Tourists staying at Alba Thanh Tan combine their vacation with a scenic cycling experience.

Product completion

In March 2024, Hue tourism officially launched two new tourism products that are in high demand from tourists: the "Connecting Central Heritage" tourist train, linking Hue and Da Nang , and a well-structured health and wellness tourism tour.

Mr. Nguyen Van Phuc, Director of the Department of Tourism, said that the launch of the "Connecting Central Vietnam Heritage" train is one of the efforts to connect the region and promote tourism in the two localities. It is a new product, marking the beginning of transportation business products combined with tourism services that Vietnam Railways will implement in the future. Regarding the health and wellness tourism product, this tour focuses on health and wellness products and services, linked with visiting and exploring heritage and culture in Hue. The creation of these two new tourism products is the result of a very thorough research and collaboration process between localities and relevant departments.

March is considered a crucial period for tourism and accommodation businesses to finalize preparations for welcoming and serving guests before the peak season. With a projected surge in tourist numbers in 2024, businesses, establishments, and tourist destinations are investing in infrastructure and services, while also renewing and improving their products to offer visitors.

Mr. Nguyen Ngoc An, Director of Hue Connection Tourism Co., Ltd., shared: “With current tourism trends, in 2024, we will focus on perfecting and developing two new tourism products: green tourism and healing tourism. For green tourism, we will aim to use non-polluting means of transportation such as bicycles, electric motorbikes, and electric cars; exploring natural sites and pristine forests in A Luoi. Tours will be designed to prioritize visitor satisfaction and experience. For healing tourism, we will integrate meditation programs at Hue's temples.”

According to the head of the Department of Tourism, two resorts in Vinh Thanh and Lang Co are expected to open this summer. Accommodation establishments have also reviewed their facilities, carried out repairs and upgrades to rooms, and checked security and fire safety systems to ensure they are functioning properly.

Besides improving products, to attract tourists to Hue, businesses are also launching promotional programs and introducing new products to visitors. Ms. Duong Thi Cong Ly, Vice President of the Provincial Tourism Association, said that for the Hue - Da Nang tourist boat tour alone, nearly 30 businesses and organizations are offering promotional packages during the launch, such as a 50% discount on double-decker bus tickets; a 10% discount on afternoon tea tours on the Perfume River; a 20% discount on combined tours to Thuy Bieu Garden, afternoon tours on Tam Giang Lagoon, and tours to Ru Cha - Icon Beach (Quang Cong)...

The tourist destination is ready to welcome visitors.

In 2024, Thua Thien Hue's tourism industry aims to welcome approximately 3.5-4 million visitors, with domestic tourists accounting for about 60-70%; total tourism revenue is expected to be around 7,500-8,000 billion VND. To achieve this goal, preparation and promotional activities to attract tourists during the peak season are especially important.

In various localities, preparations and improvements to services to welcome tourists have been implemented early. Mr. Pham Huu Chung, Head of the Culture and Information Department of Phu Loc district, said that Phu Loc is implementing projects, including a project to develop community-based ecotourism and experiential tourism on Cau Hai lagoon. In addition, taking advantage of new products from the province such as the train connecting Hue and Da Nang or the Hai Van Pass historical site, which has been largely restored, Phu Loc district is strengthening its promotion to attract tourists. “Phu Loc stands out for developing community-based tourism destinations, rivers, streams, and lakes. Before the peak tourist season, these destinations have restored and upgraded their infrastructure and improved service quality to welcome visitors,” Mr. Chung informed.

Forecasts indicate that Hue will enter a period of hot weather in the coming time, increasing the appeal of beach, lake, river, and stream tourism. Therefore, localities, community tourism destinations, and service businesses are investing more. According to Mr. Vo Duc Khiem, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Quang Cong commune, this year, the beaches of Quang Cong commune have seen the addition of 5-6 restaurants to serve the dining needs of tourists. Seafood sourced directly from local fishermen will be a unique feature to showcase and attract visitors. The local authorities are working to ensure that businesses and service establishments are ready to serve tourists before the April 30th and May 1st holidays.

In the mountainous district of A Lưới, after road construction to the stream in Hồng Hạ is completed, local waterfall and stream tourism will resume. Ms. Lê Thị Thêm, Head of the District's Culture and Information Department, stated that at community tourism sites, the thatched huts made of bamboo and leaves will be upgraded and renovated. Local authorities and relevant agencies will also revive some traditional crafts, such as pottery and sculpture, and incorporate them into tourism activities. In addition, local markets will be linked to events and festivals, recreating unique cultural features to attract tourists.

Text and photos: HUU PHUC