Digital Innovation and Cultural Events Drive Growth in Hue’s Tourism Sector, Here’s All You Need to Know

With the arrival of the year 2026, the Vietnamese city of Hue is on the cusp of a tremendous revolution in its tourism industry. After performing remarkably well in the year 2025, registering a staggering increase of 65% in Chinese tourist arrivals, Hue is now on the verge of welcoming even more tourists in the next year. With its recent focus on preserving its cultural heritage, advancing innovations, and adopting responsible tourism practices, the city has already become the buzzing destination of Southeast Asia.

Tourism Growth: Record Numbers and Continued Expansion

In 2025, Hue saw a record number of visitors, with 409,700 tourists arriving by the end of the year, a 65% increase compared to 2024. This surge in tourism was not only a sign of the city’s increasing popularity but also reflected its successful efforts to diversify its offerings beyond the traditional cultural heritage tourism. The Complex of Hue Monuments, with its imperial citadels and historical sites, remains the city’s most popular attraction. On January 1, 2026, the site sold over 8,700 tickets, generating nearly 1.5 billion VND in revenue.

Hue’s popularity is not just about its ancient landmarks. The city offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modernity, with vibrant local culture, gastronomy, and breathtaking natural landscapes along the Huong River. During the four-day New Year holiday, the city welcomed around 85,000 visitors, including approximately 50,000 international tourists, who were drawn to both traditional heritage sites and the more contemporary experiences offered in the area.

Setting New Goals: Tourism Growth Targets for 2026

Looking forward to 2026, Hue is targeting 7.5 million tourist arrivals, with a projected revenue of approximately 15 trillion VND (around 570 million USD). This ambitious goal aims to surpass the 6.3 million visitors and 13 trillion VND recorded in 2025. Local authorities are confident that the city’s cultural and tourism offerings will continue to attract tourists from across the globe.

A key element of Hue’s tourism strategy is its focus on enhancing its tourism infrastructure and promoting the diverse attractions that the city offers. The increasing interest in year-round tourism and the steady growth of niche markets, such as wellness and nature-based travel, will play a vital role in reaching these goals. By emphasizing cultural tourism, promoting local cuisine, and offering unique travel experiences, Hue is set to capitalize on its reputation as a destination of both historical importance and modern vitality.

Hue’s Commitment to Sustainability and Cultural Preservation

At the heart of Hue’s tourism strategy lies a commitment to cultural preservation and sustainability. The city’s tourism authorities continue to emphasize the importance of conserving its heritage sites, such as the Imperial Citadel and the Tombs of the Emperors, while promoting responsible tourism practices. These efforts are part of a broader initiative to integrate tourism with environmental protection and sustainable urban development.

Hue has made significant strides in reducing its environmental footprint by focusing on eco-friendly tourism initiatives, including the promotion of low-plastic practices, green accommodations, and sustainable transport options. For example, the city has worked with local businesses to reduce plastic waste, with 102 enterprises signing commitments to minimize their environmental impact.

By creating a more sustainable tourism model, Hue aims to balance economic growth with environmental preservation, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the city’s cultural and natural beauty.

Digital Transformation: Enhancing Visitor Experiences

One of the driving forces behind Hue’s tourism growth is the city’s embrace of digital transformation. In 2025, Hue launched several initiatives aimed at enhancing the tourist experience using technology. This includes the introduction of the Hue City Passport, which provides visitors with digital access to historical sites, restaurants, and cultural attractions, and multilingual audio guides to cater to international tourists.

In addition, the city has incorporated virtual reality experiences and AI-supported services that allow visitors to interact with cultural landmarks in new and innovative ways. These digital tools are especially popular with younger visitors who are increasingly looking for immersive, high-tech experiences while traveling.

The integration of technology not only improves the visitor experience but also supports Hue’s goal of promoting year-round tourism. By appealing to tech-savvy travelers, the city is able to attract a broader audience, making it a more dynamic and accessible destination for both local and international tourists.

The Role of Cultural Events in Attracting Visitors

In addition to its historical sites, Hue is positioning itself as a center for cultural exchange and artistic activities. One of the highlights of 2026 will be the Hue Festival, a year-round celebration of the city’s cultural richness, featuring diverse cultural and artistic events. This festival aims to showcase the best of Hue’s music, dance, art, and cuisine, while also celebrating the city’s unique heritage.

The Hue Festival not only draws tourists interested in cultural experiences but also supports the local economy by providing opportunities for artisans, performers, and hospitality businesses to showcase their work. By hosting such events, Hue seeks to extend the tourist season beyond the typical peak months, encouraging visitors to explore the city at different times of the year.

Economic Impact and Job Creation

Tourism in Hue is not only about attracting visitors; it is also about creating sustainable jobs and economic opportunities for local communities. The tourism industry in the region is expected to continue its expansion in 2026, supporting a wide range of sectors, from hospitality and transportation to local handicrafts and entertainment.

As the city grows as a tourist destination, more job opportunities will emerge, providing a boost to local businesses and contributing to the economic development of Hue. By focusing on sustainable and community-driven tourism, Hue’s tourism strategy aims to create long-term economic stability and improve the standard of living for local residents.

Hue’s Bright Future as a Cultural and Tourism Hub

There is an exciting emerging phase for tourism in Hue city’s tourism industry. With lofty aims for 2026, Hue is ready for its foray into the tourism industry as one of the prominent geographically located tourist destinations in South East Asia. As Hue continues into the transformations of technology and cultural events and becomes more conscious about responsible tourism, it would eventually lure many foreign as well as domestic tourists into its grasp.

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