Opportunities for Da Nang tourism

Da Nang is attractive to international tourist markets, including tourists from Muslim or Islamic countries (such as the Middle East, Malaysia, etc.). In the photo: Tourists from Muslim or Islamic countries coming to Da Nang in early 2025. Photo: NGOC HA

Large scale and potential

Recently, Halal tourism (meaning all services are friendly, suitable for the specific requirements of Islam) has emerged as a global trend, contributing significantly to the development of the tourism industry in many countries. It is estimated that there are about 1.9 billion Muslims worldwide and is forecast to reach nearly 2.2 billion by 2030, accounting for about 30% of the global population. With this number, by 2030, Halal tourism is estimated to contribute 334.5 billion USD to the world tourism industry.

Faced with this potential, many countries around the world have implemented policies to attract Muslim tourists. In Vietnam, on February 14, 2023, the Prime Minister approved the project "Strengthening international cooperation to build and develop Vietnam's Halal industry by 2030", creating a strong driving force for the development of the Halal industry. Da Nang City is aiming to build an image of a Muslim-friendly tourist destination. In the past 10 years, from the 5th Asian Beach Games (ABG5) in 2016 to the APEC Summit Week 2017, the Southeast Asian School Games 2024..., Da Nang City has had the opportunity to welcome and serve many Muslim guests.

According to statistics, in 2024, there will be more than 4 million international visitors to Da Nang, including Muslims from some countries such as India (nearly 200,000 people), Malaysia (more than 131,000 people), Indonesia (nearly 40,000 people), United Arab Emirates (UAE) (nearly 4,000 people), Iran (more than 2,600 people)... In the first 4 months of 2025, there were more than 3.5 million overnight guests, an increase of more than 18.6% over the same period last year, including more than 1.7 million international visitors, an increase of 43% over the same period. This result reflects the effectiveness of the strategy of promoting and expanding the market, while affirming the growing attraction of Da Nang to international tourist markets, including tourist markets from Muslim or Muslim countries (such as the Middle East, Malaysia...).

The city is currently promoting many new flight routes from CIS countries to Da Nang. Specifically, charter flights from Astana and Almaty (Kazakhstan) to Da Nang are operated by Crystal Bay, Rustar tour and Vietjet Air from April 2 to October 25, with a frequency of 4 flights/week; Anex tour and Azur Air from April 10 to October 17 with a frequency of 4 flights/week; Selfie Travel and Scat Airlines from April 10 with a frequency of 2 flights/week; charter flights to Tashkent (Uzbekistan) are operated by Centrum-Air Airways from April 27, with a frequency of 1 flight/week...

Opportunities for the tourism industry

According to the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Middle Eastern, CIS, and Muslim tourist markets not only diversify the market but also create momentum for the development of accompanying products and services. First of all, it helps to expand the promotion of Da Nang destination, expand the high-end, high-spending customer segment. Specifically, visitors from the Middle East, especially the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, etc., are often middle-class and upper-class, with high spending capacity for accommodation, high-end cuisine, shopping, resorts, and healthcare.

This is a source of visitors that helps Da Nang increase revenue without increasing the number of visitors too much. Second, increasing the demand for specialized tourism services, upgrading the overall quality. Serving Halal guests and guests from Muslim countries promotes the standardization of service quality according to international standards. This leads to a positive change in facilities, service processes, personnel training, and improving the competitiveness of Da Nang tourism in the region.

Third, gradually develop new routes. Emirates' routes from Dubai and charter flights from Kazakhstan (CIS) help Da Nang directly connect with distant markets that were once considered difficult to access. This is the foundation for increasing frequency and expanding the market share of visitors from Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia. Fourth, develop unique tourism products with little overlap.

Tourists from CIS and Eastern Europe enjoy exploring nature, beach resorts, spa services, and local culture. Middle Eastern tourists prefer privacy, high-end services, and special culinary experiences (Halal, non-alcoholic). This is an opportunity for Da Nang to design “tailored-for-you” products, avoiding direct competition with traditional markets such as Korea, China, and Japan.

In addition, the tourist season is extended, increasing year-round exploitation capacity. Markets such as the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Kazakhstan often travel in summer and winter, different from the peak season of Asian visitors. This helps Da Nang reduce seasonality, increase hotel room occupancy, and year-round tours. At the same time, attracting new international investment and cooperation when the number of visitors from Muslim and CIS markets increases, the demand for investment in Halal ecosystems, resort services, international schools, tourism medicine, luxury hotel chains, etc. also expands.

This is an opportunity for Da Nang to call on investors from the UAE, Türkiye, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, etc. to expand multi-sector economic and tourism cooperation; develop Halal-related industries: help attract industries such as food, cosmetics, education and training, certification consulting services, Islamic banking and financial services, etc.

NGOC HA

Source: https://baodanang.vn/kinhte/202505/co-hoi-cho-du-lich-da-nang-4007725/