Da Nang emerges as launchpad for startups
DNO - Thanks to its central location in Central Vietnam, developed digital infrastructure, and open environment, Da Nang has been emerging as an effective hub for ideas, and a launchpad for startups from near and far.
Originating from a founding team based in Ho Chi Minh City, the Da Nang Guide Pass project chose Da Nang as the place to lay the first bricks for a digital tourism platform.
According to Ms. Tran Thi Kim Chi, the project manager, the platform is an all-in-one tourism solution solving common "bottlenecks" of tourists, especially foreigners, such as language barriers, lack of quality information, and limited experiences in traditional tours.
Instead of relying on tour guides, the Guide Pass system integrates multilingual audio, in-depth information and vivid stories. Also, its Ticket Pass simplifies the ticket purchasing process, and all you need is a smartphone.
At some tourist attractions, especially small-scale, lesser-known destinations, Guide Pass opens a new door to reach international visitors without investing in expensive promotional campaigns. Through the platform, the sites can tell their stories in multiple languages, enhance visitors’ experience and increase the length of stay of tourists.
“Da Nang has great potential for developing cultural tourism, and this is even more evident after the merger with Quang Nam Province. We chose Da Nang to apply technology in this field because it is a city that dares to innovate and break through for development. We want to show travelers that Da Nang is not only a worth-living city but also a worth-visiting one” said Ms. Chi.
Ms. Nguyen Mai Thao Tram, the founder of the SENDA educational startup with facilities in many localities, including Da Nang’s Tam Ky, said that the recent merger of the city and Quang Nam Province has opened a new chapter for startup projects in the former province to get closer to the developing innovation ecosystem in old Da Nang.
“When the ecosystem space is expanded, forming connections between people, ideas and resources becomes easier. In that context, the presence of projects from former Quang Nam or neighboring localities in Da Nang’s programmes, networks, or support policies can help diversify the ecosystem" noted Ms. Tram.
Each locality has its own strengths, and if there is a harmonious connection, the opportunity for sustainable growth for the whole region is completely possible, added she.