Vietnam Transforms Tourism: Heritage Law Sparks Sustainable Tourism Boom in Ninh Binh, Hoi An and Beyond

Vietnam is embarking on a transformative journey that will reshape how heritage, culture, and tourism intersect. The new 2024 Law on Cultural Heritage, passed by the national legislature, seeks to revitalise and protect Vietnam’s rich cultural and natural heritage while also promoting a sustainable tourism model. This law goes beyond the traditional approach to heritage conservation, advocating for a dynamic and integrated relationship between heritage protection and tourism-driven economic development.

The law requires that cultural heritage be treated as a resource that not only preserves Vietnamese identity but also contributes to the country’s development. With this shift, heritage sites are no longer viewed as static historical monuments but rather as living entities capable of driving long-term growth. The government has taken significant steps to ensure that heritage is not only preserved but also used for tourism, while maintaining a balance between conservation and commercialisation.

The Role of the 2024 Cultural Heritage Law in Shaping Tourism

One of the key components of the new law is its focus on creating a regulatory framework for heritage protection that is both comprehensive and modern. This legislation provides clear guidelines for state agencies, communities, heritage site owners, and custodians on how to manage, protect, and promote cultural heritage in a way that benefits all stakeholders. The law requires that heritage conservation be integrated with socio-economic and development strategies, ensuring that tourism activities support the long-term sustainability of these sites.

A critical feature of the law is its emphasis on digital tools and innovation. The government has committed to building a national heritage database and adopting digital technologies for the management and protection of heritage sites. This move will help ensure that cultural heritage is accurately documented and easily accessible to the public while maintaining the integrity of these sites.

Moreover, the law mandates that local communities play a significant role in heritage management, shifting from a top-down approach to one that encourages local participation. This is particularly important for remote and indigenous communities who are the custodians of many of Vietnam’s most treasured cultural landmarks. By involving local communities in the management process, the law seeks to create a more inclusive tourism model that brings economic benefits to those who are most closely connected to the land and culture.

Sustainable Tourism as the Heart of Heritage-Based Development

With the new law in place, heritage tourism is positioned as a key pillar of Vietnam’s sustainable development strategy. The government has set clear goals for promoting tourism in a way that preserves both the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of the country. Sustainable tourism, as defined by the new law, is not only about protecting the environment but also about ensuring that the local population benefits economically from tourism without compromising their cultural identity.

The 2024 Law on Cultural Heritage acknowledges the role of heritage sites in generating economic opportunities. It encourages investments in tourism infrastructure and services linked to heritage, such as local crafts, guided tours, and cultural events. However, these initiatives are designed with strict safeguards to protect the authenticity of the heritage they are built upon. Tourism is not simply about bringing in visitors; it is about creating meaningful experiences that respect and preserve the culture.

This shift in policy is already visible in destinations like Ninh Binh, home to the UNESCO-listed Trang An Landscape Complex. Local communities in Ninh Binh have been empowered to take an active role in tourism development. Tourism operators, artisans, and local guides are now directly involved in the management and preservation of the area’s cultural heritage. As a result, the economic benefits of tourism are more evenly distributed, and the integrity of the site is preserved for future generations.

The Trang An Model: A Success Story in Sustainable Heritage Tourism

Trang An, known for its stunning karst landscapes and ancient temples, is a prime example of how heritage tourism can be managed sustainably. The site, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2014, has become a model for heritage-based tourism. The local government, in collaboration with the community, has put in place measures to control visitor numbers and limit the environmental impact of tourism. Efforts include maintaining buffer zones around sensitive areas and promoting eco-friendly transportation options like electric boats and bicycles.

The local community has benefited significantly from these initiatives. Tourism has created jobs in various sectors, including hospitality, transportation, and local handicrafts. Moreover, the community has been given a voice in decision-making, ensuring that tourism development aligns with local needs and values. This participatory approach has helped foster a sense of ownership among the people of Ninh Binh, turning them into active stewards of their cultural heritage.

The Challenge of Over‑Commercialisation

Despite the positive progress, challenges remain in balancing tourism development with heritage conservation. One of the main risks is over-commercialisation, where the demand for cultural experiences outpaces the capacity of a site to absorb it without compromising its authenticity. In some cases, tourism can lead to the exploitation of local traditions and rituals, turning them into spectacles that no longer reflect their original cultural significance.

Hoi An, a popular tourist destination known for its well-preserved ancient town and the iconic Japanese Bridge, serves as a case study in this respect. While the bridge’s restoration was carried out in line with international conservation standards, the increased number of visitors has placed pressure on the surrounding environment and local infrastructure. The bridge, once a quiet symbol of Hoi An’s history, has now become a central tourist attraction. Balancing the needs of tourists with the preservation of the site’s original character is an ongoing challenge for local authorities and heritage managers.

To mitigate this, the government has introduced measures to manage visitor flow and preserve the authenticity of heritage sites. These measures include implementing carrying capacity limits, introducing entry fees to fund conservation efforts, and encouraging off-peak visits to spread the tourism load more evenly throughout the year.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Heritage Tourism in Vietnam

The 2024 Cultural Heritage Law represents a significant step forward for heritage tourism in Vietnam. By making heritage conservation a central part of tourism development, the law contributes to a more sustainable and equitable model for both the industry and local communities.

As Vietnam grows as a popular tourist destination, the key will be to strike a delicate balance between preserving its cultural and natural heritage and meeting the needs of modern tourism. The success of destinations such as Trang An, as well as ongoing efforts in Hoi An, demonstrate that heritage conservation can be integrated with tourism development as long as the principles of sustainability, community involvement, and authenticity are prioritised.

This transformation provides tourists with a richer, more meaningful experience of Vietnam, allowing them to connect with the country’s history and culture while respecting and preserving local customs. As Vietnam moves forward with its heritage-driven tourism strategy, it sets a strong example for other countries seeking to balance conservation and development, ensuring that the past continues to enrich the future.

Finally, the new heritage law serves as a blueprint for Vietnam’s future tourism industry. By combining heritage preservation and sustainable development, the country not only protects its cultural treasures but also allows its communities to thrive. This comprehensive approach to tourism will undoubtedly serve as a model for other countries looking to balance growth with the preservation of their most valuable assets.

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