Hue Cultivates Asian 'Healing City' Identity Through Wellness Tourism

Central Vietnam's Hue province is focusing on the development of wellness tourism to establish its regional identity as an emerging "healing city" in Asia. This strategy aligns with Politburo Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW, which emphasizes breakthroughs in science and technology development, innovation, and national digital transformation. For Hue, this strategy presents an opportunity to combine modern medicine with traditional healthcare, biotechnology, and indigenous medicinal herbs, integrated with tourism, to create high-value services. The goal is to attract high-end international travelers. This development signals a new trend in Vietnam's tourism industry. For instance, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park has been named among the top nature-connected wellness destinations. Sun Group and Hilton are enhancing wellness hospitality in Quang Ninh province to welcome high-end international travelers. Furthermore, New Zealand media have highlighted Vietnam's wellness and spa resorts, indicating growing international attention. Vietnam, while maintaining its single-party system, has achieved significant economic growth. In recent years, the country has been focusing on upgrading its service sector, particularly tourism, in addition to its manufacturing base. While China remains a key economic partner, diversifying and enhancing the value of tourism resources can become a new pillar of economic growth, as Vietnam navigates its geopolitical landscape. Hue's wellness tourism strategy can be seen as an effort to link these national development goals with its unique regional assets.