Connecting tourism and traditional craft villages in Da Nang.

DNO - Considered an attractive type of experience linked to local culture, craft village tourism has become one of the important pillars in Da Nang's tourism development strategy now and in the coming years, especially as the connectivity space has become wider and more convenient.

Foreign tourists visit Non Nuoc stone carving village. Photo: VINH LOC

The appeal of craft village tourism

Mr. Paul (a French tourist) intently observed the serene statue of the Goddess of Mercy in the garden of the Ut Lan Stone Sculpture Workshop (Ngu Hanh Son Ward). Under the afternoon sun, every detail of the statue became even more refined and exquisite. "A beautiful work of art. I think the artist who created it must be very talented," Mr. Paul remarked.

This was Paul and his family's first visit to Da Nang . During their stay, in addition to visiting Hoi An Ancient Town, he explored the surrounding traditional craft villages to better understand the local cultural values. Paul's story reflects the growing trend among international tourists towards experiential tourism linked to heritage sites and traditional craft villages.

Da Nang city currently has nearly 70 craft villages and traditional craft villages, along with about 3,000 craft establishments; many of which have become famous tourist destinations such as: Non Nuoc stone carving village, Nam O fish sauce village, Thanh Ha pottery village, Tra Que vegetable village, Kim Bong carpentry village…

Each year, Da Nang's craft villages and establishments welcome millions of visitors, mostly international tourists. Although there are no specific statistics, it is estimated that the number of tourists visiting craft villages will account for approximately 20% of the total number of tourists visiting Da Nang in 2025.

For example, Thanh Ha pottery village is expected to welcome over 251,000 visitors who purchase tickets in 2025. Similarly, Non Nuoc stone carving village is expected to welcome approximately 200,000 visitors out of a total of nearly 2 million visitors to the Marble Mountains.

Tra Que vegetable village has become a favorite destination for international tourists. Photo: VINH LOC

It is evident that most craft villages in Da Nang possess very distinctive and unique values. Effective tourism development will contribute to achieving a dual objective: both preserving and promoting the value of craft villages and boosting the local market for their products.

In fact, over the past period, the tourism industry and localities have been determined to achieve this goal, as evidenced by planning, investment in infrastructure, services, and products associated with well-structured and professional experiential itineraries and tours…

However, the effectiveness of tourism development in some craft villages in the city is still not commensurate with their inherent potential and advantages. The main reason is that the products lack novelty and are repetitive, even very similar, such as pottery, wood products, and mat weaving, preventing Da Nang's craft village tourism from creating a distinctive identity to attract visitors.

Connecting tourism spaces

In the context of the post-merger era, the city's tourism space has expanded significantly. Connecting Da Nang's craft villages offers the expectation of creating distinctive tour packages that are competitive enough to retain tourists for longer periods.

According to Mr. Pham Vu Dung, Director of Hoa Hong Tourism and Service Company Limited, connecting craft villages is an essential requirement to create a chain of distinctive, large-scale products, avoiding fragmented development. At the same time, this is also a way to better preserve and promote the value of craft villages.

“Connecting craft villages is not only a solution for tourism development, but also a way to tell the story of the history, people, and culture of a coastal city, a unique heritage. When craft villages are properly connected, tourists will have more choices for experiences, increasing their length of stay; creating momentum to promote the effective preservation and development of craft villages; contributing to creating livelihoods and income for people so they can make a living from their craft,” Mr. Pham Vu Dung analyzed.

Recently, the Quang Nam Destination Club, in collaboration with the Da Nang Tourism Promotion Center, conducted a survey of traditional craft villages surrounding the ancient town of Hoi An. The aim is to connect these craft villages and create themed tours to cater to international tourist groups such as MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) and cruise ship passengers.

Tourists experience the local culture at Thanh Ha pottery village. Photo: VINH LOC

Mr. Van Ba ​​Son, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Da Nang city, said that connecting craft villages within the new city space is an important direction to create attractive tour routes associated with sustainable tourism development.

Traditional craft villages will be connected based on their distinctive cultural, historical, spatial, and product values. Tourists will not only be able to observe and experience the craft but also immerse themselves in it through community-based accommodation activities.

However, to achieve this goal, in addition to systematic planning, the support of businesses and the active participation of the community are also necessary. Only then can the network of craft villages become a pillar for Da Nang tourism in its new development phase, ensuring sustainability, distinctiveness, and rich cultural identity.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/ket-noi-du-lich-lang-nghe-da-nang-3321080.html