The number of foreign tourist arrivals to the central city of Da Nang hit 58,525 over the recent Tet festival, a 23.7 percent increase compared with the same period last year , local media reported.
The Da Nang Today online, citing figures from the city’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said 8,400 of them arrived in the city by air, a 62.6 percent increase.
This was attributed to the various cultural events which were held during Tet along with the sparkling scene in the night and the beauty of the diversified colourful flowers across the city.
In addition, foreign guests were deeply impressed by the friendly local residents and the warm welcome of local tourism sector’s leaders.
During the festival, the city has also received an estimated 121,000 domestic visitors, a 21.8 percent rise compared with the same period last year.
In 2013, Da Nang’s tourism sector maintained stable growth, welcoming over 743,000 foreign tourists. Of the figure, 264,200 came through direct air routes, up 80 percent from the previous year, thanks to the presence of 16 air routes linking the city with foreign destinations.
The number of domestic holidaymakers exceeded 2.3 million, up 17 percent.
This year, the city plans to promote its tourism image in key foreign markets, including China, the Republic of Korea, Thailand, Russia and Japan, while luring holidaymakers from Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Can Tho and Hai Phong.
Furthermore, it will accelerate the establishment of the Da Nang Tourism Promotion Fund and increase regular flights from China, Thailand, Japan, the Republic of Korea and Russia to the city.