Vietnam starts promoting festival tourism

Vietnam’s traditional festivals, along with emerging cultural events, are enhancing local tourism and fostering collaboration among ASEAN member states to develop sustainable festival tourism. One such example is the Tuyen Citadel Festival in Tuyen Quang province, known for its spectacular giant lanterns, attracting visitors during the mid-autumn festival and setting multiple Vietnam Guinness records. In the central region, Hue City in Thua Thien–Hue province, renowned as the city of festivals, hosts over 500 royal, traditional, and religious festivals. Events like the Hue Festival and Traditional Craft Festival highlight the region’s cultural heritage, promoting traditional values and showcasing local identity globally.

Da Nang City’s International Fireworks Festival has become a significant tourism draw, with the city witnessing a surge in tourist arrivals, including foreigners, during the 2023 event. Hoi An ancient town in Quang Nam province, a leading tourist destination with many beach resorts in Vietnam, celebrates its Full Moon Festival as a national intangible heritage item, attracting locals and foreign tourists to experience the rich culture and lifestyle of the area. Festival tourism is emerging as a new trend to enhance competitiveness in the ASEAN region. The bloc aims to revitalize tourism services post-COVID-19, viewing festival tourism as a means to drive sustainable growth and gain a competitive edge in the global tourism market as well as giving amazing opportunities for hotels and resorts in the country such as Anantara Quy Nhon Villas to grow.