This top-tier sports tournament is not only a competitive arena but also significantly contributes to promoting tourism and communications for this vibrant seaside city.
The initial success of the 43rd National Table Tennis Championships – Nhan Dan Newspaper Cup is the result of methodical and well-coordinated preparation, from sports infrastructure to reception, media coverage, and tourism–sports promotion. For years, the Da Nang city government has recognised that sport is not only about elite or grassroots competition, but also an effective means to promote the city’s tourism image.
The synergy of MICE tourism and sport
Throughout the organisation of the 43rd edition of the tournament, Nguyen Trong Thao, Deputy Director of the Da Nang’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, affirmed that hosting the championship is one of many efforts by the city to position itself as a destination for major events, fostering a sports economy linked to tourism. Each year, Da Nang hosts between 15 to 20 national and international sporting events, thanks to its proven capabilities in delivering safe, professional, and well-organised events.
The success of these events reaffirms Da Nang’s strong appeal to athletes, businesses, and event organisers domestically and internationally. This year’s tournament sees participating teams staying in the city for an average of nearly 10 days. The Tien Son Sports Arena, the venue for the event, is being operated to its full potential—clear evidence of strategic investment in sports infrastructure that not only supports competition but also enhances Da Nang’s competitive advantage in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism segment and experiential travel.
Ta Quang Dung, Head of Culture and Society Department at Nhan Dan Newspaper and Head of the tournament’s organising committee, noted that this year's edition is the largest ever, gathering 22 delegations with more than 200 top athletes nationwide. The tight coordination between Nhan Dan Newspaper, the Vietnam Sports Administration, the Vietnam Table Tennis Federation, and especially the Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, has ensured the tournament’s excellence technically and in community engagement.
Indeed, the event goes beyond being a competition for athletes. It also serves as an opportunity for journalists to capture and share vivid images of the beautiful seaside city. From dynamic shots at Tien Son Arena and live updates to digital livestreams on Nhan Dan Newspaper’s platforms, thousands of daily impressions have helped project an image of a youthful, modern, and welcoming Da Nang to audiences across Viet Nam and beyond.
Nguyen Danh Hoang Viet, Director of the Vietnam Sports Administration, emphasised that the Nhan Dan National Table Tennis Championships is one of the most longstanding and technically demanding tournaments in the national sports calendar. Da Nang’s hosting of the 2025 edition not only underlines the city’s commitment to the professionalisation of elite sports, but also reflects the growing trend of integrating sport with tourism, media, and community engagement.
In line with the Vietnam Sports Administration’s strategic direction, future major sporting events will be prioritised in localities with strong tourism and cultural infrastructure, such as Da Nang, Quang Ninh, Can Tho, Lam Dong, and Ca Mau. This will go hand in hand with technical support, media promotion, and enterprise engagement, improving event quality while fostering the sports economy.
Ha Van Sieu, Deputy Director of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism, commented: “Hosting large-scale events like this not only extends tourists’ length of stay and boosts spending, but also generates strong media effects, helping to spread the image of Da Nang far and wide. This is a prime example of strategic inter-sectoral connectivity, enhancing local socio-economic development capacity.”
The Vietnam National Authority of Tourism is also developing policies to support such efforts, including visa waivers, service incentives, and investments in auxiliary event services, aiming to complete a comprehensive MICE tourism ecosystem. With its central location, convenient transportation, and modern infrastructure, Da Nang is emerging as the country’s leading MICE destination.
Ambassadors of promotion
Another positive effect comes from the athletes themselves. Veteran player Mai Hoang My Trang from Ho Chi Minh City, a 13-time national champion, shared: “I’ve competed in many cities, but Da Nang always feels special. The people are friendly, the food is delicious, and the competition venues are professional. I took time to check in at My Khe Beach and Dragon Bridge, and shared the moments on social media. All my friends said they wanted to visit right away after seeing the photos.”
Nguyen Duc Tuan from Hai Duong, the current men’s singles champion, added: “Da Nang is truly ideal for both competition and relaxation. After my matches, I visited Ba Na Hills and Han Market, and enjoyed Quang noodles and pork rolls with rice paper. Each trip here brings new and memorable experiences.”
These heartfelt yet casual reflections have turned athletes into tourism ambassadors, effectively promoting Da Nang in a personal and relatable way.
It is no coincidence that Da Nang is repeatedly chosen to host major sports events. The city is gradually realising its smart sports tourism strategy—an integrated approach combining modern infrastructure investment, effective communication, and the development of a distinctive event brand tied to the locality. With its central location, tropical coastal climate, scenic beauty, convenient transport links, and diverse accommodation and service options, Da Nang is well-positioned to become a regional hub for sports events.
The city’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism also seizes every opportunity—from press briefings to athlete gatherings—to promote destinations and introduce new tourism products such as paragliding at Son Tra Peninsula, the International Fireworks Festival, and a vibrant series of summer events. All these elements contribute to an enhanced experience for athletes, fans, and visitors alike.
More than just a sports tournament, the 43rd National Table Tennis Championships – Nhan Dan Newspaper Cup stands as a testament to integrated development thinking—combining sport, tourism, media, and local economic growth. This convergence is creating a “dual value”: elevating elite sport while affirming Da Nang’s brand as a modern, friendly, and dynamic city.
