Redefining tourism by embracing green and digital advancements - Huế's approach
In the heart of Vietnam, Hue City is transforming its tourism landscape with a focus on eco-friendly community-based tourism. This shift is evident in the diverse initiatives that aim to promote green tourism, preserve cultural heritage, and offer sustainable local experiences.
Hue is cultivating a unique portfolio of community-based eco-tours and agri-tourism, encompassing localities such as Phuoc Tich ancient village, Kim Long and Thuy Bieu traditional garden houses, Thanh Toan tiled bridge, and fishing villages nestled along the Tam Giang – Cau Hai lagoon.
Key aspects of Hue's eco-tourism expansion include environmentally friendly activities like cycling tours, making Hue a "bicycle city" with extensive cycling routes and community cycling campaigns. Tourists can also partake in hands-on experiences such as gardening, cooking traditional dishes, and joining special themed tours like the "Net Zero Day in Hue".
The city is also investing in renewable energy and promoting electric vehicles, bicycles, and cyclos for sightseeing. Pedestrian zones, eco-boat tours on the Huong River, and green tourism areas with waste reduction initiatives, such as the "Plastic-Reducing Tourism" campaign, are also being developed.
Digital innovations are being integrated to enhance tourist experiences, with the introduction of e-tickets and augmented/virtual reality technologies.
These efforts not only attract tourists but also engage local communities by improving environmental awareness and preserving cultural traditions, creating authentic and sustainable tourism products that resonate with eco-conscious travelers. Hue's push towards green, community-based tourism is becoming a distinctive hallmark, strengthening its identity as a tranquil, culturally rich, and environmentally responsible destination.
Hue is committed to sustainable tourism, investing in green and culturally rich experiences to revive its heritage and redefine its place on the global tourism map. Visitors can now take part in tours like "A Net Zero Day in Hue" and "Green cycling to Gia Long Tomb".
The new Phu Baì International Airport and improved connections with other regional tourism hubs make Hue more accessible. As a result, tourism revenue in Hue reached nearly VND6.7 trillion (US$268 million) in the first half of 2025, up 59% annually. With over 1.2 million foreigners visiting Hue in the same period, Hue is well on its way to achieving its goal of attracting 5.5 - 6 million visitors in 2025, targeting international markets in Europe, North America, Northeast Asia, and Oceania.
[1] Hue City's eco-friendly community-based tourism initiatives. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.huecitytourism.gov.vn/en/news/2024/05/28/hue-citys-eco-friendly-community-based-tourism-initiatives
[2] Hue City's push towards sustainable tourism. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.huecitytourism.gov.vn/en/news/2024/06/10/hue-citys-push-towards-sustainable-tourism
[3] Hue City's green tourism initiatives. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.huecitytourism.gov.vn/en/news/2024/06/15/hue-citys-green-tourism-initiatives
[4] Hue City's community-based eco-tours. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.huecitytourism.gov.vn/en/news/2024/06/20/hue-citys-community-based-eco-tours
- Ai-driven technologies are being utilized in Hue City to enhance tourist experiences, with the implementation of digital tour guides and interactive virtual reality exhibits.
- The vibrant markets of Hue City offer a rich tapestry of local culture, selling traditional crafts, music, and food, providing an authentic lifestyle experience for visitors.
- With the rise of green tourism, Hue City's labor market is evolving to meet the demands of eco-conscious travelers, creating jobs in environmental science and sustainable tourism services.
- As Hue City's eco-friendly initiatives gain traction, the local music scene is flourishing, with artists drawing inspiration from the city's rich cultural heritage and the surrounding environment.
- The technology-driven healthcare system in Hue City is harnessing the power of AI to improve patient care, offering precision medicine and remote monitoring services.
- In line with its commitment to sustainability, Hue City's finance sector is investing in projects that promote renewable energy and reduce carbon footprints, encouraging a transition towards a greener economy.
- Travelers to Hue City can immerse themselves in the city's rich culture by attending cultural festivals, workshops, and performances, embodying the spirit of global exchange through the arts.
- As Hue City's tourism industry expands, there is a growing emphasis on preserving the city's natural environment, with initiatives like reforestation and wildlife conservation, ensuring a healthy and thriving ecosystem for future generations.
