Da Nang sees drop in S.Korean tourist arrivals after tragic plane crash killed 179
Monday, January 13, 2025, 21:01 GMT+7
As Vietnam’s popular beach destination among South Korean tourists, Da Nang City is experiencing a decline in arrivals following the tragic crash of Jeju Air flight in South Korea which claimed 179 lives last month, the municipal tourism authority said on Monday.
Reports from airlines and tourism operators indicated a significant increase in flight cancelations and trip postponements from South Korea.
Last year, South Korea remained Da Nang’s largest international tourist market, with 1.68 million arrivals.
“The recent crash has understandably caused concerns over air safety," a spokesperson from the city’s Department of Tourism told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper.
“But we hope this is a short-term reaction.”
A major hospitality provider in Da Nang also noted a sharp uptick in cancelations and service postponements by Korean tourists.
This disruption is particularly impactful as the peak travel season for South Korean visitors typically runs from December through April.
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| Da Nang City’s efforts to draw global travelers have paid off with impressive outcomes. Photo: B.D. |
Despite the setback, this central Vietnamese city saw strong tourism growth in 2024, with 4.7 million international visitors, a 58-percent increase year on year, and over seven million domestic travelers, up 14 percent.
Its total tourism revenue reached VND48 trillion (US$1.89 billion), marking a 29-percent rise against the 2023 figure, according to Truong Thi Hong Hanh, head of the tourism department.
The city continues to market itself as a destination for cultural exploration and diverse culinary experiences.
For the city to strengthen ties with the South Korean market, the 2025 Da Nang International Fireworks Festival, scheduled to take place from May 31 to July 12, will feature a South Korean team for the first time.
The said plane crash occurred at around 9:00 am on December 29 when Jeju Air flight 7C2216, en route from Bangkok with 175 passengers and six crew on board, overshot the runway while attempting to land at Muan International Airport in South Jeolla Province.
Only two crew members survived the crash, making it one of South Korea’s deadliest aviation disasters.
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