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Vietnam Drives a Monumental Surge in Cultural Tourism

Vietnam rich cultural heritage, traditional crafts, and vibrant festivals fuel a booming cultural tourism industry, attracting millions of visitors annually. Vietnam is witnessing a remarkable rise in cultural tourism, fueled by an increasing global interest in heritage and culinary experiences. This trend has gained significant traction, especially among the nation’s younger generation. Vietnam is home to 32 UNESCO-recognized heritage items, including five cultural heritage sites, 24 intangible cultural heritage elements, and documentary heritage items, as well as over 40,000 heritage sites, with nearly 10,000 classified at municipal and provincial levels. In recent years, Vietnam has consistently ranked high in international tourism awards. The country earned titles such as Top Asia Destination and Top Asia Destination for Heritage, Culture, and Cuisine from the World Travel Awards (WTA) for three consecutive years from 2018 to 2020. In 2023, Vietnam was once again recognized as the Top Asia Destination for Heritage, Culture, and Cuisine by the WTA. Hà Văn Siêu, deputy director of the Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT), emphasized that effectively leveraging cultural heritage provides visitors with a deeper understanding of local cultural values, encouraging repeat visits. Vietnam’s traditional crafts, festivals, and diverse cuisine are invaluable assets for cultural tourism. Iconic Vietnamese dishes like phở, bánh mì, bún chả, and bánh cuốn have received global acclaim, acting as ambassadors of the country’s tourism. The nation’s UNESCO-listed heritage sites, such as the Complex of Huế Monuments and Hạ Long Bay, have seen significant surges in popularity. These sites, which once attracted few visitors, now draw millions annually. In 2023, Huế welcomed 2.28 million tourists, including over a million international visitors. Similarly, Hạ Long Bay attracted nearly 2.7 million tourists, generating VNĐ780 billion (US$32.5 million) in revenue—a remarkable 80% increase from 2022. Hội An, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has also experienced tremendous growth, with nearly four million visitors in 2023—an increase of 99% from the previous year. Foreign tourist arrivals tripled to more than three million, while domestic visitors increased by 77%, reaching around one million. Vietnam’s cultural tourism scene is further enriched by captivating performances. Shows like Tinh Hoa Việt Nam (The Quintessence of Vietnam) on Phú Quốc Island and Ký Ức Hội An (Memories of Hội An) have captivated audiences, with the latter being recognized as the Top Entertainment Destination. Northern Vietnam’s Vũ Điệu Trên Mây (Dance on the Clouds) won the Top Cultural Tourist Destination award for Sun World Fansipan Legend at the 2022 World Travel Awards. Meanwhile, in Hanoi, CNN highlights the Tinh Hoa Bắc Bộ (Quintessence of Tonkin) show as a must-see attraction. As global travelers seek eco-friendly and culturally immersive experiences, young Vietnamese are at the forefront, passionately preserving and promoting their country’s heritage. Hà Kim Ngọc, deputy minister of Foreign Affairs and chairman of the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO, emphasized that while young people have certain advantages, they must harness digital transformation, social media platforms, and mobile applications to promote UNESCO heritage sites globally. Ngọc praised the innovation and creativity of the younger generation, which has allowed them to introduce Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage to the world. A prime example is Will in Vietnam, a popular TikToker with 3.2 million followers, who describes the country as a cultural tourism hotspot full of endless possibilities. To fully harness the potential of cultural tourism, Vietnam must continue to strengthen its regulatory framework. Support, incentives, and better oversight are needed to safeguard ethnic cultural values. Raising public awareness is also essential to ensuring the sustainability of cultural tourism initiatives.

