(VNF) - Da Nang City will be the only destination in Southeast Asia of the the 2015-2016 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, an international event meant to promote tourism and sportsmanship among participating countries, local authorities announced.

Dang Viet Dung, deputy chair of Da Nang City People’s Committee, told a Tuesday meeting that Clipper Ventures Plc, organizer of the 2015-2016 Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, an international sport event meant to promote tourism images of participating countries, has agreed that Da Nang will be the race’s only destination in the Southeast Asia.

The province has paid 500,000 pounds for the exclusive right, Dung added.

Fourteen yachts from 12 teams in different countries will depart from London late next month and compete for 11 months on end.

The racers will sweep through 138 countries in South America, Australia, Asia, and the U.S. and are expected to enter Da Nang between January and February next year, he added.

In related news, the People’s Committee of Da Nang City has also proposed that the municipal police department step up inspections and slap hefty penalties on those who threaten tour guides and coerce tourists into buying items at local shops and restaurants./.

by VNF