Thien Mu Pagoda

Gradually turning tourism into a key economic sector

Hue is famous for not only being a land of poetic natural landscapes but also the only former capital in Vietnam that preserves the complete architecture of citadels, palaces, mausoleums and temples along with thousands of rare artifacts and antiques left behind from ancient times. In particular, Hue is the only locality in the country with seven heritage sites recognized by UNESCO, a place where all potential strengths of Vietnam's terrain converge: mountains, forests, hills, plains, lagoons and the sea.

Furthermore, the heritage value of Hue Ancient Capital is also molded by Hue people and Hue culture. The culinary diversity and characteristics are also a strength for local tourism development.

According to statistics from the Department of Tourism, in 2023, the total tourist influx reached 3.2 million, marking a 55% increase from the previous year. Notably, international tourism experienced a remarkable boom, with figures soaring to 1.2 million visitors - a 250% increase relative to 2022. This surge in international visitors, who now represent 36.8% of the total, surpasses the initial forecast of 25-30%. Financially, the tourism sector achieved a revenue of an estimated VND6,606 billion, fulfilling the financial target set for 2023.

The “Developing Thua Thien Hue tourism into a key economic sector” Project, approved by the Provincial People's Committee under Decision 1691/QD-UBND dated July 12, 2021, states the goal that the tourism industry will initially become a key economic sector that engages many people to join and create a driving force to boost the development of other economic sectors and fields by 2025 and will truly be a key economic sector and a strong motivation for socioeconomic development of the province in 2030.

This is an important strategic approach for socioeconomic development to motivate the development of other industries and fields in accordance with the requirements and orientations of Resolution 54/NQ-TW dated December 10, 2019 of the Politburo on Thua Thien Hue construction and development to 2030, with a vision to 2045.

Aiming for green, quality, sustainable and smart tourism

Mr. Nguyen Van Phuc, Director of the Thua Thien Hue Department of Tourism, said: Developing a green, quality, sustainable and smart tourism industry is the main goal that Thua Thien Hue province is determined to achieve in 2021 - 2025 and beyond.

The province will focus on developing advantageous tourism products linked with the cultural heritage system of Hue Ancient Capital and the natural landscapes of Lang Co - Canh Duong, Bach Ma, Tam Giang - Cau Hai and Ho Chi Minh Road; developing high-end, world-class resorts with golf course services in Lang Co, Canh Duong, Vinh Thanh, Ngu Dien, Quang Cong, Quang Ngan and Hai Duong.

In addition, the province will develop new tourism products and cultural tourism combined with "virtual reality" technology; apply scientific advances in education and cultural discovery; develop leisure tourism and medical tourism based on specialized medical centers and natural mineral water sources in Thanh Tan and My An; develop cruise travelling on Huong River and lagoons and historical discovery in the former capital.

Thua Thien Hue will also develop religious tourism, pilgrimage tourism and philanthropic tourism and tourism with green transportation; foster the development of community tourism and agritourism (especially craft villages and farms), adventure sporting tourism, MICE tourism, and integrated medical tourism.

The Department of Tourism will continue to coordinate with relevant bodies to complete tourism components in the Thua Thien Hue Provincial Planning for the 2021 - 2030 period, with a vision to 2050; Prioritize investment in dynamic areas and Chan May - Lang Co area to become a national tourist area; deploy thematic programs and projects to promote the development of the night economy and sharing economy in tourism activities.

Tran Thuy Nga, Hanoi Tourism College