Da Nang expands capacity to serve Middle Eastern, CIS and Muslim tourist markets

In the context of Da Nang City and Quang Nam Province merging, the government and tourism businesses are focusing on expanding and improving the capacity to serve tourists - especially potential markets such as the Middle East, CIS countries (Commonwealth of Independent States) and Muslim tourists.

Taking advantage of its strengths in tourism resources, increasingly synchronous infrastructure and sustainable development orientation, Da Nang is gradually perfecting its service ecosystem and facilities to suit the needs and cultural characteristics of diverse international tourist groups.

Synchronous tourism infrastructure, carefully prepared to welcome new wave of visitors

According to the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Da Nang City, as of May 2025, the city has about 1,290 tourist accommodation establishments with 46,456 rooms, of which 111 establishments meet 4-5 star standards and equivalent (71 establishments have been officially ranked). Many high-end hotels with international brands such as InterContinental, Hyatt, Sheraton, Marriott... are in operation, managed by leading hotel groups such as IHG, Accor, Hilton.

Regarding travel services, the city has 563 operating units, including 343 international travel companies. Currently, many companies specializing in receiving CIS guests (from Khanh Hoa and Hanoi ) have opened representative offices in Da Nang, such as Crystal Bay, Anex, Rusta, Fun & Sun, Amega, Selfie Travel Vietnam. More than 6,400 tour guides, of which more than 4,600 are international guides (75 people use English), create an abundant human resource, ready to serve international tourists.

In addition, the city also has 16 tourist areas and destinations, with prominent landmarks such as Sun World Ba Na Hills, Nui Than Tai Hot Spring Park or Hoang Sa Exhibition House. For transportation, there are more than 1,600 tourist vehicles from 600 specialized transportation units, ensuring convenient travel.

As of May 2025, Da Nang City has about 1,290 tourist accommodation establishments with 46,456 rooms, of which 111 establishments meet 4-5 star standards and equivalent.

Regarding unique experiences such as golf tourism - a favorite product of Middle Eastern tourists - Da Nang currently has 3 international standard golf courses, recording more than 171,200 plays in 2024, a sharp increase compared to the previous year.

The culinary system is also being prepared to better serve the Muslim market. Throughout the city, there are more than 30 restaurants and eateries serving Halal, Indian, or menus suitable for Muslim diners. Some locations have been granted Halal certification such as Sun World Ba Na Hills restaurant, Halal Indrapura... In addition, more than 20 establishments specializing in vegetarian cuisine (vegan, vegetarian) are also highly appreciated by international tourists.

Muslim-friendly orientation and increased access to potential markets

The administrative expansion - the merger of Da Nang and Quang Nam - not only increases the scale of infrastructure (2 international airports, 3 seaports, 3 UNESCO heritages...) but also creates the opportunity to form a comprehensive tourism ecosystem, combining the strengths of beach resorts and historical culture. In particular, the standardization of services and facilities according to Halal standards is a strategic step to approach the potential Muslim tourist market.

According to TCVN 14230:2024 - the national standard on Muslim-friendly tourism services, accommodation establishments are recommended to adjust as follows:

In the bedroom: No alcoholic beverages, ensure hygiene, have clear kiblat direction, copy of Quran, prayer mat.

In the kitchen - restaurant area: Must have a Halal certified kitchen; during Ramadan, provide special catering services such as sahur and iftar.

In public areas: Arrange separate prayer places for men and women, with purification equipment (wudhu'), good ventilation, provide prayer clothes if requested.

In addition, tourism service businesses are also recommended to: Train staff: Raise awareness of Islamic culture, from communication (greeting with the right hand, avoiding shaking hands with women...) to living habits (praying 5 times/day, fasting during Ramadan). Use multiple languages: Print information, signs, documents in Arabic, Russian...

Prepare appropriate facilities: Invest in modern toilets and clean hand washing areas at restaurants and hotels. Focus on Halal food: Apply TCVN 12944:2020 to ensure that processing, ingredients, and preservation processes meet standards. Coordinate with reputable consulting units to receive guidance on kitchen design, chef selection, and staff training in accordance with regulations.

Some typical notes when interacting with Middle Eastern and CIS tourists are also recommended: giving gifts such as perfume, candy, dates; avoiding pressure during negotiations; preparing flexible hours and respecting their meeting culture.

Some restaurants have been certified Halal such as Sun World Bana Hills restaurant, Halal Indrapura...

Towards a diverse - friendly - professional destination

With the orientation of developing the (new) city of Da Nang into an international tourism center of the region, activities to improve service quality are being strongly implemented, along with in-depth research on the characteristics of each target market.

Effectively exploiting the group of visitors from the Middle East, CIS countries and the global Muslim community not only opens up growth opportunities for the tourism industry but also contributes to promoting cultural exchange, enhancing the position of Da Nang on the international tourism map.

In the context of fierce competition in the region, methodical steps and careful preparation in terms of infrastructure, human resources and policies are helping Da Nang move closer to its goal of becoming the leading friendly, diverse and attractive destination in Southeast Asia.

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/da-nang-mo-rong-nang-luc-phuc-vu-thi-truong-khach-trung-dong-cis-va-du-khach-theo-dao-hoi-20250528092234198.htm