Alternative Destination Trends

In the context of the global tourism industry facing the challenge of “overtourism” - the overload at traditional destinations, the trend of “destination dupes” (detour) - alternative destinations is considered by experts to become popular and contribute to creating sustainable values.

Tourists enjoy trekking in Tay Giang, connecting with wild nature. Photo: Tan Linh

Solutions to tourism overload

At the Horecfex Da Nang 2025 event, speaker Maeve Nolan - Product Director of EXO Travel Vietnam, in the discussion session on popular tourism trends in 2026, said that finding alternative destinations is becoming a concern not only for tourists but also for destination management agencies around the world.

According to a recent report from Expedia and Booking.com, more than 60% of the world's tourists prefer to explore peaceful, less-known places that still have similar characteristics and bring the same emotions as famous landmarks.

Albania, for example, is emerging as an alternative to Italy, with its pristine Adriatic coastline and lower costs, allowing visitors to avoid the crowds of Venice or Rome while still enjoying ancient architecture and Mediterranean cuisine.

Meanwhile, Puglia in southern Italy is considered an alternative to the Amalfi Coast, with dramatic limestone landscapes, quaint villages and rich local produce, but with lower tourism density, minimizing environmental impact and supporting community development.

On the same national level, in Thailand, instead of going to Bangkok, tourists can choose Pattaya. In Indonesia, they can avoid the familiar Bali to explore Lombok, a less famous island but with many pristine beaches, along with unique Sasak culture and unusual activities such as trekking to the top of the Rinjani volcano...

This shift in tourism consumption behavior has contributed to "rescuing" destinations that have been degraded due to overexploitation, while also activating the potential of surrounding areas, reallocating resources, promoting socio-economic balance in the industry, and contributing to the implementation of sustainable development goals as set out by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

Tourists experience the green road in Tay Giang, Da Nang. Photo: Tan Linh

Opportunity to recreate Da Nang destination

According to Dr. Tran Nien Tuan, lecturer of the Faculty of Tourism, University of Economics (University of Danang), Danang has the most beautiful beach on the planet, a diverse ecosystem of forests, mountains, rivers and lakes, a large open area after the merger, with many pristine areas, rich in potential to develop new tourist routes to reduce pressure on current "hot spots".

Tourists can explore the little-known ancient villages in Hoa Vang instead of Ngu Hanh Son, Hoi An, or enjoy the pristine beaches such as Bac beach, Rang beach, Tam Hai and Tam Thanh sea areas to reduce the pressure on My Khe beach. Experiencing the Tay Giang trekking trip through Truong Son forest is also a good suggestion besides Ba Na peak...

“Promoting alternative destinations will help reduce pressure on central areas - which are facing the risk of overloading accommodation and traffic - while creating momentum for rural and mountainous economic development through community tourism products such as eco-homestays or organic farming discovery tours, in line with the development orientation of the city's tourism industry in the new period,” said Dr. Tran Nien Tuan.

Tourism experts say that to make the most of this trend, Da Nang needs to implement synchronous solutions. First of all, invest in connecting infrastructure, expand public transport networks and ecological trails, to link alternative points with the city center without disrupting the natural ecosystem.

Second, implement tourism promotion and stimulus activities based on the message of diverse destinations, "one destination - many experiences", actively introduce and orient new options for tourists, associated with rural, mountainous and island areas that are still little known. Strengthen cooperation with multimedia communication platforms, travel blogger teams, and influencers to spread authentic and new experiences about the image of the city's "hidden gems".

Developing new tourism products associated with biodiversity, researching the construction of tourist villages, stimulating eco-tourism in suburban areas, planning a number of natural conservation forests and developing them into tourist areas on the basis of complying with green and sustainable standards.

At the same time, develop policies to support local businesses, including training in sustainable tourism management skills and tax incentives for green projects, encouraging mountainous and rural communities to participate in sustainable tourism activities, thereby enhancing indigenous cultural values ​​and promoting the circular economy.

Developing alternative destinations does not mean repetition, but is the basis for Da Nang to regenerate energy and value for tourism activities, attracting visitors based on diverse beauty and sustainable commitments.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/xu-huong-diem-den-thay-the-3302806.html