The closure of Hue airport for renovation is a severe set-back for the city of Hue as it deprives the previous imperial capital of a much needed air access. Promotions will be launched to try to soften the impact on the tourism sector.
HUE (VNS)- The tourism industry of the former imperial capital of Hue in Vietnam is bracing rough times due to the recent closure of the airport. Hue airport in Phu Bai closed its doors last month and is not expected to reopen at least before November 2013, according to a message issued by Vietnam Airlines to the provincial People’s Committee yesterday, said Le Truong Luu, deputy chairman of the committee.
In 2012, the airport already closed in May and June, disrupting heavily tourist arrivals. The reason for the closure it the repair of Hue airport’s main runway. During the closure, the only alternative for travellers is to fly to and from Danang and then transfer to Hue, located 90 km away. However covering the distance is rather long, taking three to four hours by bus or train.
Hue receives on an annual basis over 2.2 million of travellers, both domestic and international. The airport’s closure could translate by at least half a million less travellers this year. To counter the negative impact, Hue is launching an extensive discount programme for tourists visiting its local historical attractions. Until April 27, Hue’s Monuments Conservation Centre invite tourists to enjoy all the city’s monuments and experience its unique culture – which extends from music and art to fashion and food.
One ticket only is necessary to visit many attractions –including the Royal Palace and the tombs of Minh Mang and Khai Dinh- while it was previously necessary to purchase one ticket for each attraction. Additionally, travellers also enjoy a discount of up to 50% on the price of drinks and refreshments sold at some of these sites.
In another promotion, paying visitors to the palace will be offered free entrance to the Hue Museum of Artefacts and free transit to the museum via electric buses.
Tourists are also being given the chance to enjoy free performances of Hue’s famous royal court music, a genre which has been declared an intangible world cultural heritage by the UNESCO. Meanwhile, tickets for shows at the city’s Royal Theatre are selling for half price.
“We are doing our very best to diversify the tourist experience with the aim of persuading visitors to stay in Hue for longer,” explained Nguyen Van Phuc, an official from the Hue Monuments Conservation Centre to the news agency VNS.
“We realise that tourists have been staying in Hue for a very short time and just visiting the monuments and then leaving. We want to show them that there is more in Hue than just the tombs and palace, and our culture is extensive and well worth seeing. This is our long-term goal,” he added.
Two similar promotions will take place from September 2 to 8 and from December 24 to 30.
(Source: VNS)
Luc Citrinot a French national is a freelance journalist and consultant in tourism and air transport with over 20 years experience. Based in Paris and Bangkok, he works for various travel and air transport trade publications in Europe and Asia.
