More than 7,000 business-to-business connections were recorded at the Da Nang International Tourism Festival, bringing together tourism companies, buyers and partners from multiple countries.
The opening ceremony of the festival's Business and B2B Networking Space took place on October 18 at the Ariyana Da Nang International Convention Palace. It drew city leaders, representatives of tourism organisations and associations, and domestic and international businesses and partners.
The business programme was one of the key activities of DITF 2026, held from October 16 to 19. The festival is shifting its focus from destination promotion towards direct business meetings and commercial exchanges.
Ho Ky Minh, Standing Vice Chairman of the Da Nang People's Committee, said the city aims to develop higher-quality tourism with stronger international competitiveness and greater added value. He said the focus is moving from increasing visitor numbers to improving experiences, extending stays, raising visitor spending and encouraging repeat visits.
Da Nang is also developing new tourism products, expanding international markets, strengthening air connectivity, promoting digital transformation and regional links. Ho Ky Minh said cooperation among tourism associations, businesses and partners would create practical opportunities and raise Da Nang's profile as a destination in Vietnam and abroad.
The networking space brought together companies from accommodation, resorts, travel services, aviation, MICE, golf, attractions, food services and wellness. International partners came from markets including the Republic of Korea, Japan, China, Russia, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, India and Singapore.
Cao Thi Ngoc Lan, Standing Vice Chairwoman of the Vietnam Tourism Association, said that amid intensifying competition, the ability to connect markets, organise integrated tourism packages and deliver distinctive experiences is important to a destination's competitiveness.
She said networking at DITF 2026 should lead to cooperation agreements, commercial contracts and concrete commitments to exchange visitors between markets. Organised meetings allow businesses to discuss partnership policies, product development and plans to attract tourists in the coming period.
Cao Tri Dung, Chairman of the Da Nang Tourism Association, said DITF should become a professional and effective tourism business platform with strong international connectivity. He said it would help enterprises expand cooperation, develop products and access new markets.
DITF 2026 is held under the theme "Connecting Partners, Creating Future". More than 300 tourism service providers, 150 international buyers, 400 domestic buyers and over 1,500 delegates and visitors are taking part.
Alongside more than 7,000 B2B meetings, businesses have signed memoranda of understanding. The agreements create opportunities for product development, increased visitor flows and broader distribution networks.
Organisers expect the event to strengthen tourism promotion, expand market access and support Da Nang's development as a higher-quality and more sustainable destination with greater economic value.
Sources: VietnamPlus / Vietnam News Agency
