Current state of night tourism infrastructure and support services in urban areas of the South Central Coast, Vietnam

Night tourism is becoming a significant trend, playing a crucial role in promoting local economic development by increasing tourist spending and extending their length of stay. The South Central Coast region of Vietnam has many advantages for developing this type of tourism, thanks to its favorable climate, beautiful landscapes, and diverse cultural and entertainment activities. However, in reality, night tourism in the region has yet to reach its full potential due to limitations in infrastructure and support services. This study aims to assess the current state of infrastructure and support services for night tourism in urban areas of the South Central Coast, thereby proposing recommendations to enhance the visitor experience. The research methodology includes on-site surveys in various localities and the collection of domestic tourist opinions through questionnaire survey with a convenience sample of 524 people. The findings indicate that public lighting, security, and public transportation are generally well-rated by tourists due to relatively good investment, facilitating mobility, sightseeing, experiences, and ensuring safety for tourists. However, certain limitations persist, such as the short operating hours of convenience stores, shopping centers, and tourist attractions, which create difficulties for visitors engaging in nighttime activities. Based on these findings, the study proposes several recommendations for the effective and sustainable development of night tourism, including upgrading infrastructure and extending the operating hours of service facilities.