Da Nang and OTAs Join Forces
Elevating the Destination through Digital Connectivity

Within the framework of the HorecFex Vietnam 2025 Technology and Innovation Forum & Exhibition in Da Nang, the seminar “Da Nang – Digital Connectivity, Elevating Destinations” brought together government authorities, tourism associations, businesses, and international OTA platforms, aiming for long-term cooperation concretized through a memorandum of understanding (MOU).

The seminar “Da Nang – Digital Connectivity, Elevating Destinations” held as part of HorecFex Vietnam 2025

Organized under the authorization of the Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the event was co-hosted by Da Nang Tourism Promotion Center and HorecFex Vietnam with the goal of reviewing the current cooperation with OTAs, sharing operational lessons, and proposing new directions in the digital era.

The seminar gathered representatives from local authorities and related associations, including: Mr. Tan Van Vuong – Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Da Nang; Mr. Cao Tri Dung – Chairman of Da Nang Tourism Association; Mr. Nguyen Duc Quynh – Founder & Chairman of HorecFex Vietnam; along with leaders of relevant departments, divisions, hotel and travel associations, and representatives from OTAs including Kkay, Agoda, TikTok, Klook, Travelier, and Grab.

Digital Connectivity via OTAs: A Breakthrough Opportunity for Da Nang Tourism

In his opening remarks, Mr. Tan Van Vuong, Deputy Director of Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, stated that in 2024, searches and bookings to Da Nang via OTAs increased by 30–35%, contributing to market expansion and attracting more international visitors. He emphasized that in order to accelerate digital transformation and elevate Da Nang’s tourism brand, the joint efforts of travel agencies, hotels, attractions, as well as technology and media partners are essential. The seminar “Da Nang – Digital Connectivity, Elevating Destinations” under HorecFex 2025 is expected to introduce breakthrough solutions to strengthen connections and enhance destination promotion in the digital age.

Mr. Tan Van Vuong delivering his opening remarks at the seminar

 “In the first seven months of the year, Da Nang welcomed 4.2 million international visitors and 6.5 million domestic travelers. During the holiday period of August 29 – September 2 alone, the city recorded an average of 145 flights per day, up 26.5% year-on-year. This growth is closely tied to changing travel behaviors, with OTAs such as Traveloka, Klook, and Booking.com becoming effective channels for Da Nang to reach and attract tourists,” said Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong Tham, Director of Da Nang Tourism Promotion Center, highlighting the role of OTAs in the city’s tourism growth.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong Tham evaluates the role of OTAs in attracting tourists to Da Nang

Currently, Da Nang ranks among the top 10 Asian cities with the highest return-visitor rates and ranks 2nd on Booking.com’s list of “Outstanding Destinations.” This achievement is driven by tourism stimulus campaigns, particularly OTA partnerships. For instance, the campaign with Traveloka offering 6,000 vouchers for accommodation and entertainment services boosted traffic by 861%, with accommodation being the most in-demand service. More than 70% of international tourists now book services via OTAs, a figure expected to rise further, presenting both opportunities and challenges for local travel businesses in leveraging this channel.

Despite these positive outcomes, cooperation with OTAs in Da Nang still faces certain limitations. The lack of synchronized connection with the city’s event calendar, the absence of representative offices of many international OTAs in Vietnam, and limited awareness among SMEs about OTA benefits remain challenges. Issues of information transparency also persist, with cases of booking discrepancies, while OTA-shared data with partners is not yet fully open. 

From HorecFex Vietnam 2025: Laying the Foundation for Strategic Cooperation Between Da Nang and OTAs

To optimize OTA channels for Da Nang’s tourism, the MOU signing ceremony between Da Nang Tourism Promotion Center and OTAs established commitments across three major pillars: diversifying local product offerings on OTA platforms beyond accommodation and transport, developing long-term communication plans aligned with the city’s annual events such as DIFF, Enjoy Da Nang, and the International Marathon, and deploying creative communication initiatives with KOLs, travel bloggers, gameshows, vlogs, and online series to boost visibility among younger audiences.

MOU signing ceremony between Da Nang Tourism Promotion Center and OTAs at HorecFex Vietnam 2025 on August 27

Sharing about the signing ceremony, Mr. Nguyen Duc Quynh – Founder of HorecFex Vietnam expressed:
 “As the only specialized technology and innovation forum for the hospitality industry in Central Vietnam, HorecFex Vietnam 2025 is not only a venue for policy discussions and knowledge sharing, but also a strategic connector between authorities, associations, and businesses. The cooperation agreements formed here open a new pathway for Da Nang tourism, driving digital transformation, expanding markets, and enhancing the city’s international positioning.”

Mr. Nguyen Duc Quynh – Founder & Chairman of HorecFex Vietnam (Photo: Provided by NVCC)

In addition to the signed agreements, the forum also addressed crucial industry topics such as optimizing distribution channels, implementing flexible seasonal pricing strategies, standardizing room and service data, and building hotel brand presence directly on OTA platforms. These are especially practical solutions for Da Nang’s small and medium-sized accommodation sector, where competitiveness relies heavily on effective channel management, response speed, and guest experience ratings.

On this foundation, the public–private dialogue set forth key policy directions: sharing data while ensuring privacy, coordinating joint communications, addressing price competition issues, and strengthening information security standards. These directions aim to close the expectation gap and transition from “campaign-based cooperation” to “strategic cooperation.”