Da Nang - Vietnam is increasingly recognized as a prime destination for cruise tourism, thanks to its extensive coastline of 3,260km, over 4,000 islands, and an array of renowned landscapes. Nguyen Trung Khanh, General Director of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT), highlighted the country's focus on sea and island tourism as its key tourism products.
According to Vietnam News Agency, Khanh mentioned that seaports play a crucial role in supporting this type of tourism, with significant upgrades recently made to ports in Ho Chi Minh City, Khanh Hoa, Binh Dinh, and Da Nang. Vietnam also boasts deep-sea port systems capable of accommodating large cruise ships, including Ha Long International Passenger Port in Quang Ninh, Chan May Port in Thua Thien - Hue, Tien Sa Port in Da Nang, and ports in Khanh Hoa like Dam Mon Port and Nha Trang Port.
Vietnam aims to position itself as a regular stopover for travelers exploring Asia and Southeast Asia. This ambition is supported by the eagerness of Vietnamese travel firms to cater to an increasing number of international cruise passengers.
Since the beginning of 2023, Vietnam has welcomed several cruise ships, including those from major cruise lines like the Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and Resort World Cruises. One notable arrival was the Spectrum of the Seas from Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, bringing over 4,000 international visitors to Phu My port in Ba Ria - Vung Tau. This was the ship's third visit to Vietnam and second to Ba Ria - Vung Tau. The company plans to bring thousands more tourists to Vietnam in the remaining months of this year.
Experts note that sea and island tourism represent about 70% of Vietnam's tourism industry activities. With the peak season of international tourism approaching, there is considerable potential to surpass growth targets through cruise ship tourism.
To further boost tourist arrivals, experts suggest diversifying tourism products, considering the reduction or exemption of certain fees for cruise tourists, and upgrading infrastructure to enhance the experience for these visitors.