Symposium seeks ways to conserve, develop heritage tourism amid COVID-19
The People’s Committee of the central province of Quang Nam held a symposium on December 3 to identify challenges and solutions on heritage tourism conservation and development amid COVID-19.
Quang Nam (VNA) –🐭 The People’s Committee of the central province of Quang Nam held asymposium on December 3 to identify challenges and solutions on heritage tourismconservation and development amid COVID-19.
It was part of the activitiesmarking the 21st anniversary the province’s Hoi An Ancient Town’s recognitionas a UNESCO World Heritage (December 4), and the third year the art of Bai Choiin central Vietnam was inscribed on the Representative List of the IntangibleCultural Heritage of Humanity (December 7). Many studies andessays were delivered at the event, particularly those on experience inheritage tourism conservation and development in the ancient villages of DuongLam in Hanoi and Dong Hoa Hiep in Tien Giang Mekong Delta province, which couldbe applicable in Hoi An. Representative of theJapan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Vietnam Mori Yoshinori briefedthe delegates on the cooperation and incentives of JICA in culturalconservation and tourism development in Vietnam in general and Hoi An inparticular via research programmes on history, archaeology, architecture, relicpreservation, and capacity raising for those working in such fields in thelocalities. Hoi An is known as thelargest trading port in the central region of Vietnam in the 17th century. Atpresent, the ancient town has a total of 1,438 relics, including 28 historicand 1,336 architectural ones. Seventy percent ofproceeds collected at tourist destinations has been earmarked for theinfrastructure reparation and investment in the town, as well as research and theholding of festivals. As the ravagingpandemic has dealt a blow to tourism activities in Hoi An, only 150 relics areopen to the public. The event, therefore, also discussed measures to lurevisitors once COVID-19 is repelled. Tourism arrivals toHoi An stood merely stood at 841,000 in the first nine months of this year andthe tourism sector raked in over 772 billion VND (33.41 million USD), marking anosedive of 80 percent against the same period last year./.
A ceremony was held at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel on November 23 to mark ten years since its central sector was recognised as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The Thang Long heritage conservation centre in Hanoi hosted a ceremony on November 23 to commemorate 10 years of former Thang Long royal citadel in Hanoi capital recognised as a world cultural heritage site by UNESCO.
The preservation and development of traditional craft villages depends heavily on young people, who are able to refresh the products’ image and bring them closer to consumers.
The ancient town of Hoi An in the central province of Quang Nam is offering free entrance to tourists visiting the Old Quarter and craft villages from December 1-4 to mark the 21st anniversary of its recognition as a UNESCO world heritage site.
Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh has instructed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) to coordinate with other ministries, agencies and localities to effectively implement policies and directives from the Party, Government, and Prime Minister on tourism development.
Da Nang's appeal stems from its numerous outstanding tourist attractions, particularly My Khe Beach, Sun World Ba Na Hills resort, and the ancient town of Hoi An. Additionally, Da Nang tourism is renowned for its affordability, especially attractive to young travellers and couples, according to Chosun Ilbo.
With new direct flights from major Indian cities like Hyderabad and Bengaluru, Vietnam is becoming an increasingly compelling destination for Indian tourists seeking a quick, emotionally rich four-day escape that blends luxury, culture, and natural wonder.
By source market, China continued to lead with 3.1 million visitors, equivalent to 25.5% of all foreign arrivals. The Republic of Korea followed with 2.5 million, or 20.7%. Other major markets included Taiwan (China) with 737,000, the US with 522,000, and Japan with 380,000.
Khanh Hoa has welcomed 16 international cruises so far this year, with more than 19,000 tourists disembarking to explore the province’s scenic landscapes and renowned cultural, religious, and artistic landmarks, as well as to enjoy local cuisine and sightseeing tours.
According to local plans, fireworks shows will be held at multiple locations, with Ha Long Bay as the focal point. More than mere entertainment, these displays are part of a strategic cultural tourism product aimed at strengthening the region’s brand.
Chatbot and virtual assistants support itinerary consultation and tour bookings, and provide around-the-clock response across multiple platforms while AI advertising applications have been used to optimise budgets and target the right customers. AI has been also employed to analyse customer data, enabling the delivery of personalised tour recommendations.
Many Vietnamese regions possess favourable conditions, including natural landscapes, climate, and rich cultural identities, to host sport events that integrate with cultural and tourism experiences.
Dubbed the “land of ancient towers”, Khanh Hoa boasts a rich Cham legacy through architectural masterpieces like the Po Nagar, Hoa Lai, Po Klong Garai, and Po Rome towers.
Vietnam’s e-visa system is now seen as one of the most efficient, convenient, and transparent in the region. Fully online registration, no paperwork or interviews, and fast and flexible processing time have improved foreigners’ entry experience, creating a competitive advantage over countries clinging to complicated and costly visa procedures.
Sunset Town unfolded like a living fairytale. Every street and hidden corner recalls iconic European landmarks – from Venice’s San Marco Bell Tower and Paris’s Arc de Triomphe to Almafi-style squares and cobblestone paths reminiscent of southern Italy.
Its natural advantages have made Mui Ne a magnet for enthusiasts of kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). These activities not only diversify the local tourism offerings but also contribute to the area’s long-term development strategy focused on sustainability.
In July alone, the city welcomed 695,930 international arrivals, surging 75.3% year-on-year. For the seven-month period, international visitors totalled 4.5 million, up 48% year-on-year.
Welcoming the crew on the morning of July 30, Dang Dong Ha, Deputy Director of the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, emphasised that the film offers a valuable opportunity to promote Quang Tri’s tourism potential, particularly to Indian visitors, but also to a broader global audience.
With a proactive and creative approach, Hanoi is positioning itself as one of Southeast Asia’s most compelling destinations where tradition meets innovation, and every visit offers a blend of the familiar and the new.
Fostering linkage among regional localities and restructuring the tourism sector towards professionalism are among measures to boost the “smokeless industry” of the Mekong Delta.
At the event (Photo: baoquangnam.vn) 
