Published:  13:42 Thursday - November 17, 2016

The number of visitors to the Central city of Da Nang in 2016 is expected to reach 5.51 million, up 17.7% compared with 2015 and exceeding the projected figure by 7.2%, according to the municipal tourism department.

Foreign arrivals are estimated to increase by 31.6% to about 1.66 million, while domestic tourists are also up by 12.5%.

The sector has created jobs for about 27,000 people and generated revenues worth an estimated VND16 trillion (US$720 million), a year-on-year rise of 24.7%.

Such positive figures come as a result of the city’s campaigns to promote its image, an endeavour to open new flight routes connecting the city with Bangkok and Taiwan, China and the efforts of the city’s tourist support centre.

Da Nang has also worked with the provinces of Thua Thien-Hue and Quang Nam and travel agencies to diversify tour packages, and with the EU to enhance the capacity of its tourism staff.

In addition, CCTV cameras have been installed throughout the city to ensure a safe environment for tourists.

Last month, Da Nang was named Asia’s leading festival and event destination at the World Travel Awards ceremony.

The city has set a target of attracting 6.1 million visitors in 2017, including 1.9 million foreign tourists, by stepping up its promotion programmes in key markets in East Asia and Southeast Asia and expanding to new markets in Europe and North America, as well as India.

Da Nang’s tourism sector in 2017 is also expected to be buoyed by its hosting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit and the annual firework festival.