Under the professional guidance of Dr. Trinh Le Anh - Head of Event Management Department, lecturer of the course, the delegation chose the event "Da Nang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF) 2023" as the key program for survey and research. Because this is a very large, professional, grandiose event of international stature, attracting domestic and foreign attention, suitable for the study and practical research of the subject.
On the first day, the delegation had a working session and professional exchange with representatives of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Da Nang. Attending the discussion were Ms. Duong Le Phuong (Head of Cultural Management Department, Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Da Nang), Mr. Tran Xuan Thang (Deputy Director of the Center for Culture and Cinema), Mr. Vu Tran Xuan Binh (officer of the Department of Cultural Management) and Ms. Huynh Thi Bao Yen (officer of the Center for Culture and Cinema). At the meeting, representatives of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Da Nang shared with the delegation the ideas, purposes as well as the process of formation and development of the Fireworks Festival from the early days (2008) to the present. In addition to information about DIFF 2023, graduate students of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities also learned more about practical experience in state management of culture; the influences and roles of festivals and events on the tourism industry.
The sharing in the working session is very valuable practical knowledge in the learning, research and working process of graduate students. Because Da Nang, with its achievement of being honored twice at the World Travel Awards, is the "Asia's Leading Festival and Event Destination" and is also a pioneer and very successful locality in developing festivals and events as a typical product to attract tourists. That experience can be a typical model for reference for other localities in developing the tourism industry quickly and sustainably, while contributing to preserving and promoting the traditional cultural values of the nation.
Next, the delegation had a meeting with the Da Nang Tourism Association chaired by Mr. Cao Tri Dung (Chairman of the Association). During the meeting, representatives of the Da Nang Tourism Association shared a lot of information about tourism in Da Nang in general and the activities of tourism businesses in particular, the advantages as well as the difficulties and challenges of the tourism industry in the coming years. Thereby, it can be affirmed that DIFF 2023 has contributed greatly to reviving the Da Nang tourism market after two years of "hibernation" due to Covid-19.
On the afternoon of July 8, the delegation worked with representatives of Sungroup Corporation, the sponsor and organizer of DIFF since 2017. Receiving the delegation were Ms. Cao Ngan Ha, Head of Marketing Department and Mr. Han Trung Lam, Marketing Department of Sungroup Corporation, member of the Organizing Committee of Da Nang International Fireworks Festival 2023. Through the sharing of the representative of Sungroup Corporation, it was shown that: to develop tourism in a systematic, strong but sustainable way and bring the best value to local people, it is necessary to have the cooperation of businesses. By accompanying major tourism events in Da Nang and many other localities, Sungroup has promoted its pioneering role, contributing to the common development.
During the working sessions with tourism management agencies in Da Nang, representatives of the Faculty of Tourism, University of Social Sciences and Humanities also discussed the strengths of training and research in the field of tourism and tourism management of the University, and proposed cooperation between the two sides in the coming time: organizing short-term courses to improve knowledge of tourism management, organizing events for cultural managers and tourism managers in the locality; organizing scientific seminars on culture and tourism; coordinating in internships, practical activities, job search for students, trainees, etc.
Also within the framework of the internship, the delegation conducted a survey of night services and attended Hoi An Memories, a spectacular and impressive outdoor live show that was voted by Reuters, the leading news agency, as “the most beautiful show in the world”. It can be said that Hoi An Memories – a cultural tourism product of an event nature has become a highlight of Hoi An, making it impossible for any visitor to miss when coming here.
In addition, the delegation also had a survey and field research at the fireworks festival venue, to learn about the event organization as well as experience the joyful atmosphere of all audiences attending DIFF 2023.
During the study period, under the enthusiastic guidance of Dr. Trinh Le Anh, the students had the opportunity to learn a lot of information about tourism activities, tourism management and events, thereby improving their understanding and in-depth knowledge, and at the same time drawing many valuable experiences from reality, which are very useful for future study and research. At the same time, many relationships and connections in the locality were also opened up.
The study and practical tour of the K20 Tourism graduate students was very successful. Through this activity, the graduate students had the opportunity to share, connect with each other, and preserve many beautiful memories during their time studying at the Faculty of Tourism, University of Social Sciences and Humanities; at the same time, it was also a very useful experience, both enhancing understanding and gaining more practical experience.
Some pictures from the field trip to Da Nang - Quang Nam of the K20 Tourism graduate students