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Türkiye Aims for Ambitious Growth in Rapidly Expanding Gastronomy Tourism Sector

Türkiye is setting higher targets to boost its revenue from the rapidly expanding gastronomy tourism sector, aiming to generate $18 billion by the end of 2024 and $25 billion by 2025. Gastronomy tourism, defined as travel focused on exploring the culinary culture, local dishes, beverages, and food production methods of a destination, has become a significant growth area for Türkiye. The country is now recognized as one of the world’s leading nations in this field, with its rich culinary heritage and more than 2,200 local foods and beverages. Cities such as Gaziantep, Adana, Hatay, and İzmir are renowned as major gastronomy hubs, attracting both domestic and international visitors. To further develop this sector, Türkiye has established 41 food, cookery, and pastry courses, with 16 located in Istanbul. Additionally, 34 gastronomy museums have been opened to showcase local products, and over 360 gastronomy festivals are held across the country each year. Promotional efforts for Turkish cuisine have extended globally, with events being organized in countries including the U.S., China, Russia, Spain, and Canada. According to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), 20% of the country’s $23.66 billion in tourism revenue from the first half of 2024 came from the food and beverage sector, totaling $4.74 billion. In 2023, the sector generated $10.9 billion. Gürkan Boztepe, president of the Gastronomy Tourism Association, highlighted the increasing importance of gastronomy tourism in Türkiye’s broader tourism strategy. He emphasized the role of UNESCO’s recognition of Gaziantep as a “City of Gastronomy” in further boosting the sector’s growth potential. Boztepe believes that Türkiye’s rich culinary culture is a key asset in achieving the nation’s tourism goals, which include attracting 60 million tourists and generating $60 billion in revenue. However, he stressed the importance of implementing sustainable tourism policies to remain competitive with other countries that have well-established culinary traditions. “Türkiye is on its way to becoming a global player in gastronomy tourism,” Boztepe added, calling for better international promotion of the country’s culinary cities. As Türkiye continues to grow its reputation as a top destination for food lovers, the future of gastronomy tourism looks promising, with ongoing efforts to enhance its global standing and expand its influence in international markets.

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Oman Unveils Exciting New Campaign to Attract Indian Tourists

Oman has officially launched its latest tourism initiative, the ‘Journey into the Heart of Oman’ campaign, scheduled to commence in January 2025. The announcement was made by H.E. Issa Saleh Al Shaibani, Oman’s Ambassador to India, during an exclusive ceremony that highlighted the growing tourism collaboration between the two nations. Organized in partnership with Ibex Expeditions from India and Oman’s Bait Al Qanoon Foundation, the campaign will attract participation from a range of business organizations from India and other countries, aiming to showcase Oman’s rich tourism potential and diverse offerings. The Bait Al Qanoon Foundation, recognized for its innovative approach to tourism, consistently seeks out new destinations and develops immersive travel experiences that resonate with modern travelers. This upcoming initiative is designed to boost Oman’s reputation as a leading destination for sustainable and responsible tourism, appealing particularly to eco-conscious travelers. The event also gathered Indian government officials, international diplomats, and business leaders, further demonstrating the increasing interest in Oman as a prime destination for global travelers. The campaign promises to open new avenues for tourism, fostering deeper connections between Oman and international markets, especially India.

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Monumental 14-lane Highway to Link Bengaluru, Pune, and Sambhajinagar

Nitin Gadkari announces a revolutionary 14-lane highway project linking Bengaluru, Pune, and Sambhajinagar, set to boost travel efficiency and regional growth. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has unveiled plans for a new 14-lane highway connecting Bengaluru, Pune, and Sambhajinagar. This extensive project will commence just after the descent from Mumbai’s Atal Setu and include a direct route to Bengaluru via a ring road. As reported by News 18, the construction of the Mumbai-Bengaluru highway is expected to begin within the next six months. Gadkari highlighted that this new route could potentially reduce traffic on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway by up to 50%, significantly easing travel for residents in Bengaluru and surrounding areas. Speaking at an event in Pune, Gadkari emphasized the crucial role infrastructure development plays in improving the quality of life for both urban and rural populations. He noted that such advancements should support farmers and rural communities, helping address the challenge of urban migration. Once completed, the highway will improve connectivity between Pune, Sambhajinagar, and Bengaluru, fostering economic growth and regional integration. This project is set to decrease travel times and contribute to the overall enhancement of India’s road infrastructure. Gadkari also discussed sustainable road construction efforts, revealing that eight million tonnes of waste have already been repurposed for road building. This initiative demonstrates how environmental challenges can be turned into growth opportunities, especially in rural regions. In a tribute to Karnataka’s renowned engineer Sir M. Visvesvaraya, Gadkari acknowledged his remarkable contributions and stressed the importance of nurturing future engineering talent. He concluded by expressing that with sufficient funding and strong leadership, infrastructure projects can be completed swiftly, benefitting communities across India, including Bengaluru.

