Hoi An tourism decline attributed to seasonal weather and perception

Officials in Da Nang have addressed reports of an unusual decline in tourist numbers in the Hoi An ancient town. During a third-quarter press conference, Nguyen Duc Binh, Chief of Staff for the Da Nang People's Committee, stated that the decrease is largely due to seasonal fluctuations and weather patterns.

Binh noted that October and November typically see increased rainfall and rising water levels in the Hoai River, which impacts sightseeing activities. He explained that while long-term local business owners view this as a normal seasonal occurrence, those newer to the area may perceive it as unusual. He added that tourist numbers typically trend upward again toward the Christmas season.

Nguyen Thu Phuong, Deputy Director of the Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, highlighted a perception issue among international travelers. She noted that following the administrative merger of Quang Nam and Da Nang, media reports regarding natural disasters in the region are often associated with the Da Nang name. This has led international tourists to believe the entire area is facing storms or flooding, resulting in tour cancellations for the fourth quarter.