recent times the unit has coordinated with the People's Committees of districts to preside over the implementation of projects to form inland waterway tourism products in the area, thereby creating momentum. to develop this tourism industry in the coming time. By 2023, the city has 19 businesses with a total of 26 cruise ships qualified to operate from 30 -100 seats or more with a total capacity of more than 2,000 seats. The number of waterway tourists in 2019 reached 726,472; In 2022, there will be 353,000 visitors, an increase of 11.6 times over the same period in 2021, reaching 48% compared to 2019.
Therefore, to develop waterway tourism in Da Nang, in December 2023, the People's Committee of Da Nang city approved the Project to develop inland waterway tourism in Da Nang city until 2030, with a vision to 2045, Planning and developing 09 inland waterway transport routes to serve tourism. Specifically, the Han River - Tran Thi Ly bridge route (4km); Han River - estuary - Son Tra Peninsula (8km); Han River - Chao Island; Han River - Cu Lao Cham (50km); Han River - Ngu Hanh Son (13.5km); Han River - Cam Le - Tuy Loan - Thai Lai (20.2km); Cu De - Truong Dinh river (10.4km); Han River - Vinh Dien (15.2km) and Son Tra Peninsula area route. In the immediate future, Da Nang city has a plan to implement the project to develop inland waterway tourism in Da Nang city for the period 2024-2025, focusing on 4 main routes in a feasible direction to organize activities and services into the board. day/night, including: Han River - Tran Thi Ly; Han River - Co Co; CT15 – Hon Sup, Bai Nam, Bai Da; Route from shore to island: Da Nang - Cu Lao Cham (after permission); At the same time, connect and deploy the Han River route to Da Nang Bay soon, with 6 key task groups including: Management and investment in tourism development of routes; Policy mechanisms; Training human resources, ensuring service quality; Ensuring safety and security, ensuring waterway tourism environment; Promote and promote products to serve tourists; and Application of information technology and digital transformation. The goal for the period 2024-2025 is to attract inland waterway tourists expected to reach 12% of the total number of tourists served by accommodation establishments. The city will continue to invest in perfecting Song Han port into a main port serving tourism meeting international standards; Invest in synchronous construction of inland waterway wharfs to serve as departure and arrival wharves on waterways; Infrastructure planning, development of diverse types of high-speed boats, tourist accommodation ships, and yachts. Expanding the exploitation of waterways connecting with localities in the Central region; Strongly develop types of tourist boats, personal yachts and high-speed boats.
An inland waterway wharf at Nguyen Van Troi bridge area (source: the Internet)
In general, Da Nang city's investment in inland waterway wharves is correct and in line with international trends, creating conditions for connection between sea tourism and inland waterway tourism. In countries that strongly develop waterway tourism such as Singapore, Italy, France, America... all focus on exploiting typical types such as yachts, restaurant ships, accommodation ships, sailboat. Most riverside or seaside urban areas are strongly developing yachts, accommodation boats, and personal yachts; At the same time, we focus on investing in ports and wharfs on inland waterways near tourist destinations.
4. Relocation of Da Nang Railway Station - promoting rail tourism exploitation
Resolution 178/2023 of the Government promulgating the Government's Action Program to implement Conclusion No. 49-kl/tw dated February 28, 2023 of the Politburo on orientations for the development of Vietnam's railway transport By 2030, with a vision to 2045, the content of moving Da Nang railway station out of the city center is not specifically mentioned. This resolution only mentions upgrading and renovating the Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh City railway line in the period 2030 and after 2030.
However, moving Da Nang Station out of the city center is necessary for reconstruction, urban beautification and population redistribution. The land area of the current Da Nang railway station area (more than 113,000 m2), can be renovated into a traffic hub combining trade and services. Da Nang is currently proposing two options to relocate the current railway station. Option 1 is to relocate the entire Da Nang station (freight station, passenger station) and auxiliary works to Kim Lien station area (Lien Chieu district), upgrade Kim Lien station into a section station (mixed station). with a scale of 350,000 tons of goods/year and 1.5 million passengers/year by 2030; Then by 2050, move the passenger station to a location in Hoa Son commune, Hoa Vang district, upgrade Kim Lien station into a cargo station serving Lien Chieu seaport. Option 2, Da Nang proposes to relocate the freight station, auxiliary works and railway agencies to Kim Lien station; As for the passenger station, it will be relocated to a new, convenient location along the existing North-South railway line; By 2050, continue to upgrade and renovate Kim Lien station similar to option 1.
Relocating the railway station means building a new one and upgrading the quality of customer service at the station, opening up great potential for developing railway tourism. Besides effectively exploiting the number of passengers traveling by rail to Da Nang, the exploitation of rail tourism also lies in the exploitation of the "Central Heritage Connection" Train.
British site The Guardian has just announced the top 10 most attractive roads in the world, including Hai Van Pass. The Hai Van railway is said to be the most beautiful train route in Vietnam, winding along the mountainside, passing through 6 tunnels and 18 bridges, of which the shortest tunnel is 85m, the longest tunnel is 600m. The train passes through Hai Van Pass with beautiful natural scenery. The romantic image of the train crossing Hai Van became the inspiration for the late famous Vietnamese musician Phan Lac Hoa to write the song about that.
Hai Van Railway (source: the Internet)
Vietnam Railways Corporation organizes 2 pairs of trains with numbers HD1/2 and HD3/4 between Hue - Da Nang. In Hue, train HD1 departs at Hue station at 7:45 a.m., arriving at Da Nang station at 10:35 a.m.; Train HD3 departs from Hue station at 2:25 p.m., arriving in Da Nang at 5:40 p.m. In Da Nang, train HD2 departs from Da Nang station at 7:50 a.m. and arrives at Hue station at 11:05 a.m.; Train HD4 departs from Da Nang station at 3:00 p.m. and arrives at Hue station at 5:45 p.m.
Experience the Train "Connecting Central Heritage" (source: the Internet)
5. Potential for developing road tourism along the East-West Economic Corridor route in the future
The East-West Economic Corridor (EWEC) creates conditions for countries in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) including: Laos, Thailand, Myanmar and Vietnam to further strengthen economic cooperation to Promote trade exchange, investment and development between countries, reduce the cost of circulating goods and passengers in the corridor area, and contribute to supporting the development of industry, agriculture and tourism. Therefore, the Institute of Transport Strategy and Development determined that Da Nang has a particularly favorable geographical location and is one of the most important gateways towards the sea of the East - West economic corridor.
(Source: Le The Gioi, Cao Tri Dung - 2019, Developing road tourism on the East-West Economic Corridor: practical approach and policy implications, Journal of Economic Sciences - No. 7(01) - 2019)
It can be seen that currently the number of international visitors to Da Nang through the East-West Economic Corridor is the highest, mainly from the Thai and Laos markets. In the coming time, with upgrading, investing in developing this route and creating suitable tourism products, Da Nang will have many advantages in road tourism from the East-West Economic Corridor route.
With investment in synchronous development of transportation infrastructure, Da Nang tourism will have breakthrough and sustainable development.
Duy Hoa
