WelcHere's some recent info on the economy, tourism trends, and the general vibe in Da Nang compared to Saigon:
Economic Climate in Da Nang: Compared to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Da Nang’s economy is generally more tourism-reliant, which means it felt the impact of COVID-19 and the subsequent tourism slowdown significantly. However, the city's recovery pace has varied. As of recent updates, the Da Nang economy is bouncing back due to a surge in domestic tourism and increased foreign tourism since Vietnam fully reopened its borders. While still growing slower than its pre-COVID boom, the pace is faster than in 2021-2022. The city also promotes itself as a tech and innovation hub, attracting new businesses and digital nomads, which slightly buffers it from purely tourism-driven fluctuations.
Tourism Trends: Tourism in Da Nang has seen strong recovery signals. Domestic tourism has been especially resilient, with locals traveling within the country. The influx of foreign tourists has returned gradually, with a marked increase in South Korean and Chinese visitors, who traditionally make up a large portion of tourists in Da Nang. Additionally, Western tourism is picking up, especially from Europe, Australia, and the U.S., as international travel normalizes.
Changes Since COVID-19: Since the pandemic, tourism in Da Nang has shifted somewhat. There’s a visible increase in high-end and eco-friendly tourism offerings as Da Nang attempts to cater to more affluent and experience-seeking travelers. On the flip side, budget and backpacking tourism are also popular as Southeast Asia draws young travelers again. The tourist demographic is becoming more diversified, though South Koreans continue to lead in visitor numbers.
Tourist Demographics: Currently, the bulk of international tourists in Da Nang are South Korean, Chinese, and Japanese, with increasing numbers from Europe and North America. The government also encourages direct flights to Da Nang from various countries, which has supported this growth.
Published Data: For specific economic data, you might want to check reports from the Da Nang Statistics Office, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), or periodic publications by consulting firms like Savills Vietnam or CBRE, which cover real estate and economic trends in major Vietnamese cities. These sources provide deeper insights into market conditions and tourism flows.
In summary, while Da Nang isn’t immune to economic slowdowns, its reliance on domestic and regional tourism may offer some resilience compared to HCMC’s broader economic slowdown. Given your restaurant experience, the city's active tourism push might present good opportunities, especially if you cater to the preferences of a more international or varied demographic.ome
