International sports events – a strategic boost for regional economies and tourism in Vietnam

DNHN - Among all sports, golf has emerged as a particularly potent driver of regional development in Vietnam. With nearly 100 courses in operation and development, the country has repeatedly been recognized as Asia’s Best Golf Destination in recent years.

From sports to regional economic strategy

In the post-pandemic recovery phase, many localities across Vietnam are betting on international sports events as a new economic development strategy. No longer just for entertainment or branding, sports are steadily becoming a key element in local economic planning, where each event not only attracts spectators but also draws in new streams of visitors, extends tourism seasons, and increases local spending.

From major marathons and triathlons like IRONMAN 70.3 held annually in Da Nang, to international open water events such as Oceanman Cam Ranh, F1H2O powerboat racing, and professional golf tournaments — the wave of hosting large-scale international sporting events is spreading across Vietnam, from the coast to the mountains, from urban centers to remote regions.

Quy Nhon: a rising coastal city with global vision

A standout example is Quy Nhon (Binh Dinh province), which recently hosted the F1H2O World Championship, one of the premier speedboat racing events globally. This marked the first event held in Vietnam and the largest international sporting event Binh Dinh has ever hosted.

Over just three days, the city welcomed more than 20,000 visitors, filling luxury hotels to capacity and generating powerful international media exposure. Rather than relying on passive promotional campaigns, Binh Dinh boldly put itself on the global map through a dynamic sports platform, similar to approaches long adopted by countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Singapore.

From Coasts to Mountains: the strategic playbook of KhanhHoa, Quang Nam, and Lang Son

Khanh Hoa is capitalizing on its strengths in beach sports, Quang Nam is targeting the high-end golf and cultural tourism segment, and Lang Son is turning its majestic Mau Son mountains into a trail-running destination, combining sport with ethnic heritage experiences.

What unites these provinces is not pursuing “trendy events” but a shared strategic mindset: treating sports as a soft infrastructure within long-term regional economic development and tourism growth strategies.

Golf: from a private passion to a regional economic engine

Among all sports, golf has emerged as a particularly potent driver of regional development in Vietnam. With nearly 100 courses in operation and development, the country has repeatedly been recognized as Asia’s Best Golf Destination in recent years.

But the shift isn’t just in the number of golf courses. It’s in how local governments and investors perceive golf: no longer merely a luxury pastime. It is increasingly recognized as a key tool to extend visitor stays, catalyze resort–real estate ecosystems, and attract foreign investment.

A world-class golf course can trigger the rise of an entire infrastructure: high-end villas, five-star hotels, international schools, and even a magnet for global professionals to live and work in the region.

Redefining Leadership in the Sport-Tourism Economy

One of the key figures reshaping the perception of golf and sports economics in Vietnam is Dandelly Nguyen (Tu Anh), General Director of 54 Vietnam.

With over 15 years of experience in golf management, brand strategy, and destination development, Dandelly is not known for making loud statements but for quiet, long-term impact. Her steadfast vision and strategic thinking led to her appointment as the first Vietnamese woman to serve on the Board Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation (AGIF) for the 2025–2027 term, joining a select group of influential voices shaping the sustainable future of golf in Asia.

She humbly states, “This is not about being the first; it’s about being in the right place at the right time to strategically contribute to the region’s golf development dialogue with conviction and the ability to connect.”

A “Bridge-Builder” across sectors, generations, and borders

Dandelly’s vision goes beyond projects and tournaments. She represents a new generation of bridge-builders, connecting sports and economics, localities and enterprises, Vietnam, and the international community.

At 54 Vietnam, she is working closely with the 54 Group's global leadership to develop a network of over 250 experts worldwide, professionals who understand global trends and local realities.

Domestically, she leads the 54 Vietnam team in collaboration with Ben Styles, one of the region’s most respected golf executives (formerly Vice President at iconic courses like The Bluffs Ho Tram and Hoiana Shores), alongside a talented cohort of Vietnamese golf professionals.

She is also pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Sport and Tourism Economics, reflecting her commitment to combining academic rigor, field experience, and long-term community impact.

