THỪA THIÊN–HUẾ — PM Nguyễn Xuân Phúc has urged the central province of Thừa Thiên–Huế to promote its cultural and historical heritage in the tourism sector, according to a report on the government website chinhphu.vn.

The central city, home to the Nguyễn Dynasty between 1802 and 1945, was called by PM Phúc the “Kyoto of Việt Nam,” characterised by its former Huế Imperial Citadel and royal tombs of Nguyễn Dynasty emperors. 

Tourism development in Huế is endowed with a long-established historical and cultural traditions and is in close proximity to many world cultural heritage sites such as Hội An Town, Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary, Sơn Đoòng and Phong Nha caves.

Last year, the province welcomed around 3.8 million visitors, a rise of 16 per cent over the previous year, including 1.5 million foreigners, a 42 per cent year-on-year surge. Tourism revenue hit VNĐ3.52 trillion (US$155 million), up 10 per cent against 2016, according to figures released by the provincial tourism department.

The province has targeted wooing up to 4.2 million tourists this year, with foreign arrivals making up 40-45 per cent, and earning VNĐ4.2 to 4.3 trillion in tourism revenue. — VNS