As summer approaches, marking the peak of travel season, the timely launch of exciting tourist attractions can provide a competitive edge in captivating visitors, particularly by offering appealing tourism products and services. Seizing this golden opportunity, the Vietnam – Brazil Football Festival held from April 27th to April 28th has sparked a surge in international sports tourism in the coastal city of Da Nang.
During the festival, renowned Brazilian football legends – Dunga, Rivaldo, Lucio, Ze’ Carlos, Giovanni, Kleberson, Edmilson, and Paulo Sergio had memorable experiences in Da Nang. They participated in friendly matches at Hoa Xuan Stadium, awarded scholarships and charitable donations to local children, attended the inauguration ceremony of the Brazilian Football Center in Da Nang, and engaged in beach activities with supporters at Furama Resort Da Nang.
Brazilian Football players exchange Footvolley with the Furama – Ariyana Da Nang team
In addition to the activities mentioned above, the former international football stars also had the opportunity to experience the local culture and cuisine prepared by chefs at Da Nang’s longest-standing five-star resort. This is a valuable opportunity to reaffirm the city’s position in the events industry, especially in sports-related tourism.
Mr. Nguyen Trong Thao, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture and Sports of Da Nang City, remarked that when it comes to sports tourism in Asia, Thailand, South Korea, and Singapore are often the first mentioned. A large number of sports clubs are actively seeking training locations before their season arrives or during winter breaks. Therefore, this festival plays a significant role in developing Da Nang’s international sports tourism. This is considered a way to attract visitors with high spending power, contributing greatly to the local economy and overcoming the seasonal nature of tourism.
The Brazil – Vietnam Football Festival attracted nearly 17,000 fans to Hoa Xuan Stadium to watch the match live. Mr. Nguyen Duc Quynh, President of the Da Nang Hotel Association, commented, “The tourism industry needs more cultural, artistic, sports, and entertainment exchanges, especially football. With its global appeal and popularity, this is one of the most effective local image communication channels, not only in terms of audience numbers but also in enhancing understanding and connections between cultures, promoting both depth and breadth.”
The friendly match attracted nearly 17,000 fans at Hoa Xuan Stadium
Meanwhile, as a partner of the festival and from a business perspective, Mr. Andre Pierre Gentzsch, General Director of Operations at Furama – Ariyana Da Nang International Tourism Complex, shared that the football festival, combined with the presence of Brazilian football legends, has significantly boosted tourism in Da Nang. “During the festival, the occupancy rate at this resort increased by 20% compared to the same period last year, mostly due to football fans coming from all over to watch and meet their idols. This event not only increased revenue for the area but also created a new wave in attracting and serving tourists,” he emphasized.
Fans meet Edmilson at Furama Resort Danang
After the festival, Da Nang hosted a Vietnamese traditional-flavored feast at Ariyana Convention Centre for the Brazilian guests. The Gala Night provided an opportunity for players, guests, and international partners to mingle and connect. It also offered special guests a chance to explore the beauty of Da Nang’s culture and unique cuisine.
“To help the football stars understand more about Vietnamese culinary culture, we served dishes with local signatures such as Hue-style lotus seed sweet soup infused with jasmine flowers, or exquisitely prepared Vietnamese baguette and spring rolls at the feast. Brazilian football stars also showed particular interest in the spicy sour sea cucumber soup, a specialty of Da Nang,” said Truong Lan Huong, CEO of Ariyana Convention Centre.
“Hue Lotus sweet soup infused with Jasmine” prepared by Ariyana Convention Centre Danang was enjoyed by famous Brazilian players at the Gala Dinner.
It can be said that Vietnam – Brazil Football Festival is not only one of the events kickstarting the beach tourism season in Da Nang but also initiates a wave of sports tourism in the city, attracting many world-class athletes and football fans to the coastal city, thereby maintaining its position as one of the most desired tourist destination.