Da Nang Boosts MICE Tourism

The previous years, developing MICE tourism was concentrated in the nearby markets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Tour operators in Ho Chi Minh City usually chose Nha Trang or Vung Tau, while tour operators in Hanoi selected its neighbouring provinces. But the current popular choice for MICE is Da Nang because Da Nang lies between the two economic, cultural centres. In addition, Da Nang has favourable infrastructure facilities and modern sea port, international airport as well as good accommodation.

 

Speaking at the conference in Hanoi, Nguyen Anh Tuan, Deputy Director of Travel Department of Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) said that since 2010, VNAT has determined that Da Nang has geographical advantage to develop MICE tourism.

 

Recently, tourism in Da Nang has developed though heavily influenced by seasonal factors. Therefore, MICE tourism will remedy this situation. However, in order to develop this type of tourism, besides infrastructure, tourism agencies should promote the training of human resources.

 

At the same point of view, Mr Jackie Han, Event Director of Hoa Binh Tourist & Convention also said that to develop MICE into a vital industry in the province, Da Nang needs to strengthen human resources in MICE tourism sector. This is a new area so Da Nang has not been proactive in high quality and well-trained human resources in organising conferences. Many companies specializing in MICE tourism have to rent or bring tour guide teams from other areas. This has affected the profession, increased the cost and reduced the reliability of the customer.

 

Additionally, to better develop MICE tourism market in Da Nang, the delegates at the conference said, “Da Nang needs to open more regular direct flights from many important MICE markets such as China, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Australia, build more 3-4 star resorts along the coast, and night entertainment districts to meet the different needs of the MICE audience."

 

According to Nguyen Xuan Binh, Director of Da Nang Tourism Promotion Centre, Da Nang now has to invest in upgrading infrastructure, in particular, the international airport of Da Nang with 8 domestic routes and 20 international routes; international seaport to welcome more than 700,000 visitors annually; 377 accommodation establishments with nearly 10 five star hotels, and more than 300 standard restaurants. The city is building shopping streets dedicated to serving tourists. Many of the night entertainment areas are also being built to turn Da Nang into attractive destination not only in daytime but also at night.

 

Assessing the potential of MICE tourism in Da Nang, Mr Jackie Han said that Da Nang is one of localities having most advantageous for MICE tourism. With the advantage of sea travel, good infrastructure, and in particular the determination of the provincial investment, Da Nang will become a destination for conference tourism in the future.