DANANG, 20 November 2018: Danang needs to offer international cruise lines a dedicated cruise port and terminal to capitalise on the growth of cruise tourism in the region.
The observations were made during a conference, late last week, attended by representatives from the city, Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, Vietnam Tourism Association, cruise lines and travel agents.
Danang is emerging as a cruise destination thanks to its location near UNESCO World Heritage sites and on sea routes from Singapore to Hong Kong.
Tourists from Australia, China, Germany, Spain and the UK have visited Danang city and the central highlands region on cruise lines such as Star Cruises, Costa Cruises, AIDA Cruises, Dream Cruises and Holland America .
According to government statistics in 2012, 57 foreign cruise ships docked at Danang’s commercial port, bringing with them 52,570 tourists.
Five years later, the city welcomed nearly 87,800 tourists on 74 cruise ships. During the first nine months of 2018, Tien Sa port accommodated 75 ships with 94,000 visitors, an increase of 25 cruise ships and a 62% increase in visitors.
However, Danang city could lose out on cruise tourism, experts warned, if the city does not offer a dedicated cruise port with a terminal.
Cruises dock in Danang for just a few hours for a day’s sightseeing with just a few ship staying overnight. More land tours and shore activities are needed to extend the stays.
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd’s advisor, Ha Bich Lien, argued that more attractive land tours were needed and ships should be able to keep their onboard entertainment open for passengers who stay onboard during the stop.
