The Business End

SINCE BECOMING ONE of five independent municipalities in Vietnam in 1997, Da Nang has strengthened its position as a major economic hub of the country’s central region – indeed, the province has a higher urbanisation ratio than any of Vietnam’s other regions or centrally governed cities.

“Together with various natural resources and peaceful living atmosphere, Da Nang is also equipped with modern and synchronised tourism infrastructure including sea ports, an international airport, and accommodation that meets international standards,” comments Nguyen.

Such infrastructure has helped to create economic opportunities, supported by the establishment of Hi- Tech parks and industrial zones.

Tourism is another industry on the up. According to figures cited by Mai, the sector contributes around 24.4 percent of gross regional domestic product, which amounted to $909 million last year. The industry is served by some 335 tour agencies and 747 accommodation facilities (33,665 rooms), 23 being five‐ star hotels or resorts.

A key priority for Mai is to boost the business travel segment, as the likes of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City dominate this subcategory at present. Cross-regional cooperation in tourism promotion is helping to bridge this gap, for example the ‘three province – on destination’ campaigns being collaborated on by Da Nang, Thua Thien Hue and Quang Nam.