1. 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), majorofficials 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, VicePresident of Danang’s People
Committee, stated that the seminar would continue to achieve notablesuccess likeits
precedents. Throughout theevent, keynote speakers would discuss thoroughlyabout the
strengths and weaknesses, as well as Danang’s potentialsin becoming the Center of
International Tourism and Service Industries. Also, participantsshallprovide effective solutions
to reinforce theexecutive management, improve key services along with building competency
for Danang so as to develop Danang into a prestigiousdestinationof significant importance to
thenational tourism industry.
Mr. Huynh Duc Tho,Vice President of Danang’s PeopleCommittee, during his opening speech.
During theone-day seminar, several critical issues were raised including: how spatialplanning
can help Danang become an international tourism destination;solutions to develop
destinationsfor foreigntourism in Danang; Bach Dang – 2035 Vision; Developing Danang into
a major regionaldestination; improving the trafficsystem in Danang to elevateinternational

2. tourism; Medicaltourism in Danang: an unexplored industry; a brief overview ofthe
entertainment industry in Vietnam and howto develop entertainment activitiesin Danang;
Building competencyfor Danang in particular and Central Vietnam in general; Danang’s
ambitionto become a highlycompetitiveinternationaltourism 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, thegovernors shouldidentifythecity’spositionin the
vast picture of regionaland international Tourism. Danang is undoubtedly an emerging citybut
is still lagging behindconcerning its internationaltourism industry. In fact,taking into account
its advantageouslocation(between Hue and HoiAn), Danang’s turnover rates by tourism
sectors is considerablylow. The questions remain: howto retain internationaltourists? How to
meet visitors’ demands for shopping and otherleisure activities?
The solutions for such issues, according to Mr. Tran Du Lich, is to offer a wider range of tourism
products that can competewith thoseof Hue, HoiAn, My Son etc. Also, spatialplanning
shouldbe more consistent with tourism development to complement to theoverall expansion
of thecity’stourism industry. More importantly,Danang’s governors shouldprovidea variety
of practicalsolutions to dealwith existing issues.
Architecture Robert Day (VicePresident, Directorof Planning & Landscape at WATG) stated
that Danang’s beautifullong beach plays an important role as it gives the citya distinctive
advantage.Danang is also surrounded byHoiAn, My Son, Hue, allare attractivedestinations
which can help draw more tourists to Danang with well-crafted strategy.
Mr. Robert Dayproposed that thereshouldbe an affordabletourism center integrated with
thelocalresidence. Around Danang port,thecity shouldinvest in shopping malls and
supermarkets for more convenience. As to Son Tra Peninsula, thecityshould develop a high-
end, distinguished resort along themountain. Especially,governors shouldinvest in
developing fine sidewalks along the beach and thelocalresidence to promoteleisure activities.
According to Mr. Peter R. Ryder, C.E.O of Indochina,it is advisablefor Danang cityto focus on
thefollowing issues for betterdevelopment:the orientationfor a sustainable development of
thetourism industry, specificallyimproving travelling and shopping experience to meet the
endless demands of visitors; opening flightsfrom Australia, North America, and Europeetc. to
diversify themarket and attract a wider range of tourists; Improving Visa application
procedure; extending theminimum length of stay for visitors; Enforcing personnel training to
maintain a high standardetc. /