A New Phase, A New Mindset, A New Generation of Leaders

From her perspective as a sports economics expert, Dandelly Nguyen doesn’t focus on “holding more events” but on measuring each event's socio-economic returns, understanding long-term value chains, and creating opportunities for Vietnamese professionals to engage deeply in the global sports industry.

For leaders like her, sports are not the destination but a strategic tool to unlock real value, shift mindsets, upgrade regional infrastructure, and attract sustainable investment.

In the following interview, readers will gain a closer insight into her approach to creating a sport–tourism ecosystem in Vietnam, her vision for the future of golf, and the strategic moves being developed by her team at 54.

COVER INTERVIEW: DANDELLY NGUYEN (TU ANH)

A “bridge-builder” in Vietnam’s golf industry and the sports-tourism economy.
 

You once said that “golf is strategic infrastructure”, a very unconventional way of framing it. Why?

Dandelly:
 Because it’s the reality, a golf course isn’t just for playing golf. It generates employment, increases tourist stays, raises property values, attracts high-spending travelers, and activates a broader service ecosystem. With the right planning and management, a golf course becomes a soft infrastructure, helping regions grow in a sustainable and distinctive way.
 
What’s your view that golf is an exclusive sport with little community value?

Dandelly:
 That perception arises from a limited perspective. Golf is undeniably an economic sector in countries like Thailand, Japan, and the UAE. It plays a role in regional planning, tourism development, major international events, and workforce training. Vietnam needs to shift its mindset to view golf not as a costly indulgence but as a strategic tool. To persuade others, we require clear data, transparent models, and proven outcomes.
 
At AGIF, the region’s top organization for golf development, you are the first Vietnamese executive board member. What do you bring to the table?

Dandelly:
 I didn’t step into AGIF to represent an image; I came with the intent to contribute. Vietnam has immense potential, but we lack a strong voice in regional policy conversations. I want to share perspectives from emerging markets, propose flexible models for developing countries, and invite the international golf community to understand, collaborate with, and invest in Vietnam.

You’re strongly committed to “raising the standards” of Vietnam’s golf industry. What does that entail?

Dandelly:
 Together with 54 and AGIF, we are implementing a national golf course star rating system that aligns with international standards. This is crucial for creating a transparent, investor-friendly market where players know what to expect. We also focus on three pillars: data, people, and technology. All solutions must be measurable, transferable, and sustainable, not dependent on individuals.
 
What causes provinces that were previously uninterested in golf to change their stance?

Dandelly:
 When they realize that golf is deeply connected to tourism, they become proactive. A high-quality course can put a province on the map for upscale visitors and link regional tourism to international airports. Once they see the economic benefits, they seek advice, engage consultants, and plan more strategically. Many provinces are now taking this seriously, which I deeply appreciate.
 
 What is your role at 54 within this broader picture?

Dandelly: 
I lead 54 Vietnam, working closely with Mr. Ben Styles and Vietnam’s top golf professionals. I also collaborate directly with 54 Group’s global leadership to build a network of 250+ international experts, aligning global capability with the Vietnamese context.

We don’t just consult; we design the full value chain, from feasibility studies, concept development, and revenue models to human resource training, destination branding, and community engagement programs that drive business growth and attract visitors.. The goal isn’t to finish projects; it’s to build local capacity so that markets operate sustainably in 5–10 years.

You seem very committed to the next generation. Why?

Dandelly:
 Vietnamese golf and sports won’t thrive without a professional workforce across management, operations, and communications. Each time I take our team abroad, I see the gap; we lack people who understand the industry, the customers, and the data and who can work across cultures.
That’s why we’re creating real-world projects and international internships, not just to train skills but to nurture a mindset of resilience, progress, and global readiness. 54 is building people development programs tied to actual projects, so young professionals don’t just learn, they lead.
 
What would it be if you had to describe Vietnam’s golf landscape in 2030 in three words?

Dandelly:
 Sustainable – Integrated – Authentic.

This is the story of a woman who doesn’t speak loudly but works deeply. From global forums to remote golf sites, Nguyen Hoang Tu Anh (Dandelly) is part of a new leadership generation: one that knows its place in the global value chain, builds strategy on data, and connects entire systems. For her, golf is not the end goal; it is a tool to redesign how regions grow, how industries mature, and how a nation positions itself on the global sport–touris map.

Cuong Nguyen