Hue tourism offers balance and uniqueness.

Hue is the former imperial capital – therefore, the city has important prerequisites for development and for promoting soft links in politics, economics, and culture.

This place also possesses the potential and natural strengths to become a unique tourism center of Vietnam in particular, and Asia and the world in general.

The Tam Giang-Cau Hai lagoon area in Hue is always attractive to tourists. Photo by LE HOANG

Hue city's potential has been assessed in aspects such as being a world cultural heritage city, a festival city, and, according to the plan, a key cultural and tourism center of Vietnam.

Balancing advantages and sustainability

Located in the central region of Vietnam, Hue City's weather isn't divided into distinct dry and rainy seasons like the southern provinces. While it does have two seasons, one is rainy and the other is less rainy. This unique characteristic contributes to Hue's ancient, romantic, and somewhat nostalgic charm.

Based on these characteristics, Hue city's tourism products are quite diverse and suitable to the climate, including heritage tourism (with 8 types of heritage recognized by UNESCO, especially the Complex of Hue Imperial Citadel); beach tourism (Thuan An, Canh Duong, Lang Co, Vinh Thanh); exploration tourism (Tam Giang-Cau Hai biological lagoon system, Phong Dien Nature Reserve, Bach Ma National Park, Sao La Conservation Area); ecotourism (forest, lake, lagoon and marine ecology); and agricultural farm tourism (visiting, exploring, and experiencing agricultural activities).

Recently, tourism combining relaxation and medical treatment (Thanh Tan and My An hot springs and large lakes in the midland area); health and wellness tourism; entertainment tourism; sports tourism through community sports events; and community-based tourism focusing on indigenous cultures in the ethnic minority areas of A Luoi and Nam Dong districts... are also becoming popular choices for tourists visiting Hue city.

According to data compiled over the past two years, tourist groups visiting Hue typically stay for only a short period, about 1.8 days. To create a unique experience and increase visitor retention, Long Ma Trading and Tourism Company (Drase Travel) focuses on exploiting traditional tourist destinations and experiences, thereby providing visitors with a more comprehensive view of Hue city.

According to Mr. Doan Cong Quoc Tuan, Director of Drase Travel, the company designs its tour routes based on three factors: environment, economy, and society. Bicycles and electric cars are the preferred modes of transportation for trips, creating a sense of closeness and enhancing the experience for tourists; especially helping to reduce negative impacts on the environment. Over the past five years, local people have gradually adapted and become more professional in their tourism practices, directly presenting and organizing logistics for tours.

“The relationship between tour operators and local people will be sustainable and long-lasting when the environment at the tourist destination is protected. A crucial factor is that the economic income of the people must be stable and consistent. We are supporting Ms. Bui Thi Ngoc Diem, the daughter and successor of the late Cong Ton Nu Tri Hue, in making Hue Imperial Palace cushions and offering them to tourists for a hands-on experience. This is a model of support for our traditional craft and artisans,” said Mr. Doan Cong Quoc Tuan.

Be different to avoid being boring.

In early 2024, while researching green tourism and climate change, Ms. Ngo Hoang Nguyen Anh, Director of iVietnam Travel, launched the Net Zero Tour tourism project. Ms. Ngo Hoang Nguyen Anh's team consists of young people. As a result, their perspective and approach to tourism are geared towards novelty and youthfulness. The project won second prize at the Thua Thien Hue Province Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition in 2024.

Net Zero Tour integrates environmental protection into its activities through a three-step transformation roadmap: First, accurately calculating the amount of carbon emissions generated by the trip. Next, reducing carbon emissions by implementing sustainable tourism transformation measures. Finally, increasing tree planting and supporting forestry projects.

iVietnam Travel aims to join hands with Hue city to promote mangrove reforestation, restore coastal ecosystems, and contribute to climate change adaptation. Although the average cost of a Net Zero Tour is 10-15% higher than traditional tours, the value it brings is significant, such as reducing waste emissions, building a sustainable tourism community, and changing customer mindsets.

Hue City is also famous for the Tam Giang-Cau Hai lagoon system, which covers a total area of ​​over 22,000 hectares, stretching over 60km, with some areas being 6-8km wide. This lagoon system is associated with unique biodiversity areas and vast agricultural spaces, considered one of the most distinctive in central Vietnam.

Based on that advantage, Ms. Luong Thi Hien, from Ngu My Thanh village, Quang Loi commune, Quang Dien district, has organized tours, bringing tourists to the village. Over the past four years, Ms. Hien's Tam Giang Flavors rest stop (a type of ecotourism) has increasingly improved its facilities.

Ms. Hien shared that the people in Ngu My Thanh have begun to adapt to economic development through tourism. From households that used to be fishermen, they have become tour guides, taking visitors around the village, following the principle of "seasonal produce." Tourists can pick watermelons, harvest peanuts, and catch fish and shrimp alongside the locals. At the end of the day, the boats return carrying a few bags of collected trash – a way for locals and tourists to work together to protect the environment and promote green tourism.

Looking towards the future of local tourism, Ms. Hien expressed: “We have high expectations for the effectiveness of the Net Zero Tour project. The mangrove trees and nipa palms will grow taller as the community's awareness of environmental protection increases. Tourism is not just for the present, but also aims for future value; when tourists return, they will be happy to see greenery covering every corner of the countryside.”

According to Tran Thi Hoai Tram, Director of the Hue City Department of Tourism: “With model tours like the “Net Zero Tour” at iVietnam Travel, the effectiveness has been clearly demonstrated. However, for these models to succeed and spread, it is necessary to build a system of criteria for evaluating local tourism Net Zero that is suitable for the conditions in Hue City. Along with that, there needs to be support mechanisms from the State, from preferential licensing policies to communication, encouraging businesses to create green tourism products; and encouraging linkages between businesses, government, and the community to unify approaches and responsibilities.”

The opportunities are immense, but to ensure the sustainable operation of Net Zero tours, it is necessary to train local people in customer service skills, homestay management, and sustainable tourism practices. Ecotourism planning needs to be systematically developed so that Hue tourism can truly "take off" and reach new heights.

According to NGUYEN VAN HAI-TRUONG AN (NDO)

Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/du-lich-hue-can-bang-va-khac-biet-post329165.html