Da Nang attracting global celebrities following Bill Gates' visit

American billionaire Bill Gates, accompanied by his partner Paula Hurd, embarked on a four-day excursion to the central coastal city of Da Nang in early March.

Data from Google Trends illustrates a notable surge in searches related to Bill Gates and topics concerning "Da Nang - City in Vietnam" and simply "Da Nang" over the past 15 days.

Truong Thi Hong Hanh, director of Da Nang's Department of Tourism, told VnExpress that the city is increasingly becoming a destination of choice for affluent guests and celebrities seeking both leisure and opportunities for film projects.

Apart from Bill Gates' recent private sojourn, notable figures such as Indian tycoons and South Korean luminaries including Lee Joon Gi, Lee Je Hoon, and Kim Yoo Bin have also been drawn to Da Nang, elevating the city's tourism profile and amplifying its presence across various social media platforms.

Hanh emphasized that Bill Gates' visit underscored Da Nang's reputation as a sophisticated and hospitable locale, meeting the stringent standards required to host VIP guests and global celebrities who demand nothing short of top-notch facilities and services.

"The visits of influential personalities to Da Nang not only enhance the city's global tourism image but also affirm the effectiveness of our tourism development strategies," she said.

According to tourism authorities in the city, ensuring the safety and privacy of VIP tourists, alongside providing unique travel experiences, remains their foremost priority.

These discerning travelers prefer to keep their itineraries private and refrain from sharing them on social media, opting instead for personalized experiences that afford them the freedom to explore at their leisure.

Recognizing the significant impact of celebrity endorsements, the Department of Tourism in Da Nang recently collaborated with Korea's IHQ television channel to produce the travel promotion program "Travely," featuring sports influencers such as Cho Eun-bi, Kim Hye-lin, and Kim Ah-Ryong.

Additionally, a program highlighting Vietnamese culture, cuisine, and hospitality was launched in conjunction with SBS Korea Television, featuring Kim Yoo Bin, formerly a prominent member of the renowned girl group Wonder Girls.

In the first two months of 2024, Da Nang welcomed approximately 1.1 million visitors, marking a notable increase of 23.3% compared to the same period last year. Of these visitors, an estimated 370,000 were international tourists, reflecting a robust surge of 26.5% year-on-year.