Stimulating tourism
Over nearly ten years of investing in the beautification of the space along the banks of the Perfume River, including two pedestrian streets, the renovation of parks, green spaces, and the planning of a tree system, investing in public amenities, the area has become increasingly well-appointed, transforming into an attractive tourist and recreational destination for residents and visitors alike.
A significant beginning of the strategy to “revamp” the space along the Perfume River was the opening of the pilot project for the wooden pedestrian bridge (Ironwood bridge) in 2019, funded by the South Korean government, alongside the pedestrian pathway on the south bank of the river invested by Hue City People's Committee. These two projects are part of a detailed plan for the Perfume River banks, with over 6 million USD in non-refundable aid from the South Korean government and matching funds from the provincial People's Committee. The bridge was constructed with reinforced concrete, South African ironwood decking, copper railings, and waterproof lighting, with a total cost exceeding 64 billion VND.
The Ironwood bridge has positively impacted the space along the southern bank of the Perfume River, becoming an ideal spot for sightseeing, strolling, and taking photos for locals and visitors. This also motivates the province and city to continue researching and investing in more projects to enhance theurban space of Hue City.
Recently, Hue City People's Council agreed to add a project for a pedestrian bridge combined with a bike path across the An Cuu River (Y-shaped bridge) to the list of adjusted public investment plans for 2021-2025. This project will receive support from the provincial budget and will be implemented over three years with total investment of more than 29 billion VND. The planned location for the Y-shaped bridge is at the confluence of the Perfume River and An Cuu River, with one side near the park and the Perfume River Theater, and the other side at the newly renovated Da Vien Islet.
The Y-shaped bridge will not only serve as a highlight for the scenic axis along the banks of the An Cuu River but will also connect the pedestrian path on the south bank of the Perfume River from the theater to Bui Thi Xuan Park, facilitating easier walking and cycling for residents. The bridge will connect to the pedestrian path along the Perfume River near the theater and end at the riverside road by Bui Thi Xuan Park, spanning approximately 70 meters.
Alongside these projects, Hue City is preparing to implement many important projects aiming at stimulating tourism and contributing to socio-economic development in the area, such as the renovation of Ly Tu Trong Park, Trinh Cong Son Park, Phu Xuan Park, and the enhancement of the riverbank parks along the Perfume River, including the pedestrian path from Truong Tien Bridge to Gia Hoi Bridge.
Accelerating project timelines
According to Mr. Phan Thien Dinh, Secretary of the Hue City Party Committee, 2024 is a significant year in the process of transforming Thua Thien Hue into a centrally-governed city as per Resolution 54 of the Politburo. Alongside implementing projects to gradually complete infrastructure, the city is accelerating key projects in the area, including the relocation of residents and land clearance in the core area of the Complex of Hue Monuments (the expanded part), Nguyen Hoang Road, and the Huong River Overpass; upgrading and expanding Ba Trieu Road; and projects in the A-B area of the An Van Duong New Urban Area.
Another important task is to focus on urban connectivity projects, transportation, wastewater treatment in urban areas, roadside improvements, street lighting, industrial cluster infrastructure, parks, and green spaces; enhancing urban amenities such as walking paths, parking lots, surveillance cameras, and public restrooms; and improving roads and parks along the banks of the Perfume River and the urban road networks of newly merged wards and communes, … contributing to a cleaner and more beautiful city while gradually creating breakthroughs in infrastructure, space, and tourism services in the area.
After four years of administrative boundary expansion, the city has begun to effectively leverage new advantages and resources, developing the marine economy and lagoon areas. Economic and tourism development projects, such as the community-based ecological tourism model in Ru Cha mangrove forest – Te islet, the community tourism at Hai Duong, the development of sustainable agricultural products, are being actively directed, expected to develop potential and comparative advantages linked with community factors to drive socio-economic development in newly merged wards and communes.
Mr. Phan Thien Dinh emphasized that tourism and services are the spearhead and focus point of the city’s economy. Therefore, the upcoming challenge is to elevate the quality of tourism, enrich service activities, and introduce new service types for residents and tourists. Cultural and festival activities must be prioritized and further improved to ensure professionalism and embrace the locals as the center of each festival.
Thus, investing in completing night markets, pedestrian streets, and tourism-service infrastructure to attract visitors and develop the night economy are the goal set by the city for focused implementation. This includes improving the quality of night tourism products, Hue cuisine; and, development should closely tie to the sustainable, effective, and reasonable exploitation of cultural, artistic, and natural heritage resources and environmental landscapes; contributing to building, preserving, promoting, and showcasing the unique traditional cultural values and urban civilization of Hue, while fostering socio-economic development in the area, creating a "stepping stone" for the centrally-governed city.