What benefits does Da Nang enjoy after 8 years of "socializing" the international fireworks festival?

After 13 times of organizing and 8 years of "socializing" the international fireworks festival, what Da Nang has achieved is not only the "exclusive" brand of a world- class fireworks city.

From financial headaches

In March 2008, for the first time on the banks of the Han River, Da Nang residents and tourists eagerly approached a new concept right in Vietnam - a fireworks competition from the world's talents. The grand idea of a city of light for Da Nang nearly 20 years ago has given birth to a future that seems destined for Asia's top festival destination.

Da Nang City at night with fireworks. Photo: NAG Tran Ngoc Tien

But, soon after that came headaches for the local government. Each Fireworks Festival cost tens of billions of dong. Every year, that number increased. It was difficult to attract sponsors, ticket sales were not enough, even when there were partners, the city still had to support cash and take care of many behind-the-scenes tasks.

Many meetings took place. The festival was held year after year, and each season only had 2 performance nights. It was not until 2017 that the revolution really began with the idea of “socializing” the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival. The city handed over the entire competition to Sun Group – a name that identifies international-class projects built in the Han River city. The Da Nang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF) officially got a new look.

According to Mr. Nguyen Van Binh - Chairman of Sun Group in the Central region, if DIFF is considered a business activity, it will definitely "be a loss", and certainly no business will dare to do it. "But Sun Group still accompanies DIFF, because we determine that DIFF is for Da Nang, as a lever for Da Nang tourism and to beautify Da Nang - a city that Sun Group has been attached to like flesh and blood since the first days of the Group's establishment in Vietnam" - Mr. Binh once shared.

DIFF was upgraded after being invested by Sun Group. Photo: Sun Group

As a result, in the first year of “socializing” DIFF, the international fireworks festival was raised to a new level. DIFF 2017 extended the duration of the event from 2 days to 2 months, and the number of participating teams also increased to 8. As a result, a series of accompanying services such as hotel rooms, infrastructure, air tickets, etc. all “increased rapidly” due to the unprecedented number of people flocking to Da Nang.

According to statistics, the number of visitors to Da Nang in May 2017 increased by nearly 50% compared to 2016, of which international visitors increased by 81.2%. Along with DIFF 2017, a series of accompanying events turned Da Nang into the center of the summer tourist season. Total tourism revenue is estimated at 1,801,992 billion VND, up 48.8% compared to the same period in 2016.

Da Nang, from a headache of worrying about funding for the Fireworks Festival, has truly become a leading festival destination in Asia by "choosing the right person to entrust their gold" to a dedicated and visionary enterprise.

To the joy of no one

After being socialized, DIFF has not only affirmed the "exclusive" brand for the fireworks city of Da Nang, but also helped the city on the Han River enjoy "double benefits" from all socio-economic aspects.

DIFF 2024, Da Nang sets a record with 162 flights for the final night, an increase of more than 40% compared to normal days. In June 2024 - the peak month of DIFF 2024, the city's revenue from accommodation and food services is estimated at VND 2,523 billion, revenue from the accommodation sector is estimated at VND 973 billion; the food sector is estimated at VND 1,549 billion. These are truly dream numbers for any destination.

The exciting “Happy Fair” show on top of Ba Na. Photo: Sun Group

DIFF 2025 , although only having 2 competition nights, each competition night has welcomed about 70,000 visitors to accommodation establishments. Along with DIFF, Da Nang organizes a series of exciting festivals such as the Da Nang Enjoy Festival; art kite festival; passionate art shows day and night on top of Ba Na; entertainment experiences throughout the summer at Da Nang Downtown... All have created a youthful, vibrant Da Nang - the "capital" of summer tourism, a dream destination for domestic and international tourists.

The “After Glow” show attracts tourists to Ba Na this summer. Photo: Sun Group

“Among the fireworks festivals in Asia, DIFF is the most special event for us. Not only because of its scale but also because of the warmth here – friendly people, beautiful city and warm welcome. Here, we always feel like we are in our own homeland,” said Mr. Jaroslaw – captain of the Polish fireworks team.

Making Da Nang beautiful, DIFF also brings pride and many opportunities to the people of Da Nang. From 5-star hotels, Michelin restaurants, to small businesses..., all benefit from DIFF.

“I have been in the food business in Da Nang for 30 years. But in recent years, business has been much better. Every time there is a festival season, especially the fireworks festival, I can sell 2 or 3 times more than usual” – Ms. Phan Thuy Hien, a fast food business owner (16 Hung Vuong, Da Nang) shared.

According to taxi driver Pham Van Thang, every DIFF season, his car picks up passengers from morning until late at night without stopping. “I don’t even have time to eat. I’m very tired, but very happy, because the money I earn during the festival season is sometimes several times more than usual. And seeing so many passengers coming to Da Nang makes me very proud.”

Da Nang Downtown lit up at night. Photo: Sun Group

It can be seen that DIFF, with the determination of the government and strong investment from Sun Group, has not only raised the level of the destination, beautified and enriched the land of Da Nang, but also become a strong boost for the socio-economic development of the whole province.

According to Ms. Truong Thi Hong Hanh, Director of the Da Nang Department of Tourism, the cooperation of businesses with the city has created unique festivals and especially attractive tourism products. “These tourism products will contribute to the growth of tourists to the city and spread the brand of Da Nang, especially affirming the brand of Da Nang as the leading festival and event destination for Asians on the world tourism map” – Ms. Hanh affirmed.

diff.vn

Source: https://diff.vn/tin-da-nang/da-nang-huong-loi-gi-sau-8-nam-xa-hoi-hoa-le-hoi-phao-hoa-quoc-te/