DA NANG  (VNS)— The SuperStar Gemini cruise carried 1,300 passengers from Hong Kong to Da Nang's Tien Sa Port on Saturday beginning a visit the to Hue, Hoi An and My Son Sanctuary.

It is the second time that the cruise ship has brought tourists to the city and central coastal destinations this year.

Around 15,000 visitors, 50 per cent of them Chinese, will visit the central region via ships this month.

According the city's culture, sport and tourism department, the central city plans to launch direct flights between Da Nang and Kunming to meet increasing demand from Chinese tourists.

There are 10 chartered flights to the city at present, with one direct route to provinces and cities in China.

The city has hosted 2.5 million tourists, including 550,000 foreigners, in the last 10 months of this year. — VNS