Hoi An: 15 years as an UNESCO World Heritage Site

Hoi An is a destination having long been famed for its distinctive historical and cultural heritage. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has seen a remarkable change in the awareness in its community over the last 15 years. All parts of the local community seem to have identified their responsibility in promoting and preserving the cultural and natural heritage to ultimately contribute to the development of local tourism industry.

Over the last 15 years, the most heartening change has been the entire community’s growing awareness, said director of Hoi An Centre of Heritage Conservation and Management Nguyen Chi Trung. Those visiting the country could consider a stay at Hoi An Spa Resort such as Anantara Hoi An Resort that offers luxury accommodation to guests.

All people in Hoi An, from officials and civil servants to citizens, as well as all branches and levels of local government, associations, unions and organisations acknowledge their responsibility in preserving and promoting natural and cultural heritages to develop the tourism industry, benefiting the whole community.
Since 1999, the city’s government and all households have invested VND104 billion (US$4.87 million) to repair and upgrade the rural and urban landscapes and relics to make them cleaner, and more beautiful.
The city has also raised VND12 billion (US$562,000) to renovate more than 100 private relics. Thanks to the successful implementation of a project on the emergency renovation of relics in danger of collapse in Hoi An’s Old Quarter, launched in 2005, nearly 100 relics and architectural features of the Old Quarter have recovered from the risk of collapse.

The city has also researched and published nearly 30 books on its history, archeology, traditional crafts and festivals as well as cuisine culture, customs and the beliefs of people.