Huế Imperial Citadel will host Imperial Cuisine Space from April 24 to May 2. — VNA/VNS Photo

HUẾ – The central city of Huế is rolling out a vibrant line-up of cultural, culinary and coastal tourism events this April as part of Huế Festival 2026, organised under a year-round four-season format, with the Summer Festival set to run from April through June.

April will serve as the festival’s opening highlight, featuring a series of signature programmes aimed at boosting visitor numbers during the peak holiday period.

Many activities are timed to coincide with major national holidays, including the Hùng Kings Commemoration Day (April 25–27), Reunification Day (April 30), and International Workers’ Day (May 1), as the city seeks to stimulate tourism demand.

From April 24 to May 2, the “Imperial Cuisine Space” at the Huế Imperial Citadel will open each afternoon, offering visitors an immersive culinary experience combining royal court gastronomy with traditional local flavours. The venue is expected to become a popular stop before evening tours of the citadel.

On April 29 and May 1 evenings, the Duyệt Thị Đường Royal Theatre will host the “Royal Banquet Night”, where guests can enjoy meticulously prepared imperial dishes served following traditional court rituals, accompanied by artistic performances recreating the splendour of Nguyễn Dynasty palace banquets.

Meanwhile, from April 25 to 28, locals and tourists will receive free evening access to the Imperial Citadel for the “Mystical Imperial Palace” programme, featuring immersive performances and artistic activities designed to bring Huế’s royal heritage to life after dark.

Towards the end of April, the coastal cultural event “Thuận An – The Sea Calls” will take place at Thuận An Beach, celebrating the folk traditions of local fishing communities while showcasing Huế’s strengths in marine tourism and coastal economic development. Highlights include traditional boat races, local product exhibitions, community sports, and recreational activities.

The Summer Festival will also feature a range of accompanying events, including the Huế Nam Palace Festival (April 18–19), a Reading Culture Festival and book fair, creative exhibitions on French-era architecture and historical sites in Huế, an orchid and ornamental plant showcase, and a themed “Photo Tour” for photography enthusiasts.

Huế’s tourism sector has recorded strong growth momentum. In the first quarter of 2026, the city welcomed more than 1.9 million visitors, up 31.3 per cent year-on-year. International arrivals exceeded 843,000, rising 26.7 per cent, while domestic visitors reached over 1.05 million, an increase of 35.2 per cent. Tourism revenue surpassed VNĐ4.478 trillion (US$170 million), representing a sharp 71.4 per cent rise compared with the same period last year.

In 2026, Huế aims to attract between 7 and 7.5 million visitors and generate approximately VNĐ15 trillion in tourism revenue. — VNA/VNS