A multiple-perspective approach
According to the data provided by the Department of Tourism, the total number of visitors to Thua Thien Hue was estimated at 120,000, which was a rise of 26% compared to the initial estimation (95,000 arrivals), in the 8 days of Hue Traditional Craft Festival 2023 combined with public holidays. Staying guests reached 65.3 thousand arrivals, of which, there were about 25.5 thousand international visitors, an increase of 17.6% compared to the estimate. Revenue from tourism reached VND 194 billion, up 25% compared to the initial estimate. According to separate statistics, the number of visitors to visit the relics in the days from April 29th to May 4th reached 78.7 thousand.
For Hue Traditional Craft Festival 2023, it was estimated that about 300,000 tourists and locals visited and experience festival activities. Revenue from the activities of the craft village and culinary space was estimated at VND 20 billion.
The pedestrian areas of Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Ba Huyen Thanh Quan, Tu Tuong Park and Phan Boi Chau Park became spaces to display and introduce products honoring artisans and craft villages. People from traditional craft establishments and villages across the country met and continued to share their experiences in restoring, preserving and developing traditional handicraft products in an industrial and creative direction.
Hue Traditional Craft Festival 2023 continues to be an occasion to honor traditional craft villages
The very new approach of this year festival were completely open art shows and stages, the modern sound and light equipment and newly-equipped stand system. The festival used the existing scene, without installing additional components that might affect the magnificent beauty of the two historic buildings of Hue. Art programs were held lively, attracting a large number of people and visitors to watch.
Hue Traditional Craft Festival 2023 also aimed at a creativity with new festivals and events. Street performance festival was a new activity and was firstly held at Hue Traditional Craft Festival 2023 with the participation of hundreds of artisans and artists performing along the city’s main roads. In particular, the stilt art troupe from the Kingdom of Belgium attended the event.
Mr. Vo Le Nhat, Chairman of Hue City People's Committee and Head of the Organizing Committee of Hue Traditional Craft Festival 2023, assessed that the festival created impressions from its innovations, greatly contributing to attracting tourists. The Festival has maintained and enhanced its activities, and created the brand of the festival for many years. The multiple- perspective approach helped Hue Traditional Craft Festival 2023 both honor the beauty and performance of traditional crafts, and held a series of unique cultural and artistic events and programs, creating a vibrant and colorful festival atmosphere. Its ways to express and organize were closer to the audience and the public, so that visitors could join the festival in the easiest way.
Towards higher economic value
The revenue of craft village establishments participating in Hue Traditional Craft Festival 2023 increased higher than that of any previous festivals. Many records were established. Many programs were held for the first time. The number of domestic and international visitors to Hue city increased sharply...
Hue Traditional Craft Festival 2023 has spread the pride of Hue and awakened people’s interest and support for traditional craft products of Hue as well as of other localities; then, stimulated community's demands for use and purchase of traditional products, and stimulated tourism demands. Therefore, the festival would bring higher economic value, develop traditional professions, promote culture, and create conditions for Hue people to do business and have better income.
Mr. Vo Le Nhat analyzed that in terms of economic value, the festival was not only a chance for people to perform, introduce and promote products, but also to do business and develop their economy. Sales of the establishments participating in the festival achieved high results; in which, the total revenue and total orders of craft establishments on the occasion of Hue Traditional Craft Festival 2023 reached more than VND 15 billion, an increase of 35% compared to that of Hue Traditional Craft Festival 2019.
Mr. Nguyen Dac Nguyen Xuan form the Hue Xuan - Le Gia One Member Limited Liability Company said, this was the second time his company showcased and introduced their products at the Hue Traditional Craft Festival. During the week, the company achieved a revenue of VND 4.8 billion. The good thing was that many visitors came to the festival, got their favorable products and decided to buy the products despite the high price.
“Hue Traditional Craft Festival is the place to introduce the most quintessence of traditional handicraft and village products. Maybe during the festival days, not many products can be sold, but good promotion will make an impression on customers and they will return when the need arises. There will be not only 1 or 2 contracts but also greater economic value when the products of the craft village match the market and create a brand. At that time, Hue will become the center of the quintessence of the craft villages,” said Mr. Nguyen Dac Nguyen Xuan.
Mr. Vo Le Nhat affirmed that the city of Hue would constantly improve its organizing capacity and show professionalism from stages of developing festival scripts and orienting the design and quality of traditional handicraft products, to event communication and promotion in order to reach out to the community as well as create attractive, quality, elaborate and spectacular festivals.
Hue Traditional Crafts Festival must further promote the brand and position of Hue - the typical festival city of Vietnam, in order to diversify local tourism products. For “retaining” tourists to the ancient capital, it is necessary to promote the development of different fields in the province to contribute to the overall growth of Hue tourism industry.