(KPL/VNA) Hosting the Visit Vietnam Year 2025 themed “Ancient Capital, New Horizons” carries high expectations for the central city of Hue, creating a powerful breakthrough for its tourism industry to become a key economic sector while promoting local tourism brand on both Vietnam and the world’s tourism maps.

The event is significant for Hue in its journey towards sustainable development based on preserving and promoting the values of the ancient capital's heritage and cultural identity.

Getting ready for Visit Vietnam Year 2025

Hue has already established the organising committee for the Visit Vietnam Year 2025, with five subcommittees of Finance – Sponsorship, Content – Technique, Communications, Protocol – Logistics, and Security – Health – Environment.

The highlight will be the opening ceremony on March 25 evening, featuring a special semi-realistic stage along the Huong River. Beyond an artistic programme, the opening night will be a feast of music and light showcasing the cultural identities of regions across the country. It will bring together cultural excellence performed by over 800 artists and international art troupes from China, the Republic of Korea, Japan, and Uzbekistan. Preparations have been nearly completed, promising captivating fireworks displays, drone shows, LED effects, water illuminations, and paragliding demonstrations.

Throughout the Visit Vietnam Year 2025, 75 major national and international events will take place in Hue, comprising the Spring Festival "Spring in the Ancient City, Summer Festival “Shining Imperial City”, Autumn Festival “Hue in Autumn”, and Winter Festival “Winter in Hue”.

According to Director of the municipal Department of Tourism Tran Thi Hoai Tram, with the event, the city is expecting to welcome 5.25-5.5 million tourist arrivals this year and gain 11-12 trillion VND (430.4 – 470 million USD).

Hue currently has 887 lodging facilities with some 14,000 rooms, distributed across various types from resort hotels and apartments to tourist villas, guest houses, and homestays. The demand for 3-5 star rooms is particularly high during peak periods. To ensure tourists have a complete holiday experience, most coastal facilities have joined hands with travel agencies and selected group contracts to maintain a steady flow of guests.

Determined for tourism breakthrough

The Visit Vietnam Year 2025 presents opportunities for the local tourism sector’s comprehensive development.

Hue boasts significant potential for tourism and service development thanks to its heritage advantages, landscapes, craft villages, and diverse tourism products. However, the products, small in scale, are not yet truly attractive and only meet a small portion of the tourism market.

Against the backdrop, the city will reposition its products, making them align with the market trends, adjust policies to attract investors, and pay due attention to promoting local images on national and international media. Additionally, a focus will be channeled to green and smart tourism that leverages cultural heritage as well as improvement in the quality and quantity of accommodations.

Travel businesses will develop additional high-quality, professional products in health care and golf services. New and creative services tied to local advantages revolving around distinctive brands such as “Hue - Ao Dai Capital”, “Hue - Culinary Capital”, “Hue - Festival City”. Notably, realistic performances, Ao Dai shows, and arts associated with heritage and Hue royal court music will become regular tourism products of the city, according to Tram.

With several potential markets for Hue tourism like the Netherlands, East Asia, and India, local leaders said it is necessary to develop suitable tourism products and innovate promotion methods. International flight routes are being connected to bring tourists to Hue, including linkages with Da Nang International Airport and policies supporting guest transport from Da Nang to Hue. Additionally, the city will continue developing cruise tourism and establishing service infrastructure in Chan May port area in Phu Loc district to welcome high-end international visitors.

Hue plans to launch a new product, in which AI applications can help tourists identify suitable tours, attractions, and services when visiting Hue simply by scanning a QR code. Heritage sites and attractions will also apply AI technology to support tourists in sightseeing and experiencing local culture.

KPL