Over 17mn tourists visit Vietnam’s Hoi An in 13 years

Ticket sales have generated over VND1.9 trillion (US$72.1 million), according to a conference held in the city on Monday.

The conference reviewed the comprehensive investment plan for the conservation, restoration, and promotion of Hoi An from 2012 to 2025.

With a complex of nearly 1,400 ancient relics and a dense system of intangible cultural heritage, Hoi An has long been a focal point of heritage tourism.

UNESCO has recognized Hoi An as a model for the integration of preservation and sustainable development.

In 2012, Vietnam’s prime minister approved a master plan for the conservation and tourism-based development of Hoi An Ancient Town for the period of 2012–25.

Despite various changes over the years, Hoi An Ancient Town has consistently been placed at the center of planning and conservation efforts to preserve its original state.

Surrounding areas have been planned to transition harmoniously, ensuring strong connections with the heritage space.

Natural ecological zones and traditional craft villages have been preserved and linked with the Cu Lao Cham-Hoi An World Biosphere Reserve to form a unified entity.

Hoi An’s relic system has been inventoried, categorized, and evaluated for architectural preservation. 

Hoi An is home to one special national relic, 27 national-level relics, 50 provincial-level relics, and 19 relics under protection for the 2024–29 period.

Since 2012, hundreds of billions of Vietnam dong have been invested in the restoration of many centuries-old structures. VND8.5 billion ($322,645) has been spent on termite control to protect relics over the past 13 years.

In terms of intangible heritage, Hoi An currently has eight national intangible cultural heritage titles and has five recognized outstanding artisans.

Traditional customs, festivals, and spiritual practices continue to thrive in the ancient town, alongside cultural events that keep the heritage vibrant.

Nguyen Thi Anh Thi, vice-chairwoman of the Da Nang City People’s Committee, emphasized that the 13-year master plan has played a crucial role in preserving and promoting heritage values.

Restoration efforts have helped many relics avoid severe deterioration, and community awareness has significantly improved.

Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Hoang Dao Cuong remarked that Hoi An Ancient Town is an invaluable legacy passed down from previous generations.

Its sustainable preservation over the years has been possible thanks to continuous intergenerational efforts.

A major turning point came in 1999 when UNESCO designated Hoi An a World Cultural Heritage Site, amplifying its global significance.

During the conference, heritage experts and cultural researchers pointed out ongoing challenges, including urbanization pressure and the tourism boom, which have led to degradation of relics and a fading presence of everyday life in the ancient houses.

Since July 1, Hoi An City has been administratively reorganized into three wards and one commune. This restructuring necessitates a new management model that can ensure comprehensive coordination of the heritage space.

The proposed model should clearly define managing authorities, coordinating bodies, and stakeholders to maintain unity in heritage conservation and development.

A unified understanding of the holistic nature of Hoi An is critical to preventing fragmentation under the new administrative structure and preserve its integrity, authenticity, and outstanding universal value, the Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism stated.

According to the Da Nang People’s Committee, thanks to the integrated approach of planning, conservation, and promotion, most of Hoi An's residents now earn their livelihood through services, tourism, and commerce.

Over the past 13 years, Hoi An has received 81 tourism awards. In 2024 alone, the ancient town attracted 4.4 million visitors.