Vietnam upholds heritages for sustainable tourism development
Vietnam’s tangible and intangible cultural heritages are a key part of the country’s tourism, so the preservation of the heritages is crucial for sustainable tourism development.
Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam’s tangible and intangible cultural heritagesare a key part of the country’s tourism, so the preservation of the heritagesis crucial for sustainable tourism development.
Vietnam is home to 24 tangible and intangible cultural heritages, and naturalheritages recognised by the United Nations Educational Scientific and CulturalOrganisation (UNESCO), including eight natural heritage sites, 12 intangiblecultural heritages and four documentary heritages.
According to Deputy Director General of the Vietnam National Administration ofTourism Ha Van Sieu, the Politburo’s Resolution 08-NQ/TW on developing tourisminto a spearhead economic sector stresses the preservation of the nation’s culturalheritage value.
Cultural tourism is hoped to become a key product of the sector, he said,adding it has drawn large numbers of domestic and international visitors, helpingdrive tourism growth, create jobs and enhance the local socio-economy.
Last year, UNESCO-recognised natural and cultural heritages welcomed more than16 million visitors, including 7 million foreigners, earning more than 2.5trillion VND (107.5 million USD) from entrance tickets.
Many localities have developed their own tourism brands based on their culturalheritages. The Complex of Hue Monuments, royal court music, woodblocks, theimperial archives of the Nguyen Dynasty and poetry on Hue royal architecturehave made Hue city an alluring destination, as it received 1.8 million foreignvisitors and pocketed 320 billion VND (13.76 million USD) from entrance ticketslast year.
Meanwhile, Hoi An ancient city in central Quang Nam province also an attractivedestination in Vietnam. The city greeted 1.96 foreigners and raked in 219billion VND (9.41 million USD) from entrance tickets in 2017.
Other destinations such as Ha Long Bay and Yen Tu (Quang Ninh province), PhongNha-Ke Bang (Quang Binh), Trang An (Ninh Binh) and Black Lady Mountain (TayNinh) have been top tourism spots for years.
Sieu said thetourism sector and localities should map out a tourism plan in which tourismdevelopment must be made in tandem with respecting local cultural values.
Local people play an important role in branching out cultural tourism, hestated, saying that building digitalised database on Vietnamese culturalheritages, applying advanced technologies into the management of culturalheritages and developing smart tourism should be a focus.-VNA
Thua Thien-Hue province has been taking numerous measures to truly turn tourism into a spearhead industry, and these efforts have resulted in encouraging outcomes.
Visitors from the Republic of Korea (RoK) accounted for one third of the 1.01 million foreign tourists to the central province of Thua Thien-Hue in the first half of this year, creating the largest market of the province’s tourism sector, statistics show.
The show Hoi An Memories, the largest outdoor visual arts performance ever in Vietnam recalls the memories of Hoi An as a prosperous trading port over a 400-year period.
The capital city of Hanoi is taking the initiative to maintain its top position in Vietnam in attracting foreign tourists, with all indexes related to tourism rising compared with last year’s corresponding figure.
Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh has instructed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) to coordinate with other ministries, agencies and localities to effectively implement policies and directives from the Party, Government, and Prime Minister on tourism development.
Da Nang's appeal stems from its numerous outstanding tourist attractions, particularly My Khe Beach, Sun World Ba Na Hills resort, and the ancient town of Hoi An. Additionally, Da Nang tourism is renowned for its affordability, especially attractive to young travellers and couples, according to Chosun Ilbo.
With new direct flights from major Indian cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru, Vietnam is becoming an increasingly compelling destination for Indian tourists seeking a quick, emotionally rich four-day escape that blends luxury, culture, and natural wonder.
By source market, China continued to lead with 3.1 million visitors, equivalent to 25.5% of all foreign arrivals. The Republic of Korea followed with 2.5 million, or 20.7%. Other major markets included Taiwan (China) with 737,000, the US with 522,000, and Japan with 380,000.
Khanh Hoa has welcomed 16 international cruises so far this year, with more than 19,000 tourists disembarking to explore the province’s scenic landscapes and renowned cultural, religious, and artistic landmarks, as well as to enjoy local cuisine and sightseeing tours.
According to local plans, fireworks shows will be held at multiple locations, with Ha Long Bay as the focal point. More than mere entertainment, these displays are part of a strategic cultural tourism product aimed at strengthening the region’s brand.
Chatbot and virtual assistants support itinerary consultation and tour bookings, and provide around-the-clock response across multiple platforms while AI advertising applications have been used to optimise budgets and target the right customers. AI has been also employed to analyse customer data, enabling the delivery of personalised tour recommendations.
Many Vietnamese regions possess favourable conditions, including natural landscapes, climate, and rich cultural identities, to host sport events that integrate with cultural and tourism experiences.
Dubbed the “land of ancient towers”, Khanh Hoa boasts a rich Cham legacy through architectural masterpieces like the Po Nagar, Hoa Lai, Po Klong Garai, and Po Rome towers.
Vietnam’s e-visa system is now seen as one of the most efficient, convenient, and transparent in the region. Fully online registration, no paperwork or interviews, and fast and flexible processing time have improved foreigners’ entry experience, creating a competitive advantage over countries clinging to complicated and costly visa procedures.
Sunset Town unfolded like a living fairytale. Every street and hidden corner recalls iconic European landmarks – from Venice’s San Marco Bell Tower and Paris’s Arc de Triomphe to Almafi-style squares and cobblestone paths reminiscent of southern Italy.
Its natural advantages have made Mui Ne a magnet for enthusiasts of kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). These activities not only diversify the local tourism offerings but also contribute to the area’s long-term development strategy focused on sustainability.
In July alone, the city welcomed 695,930 international arrivals, surging 75.3% year-on-year. For the seven-month period, international visitors totalled 4.5 million, up 48% year-on-year.
Welcoming the crew on the morning of July 30, Dang Dong Ha, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, emphasised that the film offers a valuable opportunity to promote Quang Tri’s tourism potential, particularly to Indian visitors, but also to a broader global audience.
With a proactive and creative approach, Hanoi is positioning itself as one of Southeast Asia’s most compelling destinations where tradition meets innovation, and every visit offers a blend of the familiar and the new.
Fostering linkage among regional localities and restructuring the tourism sector towards professionalism are among measures to boost the “smokeless industry” of the Mekong Delta.
A corner of Hoi An ancient city (Photo: VNA) 
