Two "must-visit" destinations in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

(NLĐO) – Two special national historical sites are applying technology to elevate their heritage status, aiming to become "must-visit destinations" for tourists.

On October 19th, the Reunification Hall, the Cultural and Scientific Activities Center of Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam, and the Institute for Economic and Tourism Development Research jointly organized a media forum to promote destinations with the theme "Convergence of Identity, Elevating Heritage" from Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam to the Reunification Hall.

Mr. Tran Huu Phuoc, Acting Director of the Reunification Hall, said that the forum is of great importance in introducing the unique values ​​of the two special national historical sites, and is a new feature in the way activities are organized at the Reunification Hall.

The forum was held in the Reunification Hall. Photo: Lam Giang

"With over 1 million visitors annually, the Reunification Hall is one of Ho Chi Minh City's most interesting tourist attractions. Among its appealing attractions is the exhibition "From Norodom Palace to Independence Palace 1868 - 1966". Since opening in March 2018, this tourist attraction has welcomed nearly 350,000 visitors each year," said Mr. Tran Huu Phuoc.

Meanwhile, the Temple of Literature - National University ( Hanoi ) is increasingly attracting domestic and international tourists, thanks to its unique night-time tourism offerings.

The Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giám Cultural and Scientific Activities Center is the unit that has successfully organized the Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giám night tour experience program.

International visitors pose for photos in front of the Reunification Hall. Photo: Hoang Trieu

Mr. Le Xuan Kieu, Director of the Cultural and Scientific Activities Center of Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giám, said that the night-time tourism product here is organized to enhance the heritage, with a development orientation linked to three pillars: cultural industry, digital transformation, and smart tourism development. Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giám has collaborated with several partners; the tour program is still in the testing phase but has great potential to become an attractive official product.

"The 'Essence of Vietnamese Learning' experiential tour program was launched nearly a year ago, but it has already attracted both domestic and international tourists by showcasing the essence of Vietnamese learning with three traditions: respect for teachers and mentors, love of learning, and valuing talent. Notably, the tour is told through the application of technology, creating a unique experience where visitors can immerse themselves in the atmosphere of a traditional teacher, relive the journey of learning in the past, and interact through virtual reality glasses," said Mr. Le Xuan Kieu.

The "Essence of Philosophy" experiential tour program at the Temple of Literature - National University attracts a large number of tourists.

Speaking at the forum, Mr. Ta Di Linh, Director of the Institute for Economic and Tourism Development Research, said that from the Temple of Literature - National University to the Reunification Hall, further investment is being made to elevate the heritage status, based on respecting and honoring history, and creating more attractive tourism products.

In particular, this trend is increasingly relevant and meets the needs of both domestic and international tourists. Following COVID-19, surveys by many international organizations have shown a growing demand among tourists for access to sustainable tourism and connections to sustainable values.

The tour program is currently in the testing phase, but initial results are positive.

"A survey by Booking.com shows that if you go to Hanoi, a tour exploring the Old Quarter will include the Temple of Literature - National University, while in Ho Chi Minh City, out of every 10 international tourists, 5-6 will choose to visit the Reunification Hall."

Therefore, applying technology and innovation to exploit existing resources to restructure products for destinations, elevate heritage, and create added value for the tourism industry and the economy is necessary," analyzed Dr. Duong Duc Minh, Deputy Director of the Institute for Economic and Tourism Development Research.

Many tourists visit the Temple of Literature - National University at night to explore its historical atmosphere.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/hai-diem-phai-den-o-ha-noi-va-tp-hcm-196241019145113457.htm