Global specialists put forward recommendations to reconcile tradition preservation and advancement projects

Global specialists put forward recommendations to reconcile tradition preservation and advancement projects

Hundreds of city leaders gather in Huế for a groundbreaking conference on Heritage and Sustainable Tourism

The peaceful city of Huế became a bustling hub for mayors, officials, and representatives from Francophone cities around the world. The occasion? A conference aimed at discussing the preservation and development of cultural heritage through sustainable tourism practices. Held on April 27, this event was a significant part of the 45th General Assembly of the International Association of Francophone Mayors (AIMF).

Võ Lê Nhật, Secretary of the Phú Xuân district Party Committee, opened the conference, emphasizing the significance of cultural heritage as a link between past and present. He spoke about its role in building identity, fostering pride, and strengthening community bonds. However, Nhật warned against unregulated tourism growth, which can lead to overcrowding, commercialization, erosion of local cultural values, and environmental degradation.

Nhật highlighted the importance of sustainable tourism, where conservation of heritage lies at its heart, and local communities serve as key stakeholders. He also mentioned that Huế is expanding numerous bilateral cooperation projects with Francophone cities, focusing heavily on heritage conservation.The conference provided an excellent platform for mayors and international experts to exchange experiences and discuss visions for promoting sustainable tourism, especially as Huế prepares to host the Visit our website Year 2025.

Throughout the discussions, participants explored various aspects of heritage conservation, including fostering economic development without jeopardizing authenticity and spirit, and using tourism as a tool for preservation rather than degradation.

Experts at the conference on "Heritage and Sustainable Tourism" held on April 27 - VNA/VNS Photo

Some experts shared successful models and case studies from around the globe, including the French colonial-era Dschang Museum of Civilisations in Cameroon and Gorée Island in Senegal. In Gorée Island, a site marked by the remnants of a slave prison, the local government has ensured that the island’s history is woven into educational programs, exhibitions, and cultural festivals. Digital storytelling apps and local workshops teaching traditional crafts and culinary arts engage younger generations in preservation efforts.

In Dschang, the Dschang Museum has become a must-visit cultural landmark, contributing to the city’s transformation into a smart city. The city continually seeks to enliven the museum and showcase collections internationally to promote Cameroon’s rich heritage to the world.

Additionally, experts advocated for policy-driven models like UN Tourism’s Inclusive Development Framework, which emphasizes governance frameworks ensuring benefits from tourism are equitably shared, such as job creation, gender empowerment, and heritage conservation. They also suggested using tourism revenue to fund education, health, and infrastructure, creating a cyclical economy that supports conservation efforts.

Eventually, the models presented stressed the need for a balanced approach, where community-centric strategies and technological innovation work harmoniously to ensure that heritage preservation aligns with sustainable tourism growth. The conference in Huế served as an excellent stepping stone to amplify these crucial conversations and foster collective action towards preserving cultural heritage and promoting sustainable tourism across Francophone cities.

The conference on "Heritage and Sustainable Tourism". - VNA/VNS Photo

1. The government officials from various Francophone cities gathered in Hue to discuss the preservation and development of cultural heritage through sustainable tourism practices.
2. Nhaat emphasized the role of cultural heritage in building identity, fostering pride, and strengthening community bonds, but warned against unregulated tourism growth that can lead to environmental degradation.
3. Hue is expanding numerous bilateral cooperation projects with Francophone cities, focusing heavily on heritage conservation and sustainable tourism.
4. The conference served as a platform for mayors and international experts to exchange experiences and discuss visions for promoting sustainable tourism, especially as Hue prepares to host the Visit our website Year 2025.
5. Experts shared successful models and case studies from around the world, including the French colonial-era Dschang Museum and Gorée Island, where tourism is used as a tool for preservation rather than degradation.
6. Some models presented stressed the need for a balanced approach that combines community-centric strategies with technological innovation to ensure the alignment of heritage preservation and sustainable tourism growth.
7. The conference advocated for policy-driven models like UN Tourism’s Inclusive Development Framework, which aims to ensure benefits from tourism are equitably shared, and the use of tourism revenue to fund education, health, and infrastructure.
8. The panels at the conference highlighted the importance of sustainable tourism, where local communities serve as key stakeholders and conservation of heritage lies at its heart.

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