Hue is not just about heritage.

Besides the ancient charm of its tombs and temples, and its vast cultural heritage, Hue also makes a strong impression as a green city with a thriving eco -tourism industry.

Affirming the brand of a green tourist city.

Today, November 30th, the National Assembly's approval of the Resolution establishing Hue City as a centrally-governed city marks a historic milestone, signifying the comprehensive development of a land of outstanding people and rich cultural heritage, embodying many values ​​of human civilization and possessing a strong identity. Hue is the only locality in Vietnam and Southeast Asia with eight UNESCO-listed heritage sites, six of which are unique to Hue. However, beyond the ancient charm of its tombs, temples, and monuments, and its vast cultural heritage, Hue also deeply impresses visitors with its environmentally friendly landscape right in the heart of the city: green trees and parks are strategically placed throughout the city and along its rivers…

Hue city has many green trees and parks (Photo: Le Dinh Hoang)

Through strategic moves and practical plans, Hue is increasingly demonstrating that when people think of Hue, they not only remember its heritage but also are impressed by its green city and its leading green tourism industry in the country. Recently, Hue has been a pioneer in taking action towards protecting the living environment and creating a green, clean tourism environment, becoming an eco-tourism city in the coming period, and contributing to Vietnam's Net Zero 2050 greenhouse gas emission target. Practical activities to create a green, clean, beautiful, safe, and friendly tourism environment include: "Green Sunday," "60 Minutes of Cleaning Homes and Beautifying Alleys," reducing plastic waste in the tourism industry, and a commitment to protecting wildlife.

The "Green Sunday" movement has spread to every citizen in Hue.

The tourism industry in Thua Thien Hue is developing in a green and sustainable direction, based on cultural values ​​and heritage. Evidence of this is that, recently, within the framework of the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2024 held in Vientiane, Laos, Thua Thien Hue tourism was honored to receive three awards in three categories: ASEAN Clean Tourism City 2024 (Hue City); ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Product 2024 (An Nhien Garden Destination); and ASEAN MICE Venue 2024 (Silk Path Grand Hue Hotel). These ASEAN tourism awards will contribute to honoring and developing the Thua Thien Hue tourism brand in the region and provide opportunities for tourism businesses and organizations in Thua Thien Hue province to effectively market their tourism business and promote the local tourism brand, especially green tourism products.

Cycling tours to visit heritage sites in Hue are very popular with tourists.

According to the Thua Thien-Hue Provincial Department of Tourism, the province has developed tourism packages with a green tourism theme that suit current tourism needs and trends, such as: health and wellness tourism, tourism combined with medical treatment, culinary experiences, creating eco-tourism products/check-in points associated with rivers, lakes, streams, waterfalls and lagoons; forming new entertainment spots, nighttime service points, and tours with green and sustainable criteria, preserving cultural heritage, using renewable energy, and being responsible to the community; tours exploring the unique history, culture and landscapes of localities for young people and family groups; prioritizing the use of electric vehicles, bicycles and cyclos.

We must not sacrifice resources and the environment for tourism development at all costs.

Speaking to Nguoi Dua Tin (The Informer), Mr. Nguyen Van Phuc, Director of the Department of Tourism of Thua Thien-Hue province, said that in the coming time, in order to develop green tourism into one of the main tourism products of the province's tourism industry, the locality will exploit resources and develop tourism products in the province while adhering to the following principles: respecting and protecting natural resources, protecting the environment, developing environmentally friendly tourism; not harming resource values; not disrupting the landscape and not distorting or losing original traditional cultural values; and not sacrificing resources and the environment for tourism development at all costs.

Cycling tours to explore Hue's historical sites attract many tourists seeking a unique experience.

Furthermore, applying the achievements of the 4.0 industrial revolution to the management and development of green tourism, paying attention to managing the carrying capacity of tourist sites and areas, monitoring and regulating the number of visitors to heritage sites, and regulating traffic flow to tourist areas/sites; focusing on improving the quality and replicating effective operating models of tourist destinations associated with heritage, historical sites, festivals, traditional crafts, cuisine, agriculture , and community tourism. In addition, conducting surveys and assessments of target markets interested in green tourism and their spending habits will help develop green products and services that attract high-quality, high-paying tourists, thereby reducing overcrowding and pollution in specific areas of the province.

Developing community-based tourism by leveraging the advantages of the lagoon and mangrove forests in Tam Giang Lagoon.

Mr. Nguyen Van Phuc suggested that tourism businesses in the province need to expand their network, cooperate closely with each other, and develop professional, environmentally friendly tourism products. They should research and develop experiential tourism tours and products, including ecotourism, resort tourism, community tourism, rural agricultural tourism, sports tourism, and activities such as sightseeing and exploring islands and coastal areas, ensuring the sustainable development of ecotourism, cultural and historical tourism and sharing benefits with the community. "The provincial tourism sector has also proposed to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to develop and issue a 'Green Tourism Criteria Set' for the following areas: hotels, homestays, resorts, travel services, and tourist destinations, applicable nationwide. Based on this, management agencies and tourism businesses can apply it in the process of investment, planning, and business. At the same time, it will also serve as a basis for recognizing green tourism products such as 'green tours,' 'green hotels,' 'green restaurants,' 'green resorts,' etc., so that tourists can easily identify and register to use them," added the Director of the Thua Thien-Hue Provincial Department of Tourism.

In Thua Thien Hue province, there are currently 15 tourist destinations recognized by the Provincial People's Committee, including 12 ecotourism and community-based ecotourism destinations such as Luong Quan - Nguyet Bieu garden houses in Hue City, Thanh Toan tiled bridge area in Huong Thuy town, and Dam Chuon ecological area in Phu Vang district... Tourism tours linked to nature conservation, raising environmental awareness, and supporting community livelihoods include: the Tam Giang Lagoon Sunset tour - exploring the largest lagoon in Southeast Asia; the tour visiting Phuoc Tich Ancient Village - Thuy Lap weaving village - Ngu My Thanh village - Tam Giang Lagoon; the cycling tour to Tam Giang Lagoon; visiting Phuoc Tich village - Tam Giang Lagoon; the tour from green vegetable fields to the golden lagoon; the Tam Giang Discovery tour… These tours are not only suitable for tourists and team-building groups but also ideal for weekend getaways for local people. Source: https://www.nguoiduatin.vn/hue-khong-chi-co-di-san-204241130172217456.htm