Sports tourism: New growth potential for Da Nang

This sector provides significant potential for the city to extend visitors’ stays, diversify tourism services, and enhance the destination’s appeal.

International events leave strong mark on visitors

The city’s growing allure has been reflected in the increasing number of athletes and visitors coming to Da Nang.

In 2026, the 13^th edition of the Da Nang International Marathon set a new record by attracting nearly 9,000 athletes from 75 countries and territories worldwide.

Notably, alongside the 9,000 athletes participating in this year’s event, a large number of their relatives also traveled to Da Nang to watch and cheer on the competitors while combining the trip with experiences of local services.

Similarly, the VNG IRONMAN Vietnam 2026 put Da Nang at the center of endurance sports in Asia.

A highlight of the latest edition was the city’s first simultaneous hosting of the 10th VNG IRONMAN 70.3 and the full-distance VNG IRONMAN (140.6 miles).

The event marked not only an important milestone for the endurance sports community but also a new step forward in Da Nang’s capacity to host large-scale international sporting events.

It attracted over 4,700 athletes from more than 90 countries and territories, including around 1,800 international athletes.

This figure was more than 80% higher than in the inaugural edition, demonstrating the event’s growing appeal as well as Da Nang’s increasingly prominent position on the global sports tourism map.

According to Sunrise Events Vietnam, IRONMAN has generated an estimated economic value of US$65 million (about VND1.7 trillion) over nine editions. In 2026 alone, the event week contributed more than US$9 million (equivalent to VND245 billion).

Furthermore, Da Nang has strengthened its position on the global sports tourism map through a series of successful international events in recent years, including the 2024 ASEAN Schools Games, the PPA Asia Tour - MB Vietnam Cup 2025, the Vietnam - UK Football Festival 2025, the BRG Open Golf Championship Da Nang 2025, and the 2026 Asian Age Group Wrestling Championships.

A common feature of these international sporting events is their widespread positive impact across Da Nang’s tourism ecosystem.

Through such events, the city’s sports economy is gradually developing on a scale commensurate with its potential.

Integrating sports into visitors’ experiences

In recent years, several tourism businesses have proactively incorporated sports into visitors’ itineraries.

Specifically, in late July, over 1,500 athletes competed in Aquaman Vietnam 2026 at Hoiana Resort & Golf.

It was the first time the resort had hosted the swim-run event, serving as a diamond partner, strategic host venue and title sponsor.

Ms. Du Thi Mai Anh, Vice President of Destination Marketing at Hoiana Resort & Golf, noted that the value of sports tourism lied not only in the number of participants but also in its ability to extend visitors’ stays and experiences.

Athletes often arrive before race day to collect race kits, visit the expo, familiarize themselves with the course, rest, and prepare physically. After the race, they continue to seek dining, recovery, and leisure options.

Many travel with family members and friends, further expanding demand for transportation, entertainment and resort experiences.

Not limited to coastal areas, sporting events in the western part of the city also demonstrate the potential to tap into Da Nang’s other advantages.

Also in late July, the Da Nang Mountain Trail 2026 was organized in Hoa Bac (Hai Van Ward). It featured four race distances ranging from 5km to 55km designed to suit the distinctive mountainous terrain of Hoa Bac.

The Leaf Village & Farm (Lang La) partnered with and sponsored the event by providing the venue for the start and finish areas and other key activities. This helped connect the competition with nature-based experiences in the local area.

In recent years, Da Nang is vigorously developing sports tourism, especially recreational, marine, and adventure sports such as paragliding, golf, marathons, IRONMAN, and pickleball.

For each event, the city pays careful attention to preparations, from facilities and reception arrangements to accommodation, cuisine and public security, with the aim of leaving a positive impression on domestic and international visitors, he added.

Mr. Hai stated all efforts aimed to promote tourism and services, generate budget revenues, increase incomes for businesses and local communities, facilitate international exchanges and cooperation, and enhance the city’s position and image.