Vinh Linh promotes historical heritages for tourism development

Vinh Linh district is home to a wealth of historical revolutionary sites that are being preserved and promoted.

With a network of 180 ranked heritage sites, these locations not only serve as “red addresses” that educate the younger generation about patriotism and the heroic revolutionary traditions of their forefathers but also as invaluable resources for developing historical and revolutionary war tourism. These sites attract numerous domestic and international tourists who visit to explore the area’s rich history.

The Hien Luong - Ben Hai special national relic site -Photo: M.H

Located across the villages of Hien Luong and Xuan Hoa in Vinh Linh and Gio Linh districts, the Hien Luong - Ben Hai special national relic site symbolizes the determination and desire of the Vietnamese people for independence, freedom, and national unification.

History notes that after the 1954 Geneva Accords were signed, the Ben Hai River and Hien Luong Bridge on the 17th parallel became the temporary military demarcation line, pending a nationwide general election in two years to unify the country. However, that wait for unification lasted more than 20 long years.

Once peace was restored, the people’s wishes were fulfilled as the Hien Luong - Ben Hai Relic was preserved, constructed, and designated a special national heritage site. Since April 2022, an artistic lighting system has been installed on Hien Luong Bridge, enhancing the relic’s enchanting beauty at night and attracting many visitors.

Tran Van Minh, an employee at the Management Board of the Hien Luong - Ben Hai special national relic site, shared that the site is part of the “Nostalgia Tour” of former battlefields and comrades. It has become a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists.

In 2023, ticket sales from visitors totaled over VND1.3 billion ($51,403). Looking ahead to 2024, a year with significant political events, the site is expected to continue attracting both domestic and international tourists.

Alongside its 180 ranked heritage sites, the Vinh Linh Historical Museum is another popular attraction where people can learn about the region’s history. The museum houses many war relics, artifacts, and photos.

It vividly portrays the deep patriotism of the Vinh Linh people, who bravely fought and sacrificed to reunify the nation. As part of the goal to develop historical tourism, Vinh Linh district has proposed various policies.

These include refreshing exhibits, intensifying searches for war relics, diversifying activities, and fostering interactions with the public. Moreover, the district emphasizes forming partnerships with travel agencies and accommodation providers to promote the museum’s value and attract tourists, thereby supporting tourism development.

Hoang Duc An, Director of Vinh Linh’s Cultural and Information Center, stated that the museum preserves numerous war materials and artifacts. The unit is actively searching for more such items to enrich displays and presentations for the public and tourists.

Through exhibitions and education, they aim to foster patriotism and effectively showcase the unique cultural identity of Vinh Linh’s land and people.

Recognizing tourism’s role in socio-economic development, Vinh Linh district has pursued various policies to leverage its geographical and cultural-historical assets to develop its tourism industry. The district has implemented resolutions to boost local trade and tourism from 2022 to 2025, with a vision for 2030.

Historical tourism is one of the district’s strengths, aimed at achieving the dual goal of promoting Vinh Linh’s heritage and generating tourism revenue for economic growth.

Nguyen Thien Tung, Vice Chairman of the Vinh Linh People’s Committee, stated that the district will work to effectively organize the Peace Festival and continue to improve the legal framework for heritage preservation. Efforts will also focus on connecting historical sites with attractive tours and destinations to showcase Vinh Linh’s land and people.

Through proactive partnerships with companies and enterprises, the district aims to harness the potential of historical sites for tourism development. Developing compelling tourism products will enhance the heritage’s value and drive economic and social growth, as well as better protect and conserve the heritage.

With its unique advantages, Vinh Linh district is dedicated to preserving and promoting historical relics while developing tourism. Historical tourism is set to become a signature product for the district, propelling tourism to become a key economic driver in Vinh Linh.

From 2021 to 2025, Vinh Linh District aims to advance tourism significantly and establish it as a key economic sector. During this period, the district plans to develop 3-5 eco-tourism and community-based destinations, incorporating homestay services in areas rich in traditional culture. It also aims to increase accommodation and dining services by 30% compared to 2021.

By 2025, the district aims to attract 150,000 visitors, including 30,000 international tourists, and generate over VND220 billion ($8.7 million)in tourism revenue. By 2030, the goal is to welcome 400,000 visitors and generate over VND450 billion ($17.8 million) in revenue.

To achieve these goals, Vinh Linh plans to implement comprehensive and targeted strategies, creating breakthroughs at specific stages.

Vice Chairman of the Vinh Linh People’s Committee, Nguyen Thien Tung, shared that the district has a practical development strategy. For key national heritage sites such as Hien Luong - Ben Hai and Vinh Moc Tunnels, partnerships with travel agencies and tourism promotion centers will create tours connecting them with other attractions in the province.

Tourism packages will cater to various interests, including relaxation, cultural and historical exploration, and ecological experiences. Additionally, community-based eco-tourism spots with homestay services will be developed. Traditional cultural festivals such as traditional boat racing, Bai Choi singing, gong performances, and fish-worship festivals will be maintained and promoted, showcasing Vinh Linh’s land and people.

"Vinh Linh will allocate suitable resources for infrastructure development. We aim to enhance the quality of tourism promotion, focusing on innovating formats and content and leveraging digital technology for more effective promotion," Nguyen Thien Tung added.

My Hang - Ngoc Mai