The festival's success underscores Da Nang's growing prominence as a leading festival and event destination in Asia.

A surge in tourism and revenue

Held from June 8 to 13, 2024, DIFF 2024 showcased teams from France, Germany, Italy, the USA, Poland, China, Finland, and Vietnam. The festival concluded with a spectacular finale, where Finland, the champions from DIFF 2019, reclaimed their title. This grand conclusion capped off an unforgettable month of world-class performances.

The festival's success was the result of a year of meticulous planning and the efforts of over 2,000 personnel from Da Nang and Sun Group. With significant financial backing from Sun Group, DIFF 2024 became one of the largest international fireworks festivals ever held.

According to the Da Nang Department of Tourism, accommodations in the city served 360,662 guests during the 5-day festival, a 12% increase from 2023. This included 138,037 international guests (a 33% rise) and 222,625 domestic guests (a 2% increase).

Throughout the entire DIFF 2024 event, tourism accommodations in Da Nang hosted over 1.5 million guests, reflecting a 60% increase from the previous year. Additionally, 11,442 guests utilized the fireworks viewing services on Da Nang's 23 boats, an 11.8% increase from last year.

The festival significantly boosted local tourism revenue. Accommodation, food services, and travel services in June 2024 generated an estimated 16.344 trillion VND ($686 million), a 28.2% rise from 2023. These figures underscore the festival’s impact on the city’s economy.

DIFF 2024 has been a powerful stimulus for local tourism and has had a positive impact on all facets of the socio-economic environment.

Mr. Le Trung Chinh, Chairman of the Da Nang People's Committee, said that the festival has had a significant impact on the city's socio-economic development, especially in the tourism and service sectors. "In the future, we will build upon these accomplishments and continuously innovate to broaden our range of activities, particularly with DIFF," he emphasized.

Beyond the festival: Da Nang’s vibrant summer

Da Nang has welcomed the summer with a flourish, marked by increased flights and hotel occupancy rates hitting nearly 100%. Beyond DIFF 2024, the city offers additional attractions. The Sun World Ba Na Hills has hosted remarkable performances, including the "Fairy Blossom" show featuring top circus performers and magicians.

In the city center, Da Nang Downtown has been transformed into a lively entertainment district. Attractions such as "Awaken River" and "Symphony of River" provide dynamic performances, including thrilling jetski displays and captivating fireworks, further enhancing Da Nang's reputation as Vietnam's "fireworks capital."

The city also hosted major international events such as the 2nd Da Nang Asian Film Festival, the ASEAN Schools Games, and the Asian Golf Championship. The Enjoy Da Nang Festival, from July 17 to 21, featured a variety of activities, including arts, cuisine, sports, and the city's first drone technology showcase.

To accommodate the growing number of visitors, Da Nang’s tourism infrastructure is expanding. As of July 2024, the city boasts approximately 1,297 tourist accommodation establishments with 46,035 rooms, reflecting a notable increase from 2023. Among these, 104 establishments offer 20,358 rooms rated 4 to 5 stars, while 1,193 provide 25,677 rooms rated 3 stars or lower.

With a goal to attract over 8 million overnight visitors in 2024, Da Nang is set to establish itself as a leading economic and social hub in Vietnam and Southeast Asia by 2030. Strategic investments in tourism and international festivals are driving this growth, positioning Da Nang as a major player on the global stage.

In the near future, Da Nang’s implementation of special policies and the establishment of Vietnam's first free trade zone are expected to accelerate development, aligning with Politburo’s Resolution 43. By 2045, Da Nang envisions becoming a large eco-smart urban area and a hub for innovation and start-ups, achieving Asian standards for livability.

PV