The central region is rapidly developing following the launch of many international and domestic flights to/from Da Nang, which is fast growing into a destination for MICE. The central city is also located near two UNESCO world heritage sites - Hoi An about 30km southeast, and Hue, 100km northwest, that can help the locality become a favourite destination with visitors.

Furthermore, there is a wide choice of luxury and five-star international and local brand hotels in the city and along a 60km stretch of beach.

“This year, Danang Department of Tourism is focusing more on MICE events. It engages in overseas marketing, especially in India, organises roadshows, hosts famtrips and attends trade fairs. It is also aiming for more direct flights. All MICE group participants to Da Nang receive a gift,” said Subhash Chandar, general manager of Asia DMC.

Citing various hotels and resorts that fully meet the requirements for organizing MICE events, Micenet suggested that InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort is a typical MICE destination. The resort has received six MICE requests in the information technology (IT) and healthcare sectors, featuring a variety of meetings, customized menus, spa and fitness options, and outdoor activities.

The media outlet also suggested other hotels with event capabilities, including Pullman, Furama, Crowne Plaza, Hyatt Regency, Vinpearl and the Sheraton Grand, along with APEC Park and Ariyana Convention Centre that cater to various types of events.

Micenet pointed out that festivals and events run throughout the year, from culture, food, music, and film to sports and wellness, becoming a key factor in developing MICE tours in the central region.

Corporate hospitality events can be timed around the middle of the year, such as the International Fireworks Festival and the joint golf tourism Festival – BRG Open Golf Championship Da Nang which this year included an exhibition and international conference on golf and golf tourism. Notably, the central city is home to six championship and well-rated golf courses.

Besides the array of beautiful beaches, other popular attractions include the Marble Mountains’ tunnels, caves, and marble sculptured-arts village. In particular, Sun World Ba Na Hills is a popular tourist complex that can be accessed by cable car and offers a French village, unique bridge, amusement park, and spiritual structures.

The journey via the winding Hai Van Pass to Hue, the former imperial capital, may be awe-inspiring, but the ultimate reward is the array of monuments and architecture which can be found in the Citadel, emperors’ tombs, and Buddhist pagodas and monasteries, wrote Micenet.