Hue City’s authorities have approved a pilot waterway tourism project using electric boats to connect heritage sites along the Huong River and its tributaries.
According to the Hue People’s Committee, the city is home to eight UNESCO-recognised cultural heritage sites.
A corner of the Huong River
One of the key features shaping Hue’s urban character is its network of waterways, which are closely linked to the city’s imperial architectural complex.
Hue City leaders said developing green transport, including waterway services that tap into the heritage value of the historical canal system, would help diversify the city’s tourism offerings.
The project will position Hue as a pioneer in environmental protection and sustainable development.
The project aims to curb water, air, and noise pollution, preserve the natural beauty and cultural and historical value of the rivers surrounding the Hue Imperial Complex, and enhance visitor experiences by offering unique eco-tours.
Most of the dragon boats powered by fossil fuels on the Huong River have already reached the end of their service life.
Many boat owners lack the means to invest in new vessels, leaving related workers jobless. The pilot adoption of green-energy transport is expected to ease difficulties for Hue’s tourism industry.