Chinese tourists return in large numbers to Vietnam’s Da Nang after 5-year absence

In the mornings, the areas along the Han River, such as Bach Dang Street, are bustling with South Korean and Chinese visitors.

Truong Thi Hong Hanh, director of the Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said that prior to 2020, China was among the top source markets for Da Nang.

With a high frequency of flights and mostly group tours, Chinese tourists contributed significantly to the city's tourism revenue.

However, following the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of Chinese visitors to central Vietnam dropped sharply.

In response, the local tourism sector and airlines have been actively working to revive this market and bring Chinese tourists back.

A representative of a travel agency in Da Nang shared that Chinese tourists tend to spend generously, especially on food and shopping, making them an attractive market for tourism businesses.

"Some people say Chinese tourists can be noisy or leave litter, but I don't think it's a big issue. Every tourist market has its own characteristics. Tourists from some other countries can be much more demanding, bargaining prices to the extreme.

“Chinese tourists, on the other hand, are very generous. We hope to see more large tour groups from the world’s second most populous country," said the company’s representative.

A business owner on Cham Island off the coast of Da Nang recalled that before 2020, groups of Chinese tourists often visited the island and booked out entire eateries without negotiating prices.

“They love Vietnamese seafood. Wherever they go, locals selling clams, shrimp, and fish see their sales rise,” a local vendor added.

The decline in Chinese visitors over the past five years has significantly affected Da Nang’s tourism industry, forcing businesses to shift focus to other markets to fill the gap.

A turning point came in October when China Southern Airlines, which operates 330 routes across 40 countries, resumed its Shenzhen-Da Nang service.

The reopening was marked by a grand welcoming ceremony in Da Nang, highlighting the importance of this route.

According to the Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, this event was not just the launch of a flight but symbolized the return of Chinese tourists to the city.

“We’ve waited patiently for five years and eight months to welcome back China Southern Airlines.

“Thank you for choosing Da Nang as a key destination in your recovery and expansion plans,” said Ho The Anh, CEO of Da Nang International Terminal Investment and Operation Joint Stock Company, at the ceremony on October 2.

Tourism businesses in Da Nang said that after a long hibernation, many hotels and travel companies are now preparing for a potential boom in Chinese visitors.

With the merger of Da Nang and neighboring Quang Nam Province, organizing tours and travel experiences has become more seamless.

Mairehaba Yisilayili, a representative of China Southern Airlines, said that flights from China to Vietnam are consistently full, with Da Nang being a favorite destination for Chinese tourists due to its scenery, beaches, and famous attractions.

In addition to air travel, Da Nang has recently welcomed large Chinese tour groups arriving by cruise ships.

One such visit occurred on October 6, when 2,500 Chinese tourists arrived aboard the Adora Mediterranea, operated by Khang Huy Holiday Travel Co Ltd.

According to director of the Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Truong Thi Hong Hanh, the tourism sector will work with relevant stakeholders to improve service quality and develop attractive tourism products tailored to Chinese travelers.

Statistics show that in the past nine months, Vietnam welcomed over 15.4 million international visitors, with Chinese tourists leading the way at nearly four million, followed by visitors from South Korea.