Economic impetus from heritage

Drawing on heritage resources, many localities have exploited and developed cultural tourism, service, and creative industries, bringing economic benefits. Heritage has become a dynamic resource, promoting sustainable growth.

Tourists on the "Experience the Night at Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam" tour. (Photo by Thanh Nguyen)

Growth leverage

In a short time, technology has created a new approach to preserving and promoting heritage values. At the Temple of Literature, Hanoi's Old Quarter, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, etc., night tours combining light shows and virtual reality applications expand the space for exploring heritage sites.

Live performance shows like "The Quintessence of Northern Vietnam" and "Memories of Hoi An" attract the public by revitalizing traditional values ​​and creating a chain of cultural and artistic services that yield economic benefits. In contemporary life, performing arts, folk music, indigenous knowledge, customs, etc., are "reborn," becoming attractive highlights in cultural and tourism activities.

At the Temple of Literature, Hanoi's Old Quarter, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, and other locations, night tours combining light shows and virtual reality applications expand the scope of heritage exploration.

Dr. Tran Doan Lam, former Director of The World Publishing House, commented: “Economic activities based on heritage in Vietnam are developing in three directions: tourism and cultural experiences; development of creative industries and the digital economy; and public-private partnerships in conservation and infrastructure investment. Exploiting ‘derivatives from heritage’ both generates revenue for conservation and brings heritage closer to younger audiences and connects it to the international market.”

Heritage economics is emerging as a dynamic and interdisciplinary field, operating on the foundation of culture, education, tourism, and services. The "Quintessence of Northern Vietnam" program is an example of the transformation of traditional materials into distinctive performing arts products. This model forms an ecosystem encompassing tangible and intangible cultural heritage and a chain of derivative products. The revenue generated is used to support heritage restoration and preservation, nurture artisans, and train the next generation of creative talent.

This new direction of development requires a scientific approach, professional exploitation and management, and especially respect for the original values ​​of the heritage. When the community is empowered to own and benefit from its cultural values, the heritage becomes a "living asset" and radiates intrinsic strength.

Institutions and platforms for innovation

In practice, cultural heritage, when properly exploited, becomes an important economic resource for many localities. In the ancient town of Hoi An, the preservation and conservation of heritage is closely linked to the lives of the people. The World Natural Heritage site of Ha Long Bay promotes green tourism combined with sustainable development. However, alongside stable revenue sources, the exploitation of heritage values ​​faces many challenges. Restoration work lacks a scientific basis; experiential products are not diverse enough; financial and human resources are limited; and commercialization pressures affect the authenticity of the heritage and the environment.

Hoi An is seeking to balance the modern living needs of its residents with the preservation of ancient houses; Ha Long must harmonize economic interests with the protection of its natural landscape. These issues require supportive mechanisms and policies. The draft document for the 14th Party Congress emphasizes the viewpoint of "preserving and effectively promoting cultural heritage values ​​in conjunction with developing a heritage economy." This orientation reflects the need to legalize the concept of "heritage economy," creating a foundation for heritage to become a long-term growth driver.

Conservation must go hand in hand with innovation, shifting from "preserving" to "creating," considering heritage as the center of creativity and experience, with the community directly participating and benefiting. This is the key to transforming heritage into a powerful resource, promoting local cultural and economic development.

Dr. Dang Van Bai, Vice Chairman of the National Council for Cultural Heritage

To expand economic activities in heritage exploitation, it is necessary to promptly develop a policy framework that connects the fields of culture, tourism, and creative industries, ensuring consistency in management and development. According to Dr. Tran Huu Son, Director of the Institute of Applied Folklore Culture, it is necessary to identify and plan the types of heritage economic activities, analyze their characteristics and values, and assess the impact and address the relationships when developing the heritage economy at the local level.

Dr. Dang Van Bai, Vice Chairman of the National Council for Cultural Heritage, argues that a fundamental change in the approach to heritage is necessary. Preservation must go hand in hand with innovation, shifting from "preserving" to "creating," considering heritage as the center of creativity and experience, with the community directly participating and benefiting. This is the key to transforming heritage into a powerful resource, promoting local cultural and economic development.

Furthermore, localities need to focus on training human resources in heritage management and cultural communication, and promote public-private partnership models to expand the space for innovative startups. Combined with digital technology, creative economic thinking, and community engagement, revenue from heritage will contribute to the preservation of traditional cultural values ​​and promote the development of related economic sectors.

NGOC LIEN

Source: https://nhandan.vn/suc-bat-kinh-te-tu-di-san-post927013.html