The central city of Da Nang is expected to welcome 100,356 foreign visitors during Lunar New Year 2017, an increase of 26.6 percent year-on-year, according to the Department of Tourism. — danangtourism.org

The central city of Da Nang is expected to welcome 100,356 foreign visitors during Lunar New Year 2017, an increase of 26.6 percent year-on-year, according to the Department of Tourism.

The total number of visitors coming to Da Nang City is estimated to reach 243,230, rising 9.5 percent compared with last year.

The recently launched international direct flights were credited for the rise of foreign visitors to the city, mostly from the Republic of Korea, China and Japan.

Da Nang will host several cultural events to celebrate Lunar New Year 2017, such as an event on New Year’s Eve on the Han River and a spring flower festival.

The city was honoured as Asia’s leading festival and event destination by the World Travel Awards in 2016.

Da Nang airport is currently operating 20 international routes -- 11 direct and 9 charter flights.

Da Nang served more than 5.51 million visitors last year, up 17.7 percent from 2015, of which 1.67 million were foreigners, marking a 31.6 percent increase. — VNS