The footbridge on Tran Nhat Duat Street, connecting the old quarter with the Phuc Tan area in Hoan Kiem District, is illuminated by public art installations. Photo: (Thanh Tung/VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) 🧸- The UNESCO movement has significantly contributed to the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage globally.
In addition, it has laid the groundwork for the development of cultural industries, blending tradition with innovation to create sustainable growth. Initiatives such as the UNESCO Creative Cities Network and the International Fund for Cultural Diversity have provided a solid foundation for cultural and creative industries to flourish.
Hanoi's membership in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network has sparked strategic shifts in the city’s approach to culture and urban development.
The transformation of ordinary spaces into vibrant public artworks—such as the murals at Phung Hung and the revitalization of riverside areas into creative art spaces - highlights the positive impact of UNESCO's involvement.
The once-neglected footbridge on Tran Nhat Duat Street, now adorned with colorful installations, is a prime example of how creative design can enhance urban life and contribute to economic growth.
Hanoi, along with Hoi An and Da Lat, represents Vietnam in UNESCO Creative Cities Network.
These cities harness rich cultural values to develop distinctive cultural products that engage with the global market while maintaining national identity.
Globally, cultural industries are becoming increasingly vital to national development. UNESCO Creative Cities Network, which emphasizes culture and creativity as drivers of sustainable urban growth, now includes over 350 cities working together to place creativity and cultural industries at the core of their development plans.
Flowers bloom along the Set River, part of a creative infrastructure project by Lang Viet – Nuce Development and Consulting Corporation. (Photo published by VNA)
According to Tran Van Manh, Vice Chairman of the Asia-Pacific Federation of UNESCO Clubs and Vice President and General Secretary of the UNESCO Vietnam Federation, the efforts of UNESCO-related organizations worldwide are instrumental in fostering the growth of cultural industries.
At a recent international conference in Quang Ninh, experts discussed the integration of technology into the development of cultural industries.
The combination of culture and technology is seen as crucial in an increasingly interconnected and globalized world.
Huy Nguyen, CEO of Phygital Labs, proposed a model for heritage economics where digital technologies are used to safeguard and monetize cultural assets.
This includes digital replicas of heritage artifacts for global exhibitions, offering visitors virtual experiences and generating revenue through online ticket sales.
A design piece at the Creative Design Festival in Hanoi, 2022. (Photo: Tuan Duc/VNA)
Further expanding on this, the digitization of heritage artifacts opens up new economic possibilities.
Using blockchain technology ensures the authenticity and security of transactions, broadening the reach of cultural heritage through digital markets.
Dr. Le Cao Thang of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor emphasized the need to raise awareness among officials and the public about the inevitable transition to a digital culture.
This involves enhancing legal frameworks, applying Industry 4.0 technologies, and developing a comprehensive cultural database.
A team of young architects, led by Dinh Viet Phuong, uses 3D technology to reconstruct the stone pillar at Dam Pagoda, an important relic from the Ly Dynasty. (Photo: 3DART)
The development of human resources for digital transformation, strengthening international cooperation, and constant monitoring of the digital cultural landscape are critical components of this strategy.
As Vietnam embraces digital culture and global integration, the challenge lies in ensuring that society as a whole recognizes the importance of this transition.
Strengthening technology adoption and building a robust legal infrastructure are key to fostering a dynamic and innovative cultural industry./.
Attendees of the international conference on "Roles and Contributions of the UNESCO Movement to Cultural Industries," held on August 5 in Quang Ninh. (Photo: VNA)
Vietnam will host the 8th International Conference of the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network for the Asia-Pacific Region from September 5-17 in the northern mountainous province of Cao Bang, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on August 22.
Assistant Director-General of UNESCO for Natural Sciences Lidia Arthur Brito has commended Vietnam for its significant contributions to UNESCO's natural science initiatives while meeting in Paris with Ambassador Nguyen Thi Van Anh, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to UNESCO.
