Over the past year, Da Nang has welcomed an increased number of international air passengers, including world-famous figures arriving on their own private jets. 

A number of international VIP guests attended a world finance seminar entitled “Creative Connections” at the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort in mid-November 2013.  There were over 120 guests at the event, including the former British Prime Minister Mr Tony Blair, the former US Secretary of State Mr Colin Powell, along with dozens of billionaires from the Middle East, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines.  The seminar was hosted by the UK’s Standard Chartered Bank, one of the world’s largest banks for instalment payment services.

The private jets parked at the airport

At the beginning of the year, the resort was honoured to receive the Jewish-born American billionaire George Soros and his family who celebrated New Year in the city.  Other VIP guests in the city were an Arabian prince and many celebrities from the world of showbusiness.

Da Nang has clearly emerged as a friendly and safe destination for tourists, with top-class services available if required.

In 2013, Da Nang welcomed over 3.1 million visitors, an increase of 17.2% year-on-year, of which 750,000 were foreigners.  The number of tourists arriving in the city by air rose by 80% year-on-year and the airport averages 50 domestic and 6 international flights arriving in the city every day.   

This positive sign can be mainly attributed to the opening of new direct flights between Da Nang and several foreign countries.  The number of international routes increased by 8 during the year, and there are now a total of 4 scheduled and 12 charter international routes.

The InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort

Most notably, the opening of new direct flight routes from Seoul and Siem Reap early in July 2013 helped to bring more tourists to the city.

Over recent years, about 4 billion USD has been poured into Da Nang to build 5-star hotels and high-end resorts.  Da Nang currently has a total of 390 hotels and resorts, offering 13,634 rooms and apartments for visitors.  2,000 of the rooms meet 5-star hotel standards.  In 2013, 12 local 3 to 5 star hotels and resorts were operating, enjoying an average occupancy rate of 80%.  This proves that the city’s modern and improved infrastructure has satisfied even the most fastidious tourists.

The municipal People’s Committee Chairman, Mr Van Huu Chien, affirmed that the local authorities are making every effort to ensure that Da Nang becomes a green, clean and beautiful city.  This will help to open new opportunities for promoting the development of the local tourism sector - the city’s spearhead economic sector during this period of international integration.