Danang in Vietnam’s central region will host an international sailing festival which will also double up as a major tourist attraction.

The Danang international sailing regatta 2006 next June will attract 50 sailors from Asian countries and 250 other foreign tourists. During their eight-day stay in the city, they will attend races at Non Nuoc and Bien Dong resorts.

On non-racing days, they will be taken around to famous sites in Danang and in neighboring provinces like Quang Nam and Hue.

Each of them will have to put up US$2,500 with the hosts providing them board, lodging and other expenses.

Among world’s most attractive

Danang was chosen to host the event after its beach had been listed last month among the six most attractive beaches in the world by the US's Forbes Magazine, Allan Goodman of Goodman Maritime International (GMI) said.

The winds in the gulf of Danang were also suitable for sailing, he said.

GMI, an international professional regatta organizer, which successfully ran the Vinacapital Hongkong Vietnam 2004 in Nha Trang besides hundreds of sea tourism and sport events internationally, will help Danang organize the event.

Goodman said that Danang, being the gateway to the cultural heritage sites in central Vietnam, was a major destination for international tourists.

The city was also favored by nature with many beautiful beaches ideal for sunbathing and entertainment, and warm, calm seas suitable for tourism.