25 years since receiving the title “City for Peace,” Hanoi has recorded positive changes and comprehensive development, becoming a safe and friendly destination. The capital has also been widely promoted among international friends, and garnered high praise from international organizations.
Vietnam has a system of 11 UNESCO-recognized World Biosphere Reserves, a designation awarded by UNESCO to areas of exceptional natural value and biodiversity.
The Nine Dynastic Urns, housed in the Hue Imperial Citadel in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue, have been inscribed in the Memory of the World Register, marking Vietnam’s 10th UNESCO-recognised documentary heritage.
The first and only direct service connecting the two countries at the moment is set to operate three times per week using the modern wide-body Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
Mu Cang Chai is home to nearly 83,000 hectares of forest, including almost 60,000 hectares of unspoiled natural woodland. Recognising this potential, local authorities have embraced a holistic strategy that protects biodiversity while promoting tourism.
Phu Quoc ranks among the top 10 leading tourist islands in Asia. As the largest island in Vietnam, it boasts stunning natural beauty, with expansive coral reefs resting beneath the sea and a number of beautiful, poetic beaches such as Sao, Truong, and Khem, known for their fine white sand and crystal-clear waters.
Vietnam's national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet are among the exhibitors, promoting key destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Phu Quoc, as well as distinctive tourism products.
Alexander Musikhin, Vice President of ATOR and CEO of the Intourist travel agency, highlighted Vietnam as a top destination offering a unique blend of beach holidays and cultural excursions.
According to Seoul’s Tourism Industry Department, approximately 20,000 Vietnamese visitors travel to the city each year for medical treatment. Vietnam consistently ranks among the top 10 countries with the highest number of medical tourists to Seoul.
An analysis of accommodation search data based on check-in dates for June and July revealed that Nha Trang surpassed all other destinations in popularity among Korean users.
The programme is organised by the Khanh Hoa provincial Youth Union and the “Khanh Hoa people speak English” Project, and aims to promote the culture, history, cuisine and other tourism products of Nha Trang – Khanh Hoa to international visitors.
VNAT Director General Nguyen Trung Khanh called visa a golden ticket to pulling in crowds, but he is clear that it needs coordinated efforts across multiple sectors to keep the momentum going in this fast-moving global travel scene.
As a tourism hub, Hanoi is now actively developing strategies to attract Muslim travellers. In recent years, the city has seen a notable uptick in visitors from countries with large Muslim populations.
When tourists witness firsthand the passion and care of farmers, they’re willing to pay higher prices because they see the genuine worth behind every product.
During the first five months, China continued to be Vietnam's largest source market of tourists, followed by the RoK, China’s Taiwan, the US, and Japan.
After more than three months of operation, the popularity of the free tours in Bac Ninh province shows no signs of cooling down. Many tourists return every week in hopes of experiencing all the tours and visiting every destination.
Typical products of Phu Tho are being showcased at the Lao Cai International Travel Mart 2025, held in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai from June 5-8.
Featuring 130 stalls and delegations from 120 travel agencies representing more than ten countries and territories, the event is expected to provide a platform for establishing partnerships and attracting more visitors to Lao Cai in the future.
Kicking off the festival on the evening of June 7 will be the grand music concert titled “Nha Trang Say Hi”, featuring popular artists from the trending show “Anh Trai Say Hi”. The event will be broadcast live nationwide and conclude with a fireworks display over Nha Trang Bay.
Data from Booking.com reveals that during the peak summer vacation in June and July, beach trips continue to be a top priority for Vietnamese travellers.
The northern midland province of Phu Tho has carried out all-round measures to improve tourism infrastructure, services, and offerings, elevating visitor experience and reinforcing the province’s unique cultural identity.
Hanoi has directed lodging providers and tourist destinations to bolster preparations in staffing, service quality, security, and sanitation. Community-based lodging platforms such as Airbnb are also being promoted strongly to expand housing supply during the holiday period.