Central region adapts tourism to downturn

      Unwilling to give in to the global economic crisis, central provinces are working hard to fully tap their advantages in tourism to stop their own market downturn.
Da Nang , one of the central region’s major tourist centres, has prioritised improving quality and reducing costs for tourist services.
The city, in the first two months of this year, saw its earnings from tourist services drop by 40 percent against the same period last year, said Director of the city’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ngo Quang Vinh.
Vinh said that in such an urgent situation, Da Nang has given the green light to eligible recreation spots to offer 24 hour services, formed a team of Cham ethnic dancers, and opened two more eco-tourist routes to the Son Tra peninsula.
The city has also launched a campaign to cut prices of tickets for tours to its landscapes and traditional art performances.
Vinh said his city pins a high hope on a number of attractive events, including the Quan The Am (Goddess of Mercy) festival and an international firework performance, to lure more tourists to the city this year.
Meanwhile, the ancient city of Hoi An is trying to draw more visitors by offering discounts on numerous tourist services.
Thua Thien-Hue province is spotlighting various traditional and folk festivals, such as the Hue Royal Festival, Nam Giao, and Dan Xa Tac ritual offerings, among others.
The province, together with Da Nang city and Quang Nam province, has launched the tourist programme “Three Localities – One Destination” and various tours to craft villages and local festivals.
Local travel agencies have also joined in the efforts. The Saigon Tourist’s Da Nang branch is prominent in attracting tourists, by offering lower costs for its tours. It has joined hands with local resorts and airlines in conducting a saving tourist programme, that started in February.
Also, the Vietnam Tourist Company (Vinatours), Da Nang branch, is offering new tours at preferential prices to resorts and tourist areas.
With a coastline of over 1,000km and various popular spots such as Phong Nha Ke Bang Cave, Bach Ma National Park, My Khe and Lang Co beaches and Nha Trang Bay – regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful bays – the central region is a high-potential tourist destination, attracting more than 1 million visitors every year. The region’s annual growth rate is an average of 17 percent.