Quang Nam, Da Nang, Thua Thien Hue: Three in One

Quang Nam, Da Nang, Thua Thien Hue: Three in One

On the occasion of the fifth anniversary of UNESCO recognition of Hoi An and My Son as world heritage, Quang Nam, Da Nang and Thua Thien Hue provinces have worked together to develop tourism in the region.

Heritage and potential

Vietnam has six world heritage sites with five in Central Vietnam, three offering tangible cultural heritage, one intangible and one natural. The heritage areas offer natural beauty and accessibility. In recent years, heritage areas have become major tourist attractions especially for foreign tourists, and tourism has been developed accordingly. Quang Nam, Da Nang and Thua Thien Hue are located along the world heritage tourist route in Central Vietnam. The region is favourable for the development of its economy in general, but particularly in the area of tourism. The system of seaports, airports and border gates can be developed to international standard. In addition to world heritage areas are beautiful beaches, national parks, craft villages and unique festivals. The provinces have organised successive tours and programmes. After the celebration of Phong Nha - Ke Bang’s world heritage listing, the Hue Festival was followed by the Da Nang tourism festival, Hoi An Summer Festival and the celebration of the fifth anniversary of Hoi An - My Son world heritage recognition. Special tourist products have also been developed into regular activities such as Charming Hue, Hoi An Full Moon, Hoi An Nights (every weekend), the 1,000-year journey of Vietnamese ancient capitals, the legendary road, and green highlands. When visiting Central Vietnam, tourists can enjoy natural landscapes as well as participate in and share with the local people in their culture and festivities.

The Heritage Road passes through 14 provinces and cities, with Quang Nam, Da Nam and Thua Thien Hue as the focal point. With adequate investment, it will become an important destination for foreign tourists.

Co-operation Begins

The three provinces have signed a memorandum of understanding on co-operation in information, tourist promotion and activities, and infrastructure development and attracting investment. The co-operation will join the three provinces as a common destination and tourists can enjoy more tourist products in the region.

Mr. Luu Minh Sam, Director of Da Nang Tourism Department announced that co-operation will begin with the development of infrastructure. Da Nang Airport will become an international gateway welcoming tourists from all over the world. Phu Bai and Chu Lai Airports will be developed to meet tourist and other demands. Likewise, seaports will be developed to receive tourists, especially Da Nang, Chan May and Ky Ha Seaports. The network of roads must also be upgraded, linking Hai Van Tunnel and the soon to be completed East-West Corridor.

Mr. Dinh Hai, Director of Quang Nam Tourism Department, emphasised that co-ordination between the provinces is essential in the development of tourism. Investors must be encouraged to develop marine tourism from Thua Thien Hue to Quang Nam, first of all, with projects linking Hoi An and Da Nang beaches.

Mr. Paul Stoll, General Manager of the Furama Resort in Da Nang and Secretary General of the World Heritage Road, pointed out that all the beautiful beaches from Thua Thien Hue to Quang Nam should bear a single name - “Sunrise Beach” - including famous beaches in Lang Co, Non Nuoc, Ha My, Cua Dai, etc. Also, the Management Board of the World Heritage Road is preparing a rescue network in Central Vietnam to ensure tourist safety is of international standard. Such international events as a yacht race from Hong Kong to Central Vietnam in 2004, Marathon 2005, and Global Roads 2005 organised in the three provinces will attract a large number of tourists.

The co-operation also includes the development of marine tourism, infrastructure on Cham Island, eco-tourism and river tourism. Tours will be developed in areas with beautiful landscapes, especially along the rivers: Han, Hoai, Co Co, etc. as well as in craft villages. Festivals must be more impressive and tourist products more diversified.

The three provinces will have their own publication and website promoting their tourist programmes and packages, and establish representative offices in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and overseas. Enterprises will be encouraged to develop tour packages, restaurants and hotels. The provinces will also share their information and experiences in management to attract more investment.

• Song Phuong