Danang seeks to boost nighttime tourism economy

Danang, a central coastal city, is on the lookout for nighttime products and services to revitalize its tourism sector post pandemic.

Authorities of Ngu Hanh Son district debuted the An Thuong pedestrian zone in late April, connecting with nighttime Dana beach coastal street. The zone offers entertainment and shopping experiences all day and night.

Danang kicked off the sea tourism season for 2022 at My An beach shortly after the An Thuong zone debut. The beach will offer mobile activities and services from 8 a.m. to midnight, including selling fast food, soft drinks, therapeutic massage services, and beach movies.

“After it opens, the My An night beach area will join with the An Thuong zone to form an open space, providing guests new experiences. Visitors can go to An Thuong after spending time at My An to further their cultural and culinary experiences,” said Nguyen Duc Vu, head of the management board of Son Tra Peninsula and Da Nang beaches.

Danang has recently made efforts to develop nighttime tourism products, enticing tourists to spend more time outdoors at night instead of going to bed early due to a shortage of leisure and entertainment services. However, the city still lacks outstanding nightlife locations and products to draw tourists.

Le Tan Thanh Tung, vice director of Vitraco tourism and transport company, said any nightime economy needs the participation of companies, but these are still struggling in restarting and revitalizing their services after Covid-induced impacts.

Moreover, companies are yet to be interested in joining the nightime tourism initiative as the number of tourists coming to the city remains small, Tung added.

According to Cao Tri Dung, chairman of Danang Tourism Association, the city sees the nighttime economy as a driving force for long-term sustainable growth. "However, the nighttime economy is still in its early stages of development."

Danang Department of Tourism stated that the municipal tourism sector will operate the pilot "Danang by Night" program, hosting entertainment events at My An night beach on a trial basis.

Furthermore, the city is undertaking the Bach Dang-Nguyen Van Troi bridge-Tran Hung Dao pedestrian street project phase 2 and the An Thuong tourism zone project. The reconstruction of Nguyen Van Troi bridge into a pedestrian bridge with services on both bridgeheads is also on track.

Tourism authorities have rallied tourism enterprises to increase service hours to better serve tourists. The city are concentrating its efforts on encouraging investment in four major product categories, namely retail, cuisine, entertainment-art, and sightseeing.

My An beach, located seven kilometers southeast of the city center, is considered one of Vietnam's most beautiful. Many visitors come here because it is a hub of resorts and world-class hotels with 5-star international standards and services, including Furama Resort, Lifestyle Resort, and Crowne Plaza Danang.

Danang's competitive economy has been bolstered by the city's numerous appealing features. The city is frequently referred to as the most livable in Vietnam, and it is located near several UNESCO world heritage sites, including Hoi An, Hue, and My Son Sanctuary.