According to the Da Nang Department of Statistics, the city welcomed more than 5 million visitors in the first half of this year, including two million foreigners, up more than 40%. However, holiday-makers spend only 1.38 days in the city on average, with foreigners staying for 1. 45 days. The department said local travel firms are facing financial difficulties in upgrading products and services. Moreover, high airfares are pushing visitors, especially domestic ones, to travel nearby destinations or abroad. Industry insiders have recommended increasing direct flights between Da Nang and international markets. The city should also focus on attracting tourists arriving by sea and road, while promoting rail tours./.