Danang supports projects in Laos

DANANG Danang, in central Vietnam, will support efforts to launch flights to Pakse, in the Lao province of Champasak, as part of a project to boost investment, cooperation and tourism between the two cities.

Local media quoted the city’s secretary, Nguyen Xuan Anh, saying the two cities should re-open direct flights that were halted in 2013.

The two cities also agreed on a cooperation programmes that will run from 2018 to 2022 focusing on education, trade and tourism, heath and urban development.

Danang will support investment projects in infrastructure, urban development, trade service and tourism in southern and central provinces of Laos, he said.

Assistance projects in Laos are worth USD2 million covering the period 2013 to 2017.

Danang tourism authorities project the city will attract 8.85 million visitors by 2020, including 2.45 million foreigners. Tourism earnings will reach USD1.41 billion.

This year, the city targets 5.1 million visitors, including 1.32 million from abroad. It will generate USD616 million in revenue.

Last year, the city logged 4.6 million tourist arrivals, including over 1.2 million international tourists, a 22.4% year-on-year increase. The city’s tourism revenue reached USD558.8 million.

Danang is Vietnam’s third largest city located on the eastern sea coast, midway between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Champasak Information, Culture and Tourism Department expects the province will attract 500,000 international tourists this year compared to 400,000 last year.

Of the four southern provinces of Champasak, Saravan, Xekong and Attapeu in Laos, only Champassak and Attapeu have international designation for their airports.