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Maharashtra gets three new Vande Bharat trains for enhanced travel experience

Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched three new Vande Bharat Express trains in Maharashtra. This has given Maharashtra a total of 11 Vande Bharat trains, marking a great improvement in the state's train transportation. The Vande Bharat Express has become a symbol of contemporary travel in India. These trains are noted for its high speed, safety features, and exceptional comfort. As one of the most industrially developed and populous states, Maharashtra has long needed improved connectivity. The introduction of these new trains is expected to greatly enhance the state’s transportation network, making travel more convenient for commuters and tourists alike. The 3 new routes are: Nagpur-Secunderabad: This route operates on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, starting September 18. The train departs from Pune at 2:15 PM, arriving in Kolhapur at 7:40 PM. The return trip from Kolhapur is scheduled for Thursdays, Saturdays, and Mondays, leaving at 8:15 AM and reaching Pune by 1:30 PM. Kolhapur-Pune: Starting September 19, this train runs every Thursday, Saturday, and Monday. It departs Pune at 4:15 PM and reaches Hubballi by 11:40 PM. The return journey from Hubballi is scheduled for Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, leaving at 5:00 AM and arriving in Pune at 1:30 PM. Pune-Hubballi: The Nagpur-Secunderabad Vande Bharat Express operates six days a week, excluding Tuesdays, starting September 19. It departs Nagpur at 5:00 AM and arrives in Secunderabad by 12:15 PM. The return journey follows the same schedule, with the train leaving Secunderabad at 1:00 PM and arriving back in Nagpur at 8:20 PM. Before this, Maharashtra had eight Vande Bharat Express trains running on routes like Mumbai-Ahmedabad and Mumbai-Madgaon. The introduction of these new services aims to further enhance the country’s railway infrastructure and connect Maharashtra, already a commercial powerhouse, to other critical regional hubs. Improved rail infrastructure is also vital for tourism. Maharashtra's diverse landscapes, from the hill stations of the Western Ghats to culturally rich cities like Nagpur and Kolhapur, offer numerous attractions. The addition of these three new Vande Bharat services will not only enhance connectivity but also stimulate economic growth and improve the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

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Uttarakhand: 4 villages to be honoured with National Tourism Award this year

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami recently announced that four villages from the state have been selected for the prestigious 'Best Tourism Village,' which is a recognition awarded by the Union Ministry of Tourism. Referring to this, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) released a statement stating that the initiative to establish Uttarakhand as a prime tourist destination is yielding positive results. If reports are to go by, these villages will be awarded for their noteworthy contributions to rural tourism on International Tourism Day during a ceremony in New Delhi. For your information, the four villages that have been selected for this prestigious award are Jakhol and Harshil from Uttarkashi, Seemant Gunji from Pithoragarh, and Soupi from Nainital. Each village has been recognised for its unique tourism offerings. While Jakhol has been chosen for its adventure tourism potential, Harshil and Seemant Gunji have been recognized as part of the Vibrant Village initiative. Further, Soupi, in Nainital, will receive the award for promoting agricultural tourism. This annual competition is organised by the Ministry of Tourism, which includes highlighting villages that contribute to the preservation of culture and natural heritage, foster community-based values and lifestyles, and promote economic, social, and environmental sustainability. By rewarding these villages, the Ministry aims to put those places in spotlights that embody sustainable tourism practices. Chief Minister Dhami commended the efforts of the villagers and congratulated them for their achievement. He stressed the need for public involvement which is crucial for Uttarakhand’s development as a tourist state. While the government has implemented numerous schemes to promote tourism, the Chief Minister believes success can only be achieved with the support of the people. Uttarakhand, often referred to as ‘Devbhoomi’ or the land of gods, is nestled in the Himalayas and divided into two main regions, Garhwal and Kumaon. The state government continues to develop tourism by launching various policies and schemes to attract visitors. As reported earlier, Biswanath Ghat in Assam's Sonitpur district won the award for the Best Tourism Village of India last year, and set a precedent for other villages to follow in promoting sustainable tourism.

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