Inter-regional Meeting in Tourism Ecosystem between Côte d’Azur and Danang

On October 28th, at Furama Resort Danang, “Vietnamese Cuisine – International Twists” cultural exchange event – a part of IMTECAD 2023, aimed at promoting tourism and cultural exchange between the cities of Cannes and Nice in the Côte d’Azur region, France, and Danang city, Vietnam, took place.

The event was organized through a collaboration between the Danang Tourism Association, the Danang Hotel Association, and the ULYSSEUS European University Alliance, in partnership with the University of Côte d’Azur and the culinary heritage Furama Resort Danang.

Furama Resort Danang is honor to welcome the French delegation, led by Mr. De Pariente Thomas, Deputy Mayor of Cannes (French Republic), Pr. Dr.Sc. Bùi Văn Ga, ex-Vice Minister, Ministry of Education and Training, Pr. Dr.Sc. Lê Thành Nhân, Dr. Cao Trí Dũng – Chairman of the Danang Tourism Association, Mr. Nguyễn Đức Quỳnh – Chairman of the Danang Hotel Association, and Mr. Gentzsch Andre Pierre – General Manager of Furama – Ariyana Danang Tourism complex, as well as representatives from various hotels and the sponsor Green Field Vietnam.

During his opening speech, Pr. Dr.Sc. Bùi Văn Ga emphasized the exciting opportunities for collaboration in various aspects of tourism, culture, academics, and more between the two regions. This collaboration aims to strengthen the sustainable relationship and development of both Vietnam and France.

Following this, Dr. Cao Trí Dũng expressed his hope for further collaboration in tourism development, especially in the film industry, film festivals, and the MICE tourism sector between the two regions. Dr. Cao Trí Dũng also entrusted the responsibility for the next exchange event to the representatives from Côte d’Azur, France, with hopes for many such events in the near future.

Throughout the event, there were presentations and exchanges regarding the culture, art, and tourism of the Côte d’Azur region, France, and Danang. Mr. Prabhakar Singh (Parker), Director of Sales & Marketing of Furama – Ariyana Danang Tourism Complex, showcased the beauty and attractions of Danang’s tourism, with a special focus on MICE tourism. Additionally, Ms. Nguyễn Thị Minh Tâm, Managing Director of the IBH Academy, shared information about the academy and her expectations for future cooperation with the ULYSSEUS European University Alliance and the University of Côte d’Azur, France, in the field of training and education.

The highlight of the event was a cultural exchange and presentation featuring dishes from the Côte d’Azur region, France, and Danang, Vietnam. These dishes creatively blended international elements with “Vietnamese Cuisine – International Twists.” The chefs, including Michelin 2-star Chef Sinicropi Christian, the culinary ambassador of Cannes Côte d’Azur, and Chef Doãn Văn Tuấn, the head chef of Furama – Ariyana Danang Tourism Complex, used water lily grown on the Hoà Liên farm in Hoà Vang as the primary ingredient. They prepared innovative dishes that preserved the exquisite flavors of Vietnamese cuisine.

Chef Sinicropi Christian, who had been inspired during his visits to local markets in Vietnam, expressed his desire to offer culinary experiences that blend the cultural heritage of his home in Côte d’Azur, France, without compromising the essence of Vietnamese cuisine.

Representing Danang, Chef Doãn Văn Tuấn served a dish titled “Vietnamese fresh seafood hand rolls with waterlily & herbs” with the aim of introducing the unique flavors of Vietnam to the distinguished guests from France. Chef Tuan shared: “The combination of waterlily with the five flavors of sour, spicy, salty, sweet, and bitter, sourced from various herbs in the Central Region, I hope to present a visually appealing, delicious, and nutritious dish that celebrated the traditional local culinary values”