Đà Nẵng International Fireworks Festival (DIFF) Elevates City as Premier Destination

Đà Nẵng, The Gulf Observer: The Đà Nẵng International Fireworks Festival (DIFF) has significantly boosted Đà Nẵng’s status as a leading destination not only in Vietnam but across Asia since its inception 16 years ago.

As the exclusive city in Vietnam to successfully host the International Fireworks Festival, Đà Nẵng has become a major tourism magnet, drawing millions of visitors and generating substantial revenue from fireworks-related services. The festival has firmly established itself as a favorite summer gathering among families and friends.

Each dazzling display of fireworks over Đà Nẵng’s skyline is more than just a showcase of pyrotechnic mastery; it embodies the city’s spirit of innovation and celebration, captivating spectators and travelers alike.

According to a report by the city’s tourism department, DIFF consistently triggers a surge in accommodation demand, with hotels and resorts reaching between 75% and 90% occupancy rates. Visitor numbers typically soar by 30% to 40% during the festival period.

More participating teams are drawn to DIFF each year, eager to unveil their unique designs during the festival’s two-month duration.

As twilight descends over the Hàn River, the cityscape transforms into a canvas for mesmerizing displays of lights and colors, weaving a tapestry of wonder that enchants all who witness it.

Trần Chí Cường, vice chairman of the city’s People’s Committee, highlighted DIFF’s pivotal role in attracting tourists to Đà Nẵng and central Vietnam.

“Different from conventional tourism products, DIFF combines tourism with recreational activities that the city has successfully organized for nearly two decades,” Cường noted. “The fireworks festival has significantly contributed to establishing Đà Nẵng as a top destination in Asia.”

The festival’s success has been underpinned by substantial investment and support from the private sector, notably Sun Group, which has played a crucial role as organizer and sponsor of the event.

“It’s a milestone in DIFF’s history as the event has been funded entirely by businesses and community donors,” Cường emphasized.

“Đà Nẵng’s tourism industry continues to innovate, refreshing traditional products to attract visitors,” Cường added. “DIFF reinvents itself annually to appeal to an increasingly diverse audience.”

Today, Đà Nẵng is renowned not only as a ‘livable’ city with pristine beaches but also as a must-visit destination for its spectacular fireworks displays.

“Travelers can choose from a variety of tour packages that offer comprehensive tourism services and entertainment, from mountain resorts to riverside and seaside accommodations,” Cường pointed out.

Trần Hưng Đạo and Bạch Đằng streets along the Hàn River are favored locations for accommodations and optimal views of the fireworks displays. Hotels along these streets consistently experience full bookings during weekend fireworks shows, maintaining high occupancy rates throughout the festival’s two-month duration.

Nguyễn Sơn Thuỷ, general director of Indochina Unique Tourist Company, noted that visitors now prefer booking combined tours that include the fireworks shows when visiting Đà Nẵng.

“The fireworks festival offers a holistic experience for travelers, with packaged services that cover festival tickets and visits to Bà Nà Hills mountain resort, followed by exploration of the UNESCO-recognized Hội An ancient town,” Thuỷ explained.

The festival serves as a catalyst for tourism businesses to enhance their offerings, capitalize on tourism promotions, and attract travelers from burgeoning markets with direct flights to Đà Nẵng.

Nguyễn Văn Bình, director of Sun Group’s Central Region and organizer of DIFF, emphasized the festival’s pivotal role as a cornerstone product for both the group and the central city.

“The fireworks event has become an annual rendezvous for leading producers worldwide, including countries like France, Italy, the US, Germany, Poland, China, and Finland,” Bình highlighted.

In the first quarter of 2024 alone, international visitors to Đà Nẵng increased by 21.6%, while domestic tourists rose by 24.3% compared to the previous year. Bà Nà Hills Mountain Resort alone attracted 60% of the city’s total annual visitors, with DIFF and other summer events set to further solidify Đà Nẵng as a premier destination.

Each festival edition attracts over one million tourists, injecting millions of dollars into the local tourism industry and reinforcing Đà Nẵng’s reputation as the ‘Fireworks Festival City’ brand in Central Vietnam and beyond.