Investing in Wellness Tourism: Hue's Path to Becoming a Leading Destination for Health and Relaxation

Meditation on the Huong River

As global travelers become increasingly health-conscious, wellness tourism is rapidly gaining popularity, and Hue City is poised to leverage this trend. With its rich cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and traditional medical practices, Hue has unique advantages that make it an ideal location for wellness tourism development. As the city looks toward the future, proper investment in wellness tourism is becoming a strategic focus to enhance its position as a top destination for health and well-being.

Building a Strong Wellness Tourism Product Chain

In recent years, Hue has started developing a robust wellness tourism offering, combining its natural beauty with health care activities. From soaking in medicinal herb baths to consuming macrobiotic cuisine, the city has begun to explore wellness-focused tourism products. Thuy Bieu Ward, known for its traditional practices, has emerged as a prime location, with medicinal products and eco-tourism models now integrated into the local offerings. These efforts aim to create a comprehensive wellness experience for visitors, a trend that has been growing since the COVID-19 pandemic.

The city’s wellness tourism offerings now extend to include hot mineral baths, meditation experiences along the Perfume River, resorts focused on therapeutic health care, and even experiences rooted in royal court medicine. The integration of traditional medicine into the tourism experience makes Hue’s wellness tourism offering unique and deeply connected to its cultural heritage.

Wellness Tourism: A Key Growth Area for Hue

The Department of Tourism in Hue has recognized wellness tourism as a vital growth area. In partnership with local health authorities, the tourism sector has launched initiatives to enhance Hue’s wellness offerings. For instance, the opening of the Hue Central International Aesthetic Center and the creation of the Hue Imperial Medicine Institute are important steps in blending medical care with tourism services. The Department of Health has also made strides in supporting the sector, working on medicinal herb cultivation areas and other supportive initiatives.

Some tourism businesses in Hue are already innovating in this space. High-end hotels and wellness centers are introducing wellness tourism products that combine accommodation with traditional health care services. Tinh Cu Cat Tuong Quan, Alba Wellness Valley by Fusion, and Kobi Onsen My An are just a few examples of venues offering comprehensive wellness experiences, including body treatments, mind relaxation, and nourishing cuisine.

Challenges and Opportunities in Wellness Tourism Development

Despite these promising developments, Hue’s wellness tourism sector has yet to reach its full potential. While many businesses are integrating wellness elements into their offerings, the industry has not yet developed a fully interconnected product chain. Wellness tourism in Hue remains somewhat fragmented, with offerings often being hybrid rather than immersive, specialized experiences. Experts believe that for Hue to truly become a sought-after destination for wellness, it needs to create an experience that is deeper and more holistic—one that includes wellness retreats, meditation on the Perfume River, specialized health check-ups, and a focus on macrobiotic cuisine, all seamlessly integrated into a single experience.

Additionally, current data on tourism spending shows that while travelers in Hue spend considerable amounts on sightseeing, dining, and accommodation, expenditure on wellness tourism services remains limited. Less than 5% of total spending is directed towards wellness and health care services, suggesting that the sector has yet to fully capitalize on the demand for wellness-related experiences.

A Strategic Plan for Sustainable Wellness Tourism

Wellness tour in Thuy Bieu

To harness the full potential of wellness tourism, Hue needs to focus on a more systematic approach to development. Investment in specialized wellness resorts, such as those leveraging the therapeutic properties of the area's mineral springs, will be key. Thanh Tan and My An hot springs, along with their serene surroundings, present an excellent opportunity for wellness tourism growth.

Furthermore, the city's unique resources, including its medicinal plants and historical connection to royal medicine, should be more widely incorporated into tourism offerings. The Imperial Medical Institute of the Nguyen Dynasty, which has historically played a significant role in health care, can be utilized to develop wellness tourism experiences that draw on ancient healing practices.

Hue’s tourism sector is already working on the development of mechanisms, policies, and service guidelines to make these initiatives a reality. The Department of Tourism is also focusing on workforce training, ensuring that hospitality professionals are equipped to meet the demands of wellness travelers.

Hue's Bright Future as a Wellness Tourism Hub

With its rich natural resources, historical connection to traditional medicine, and modern health care infrastructure, Hue is well-positioned to become a leading destination for wellness tourism. By focusing on creating an integrated product chain, enhancing its wellness offerings, and investing in specialized wellness resorts, the city can attract both domestic and international tourists seeking health, relaxation, and healing.

The development of wellness tourism in Hue will not only help the city diversify its tourism offerings but also contribute to long-term sustainable growth. By combining ancient traditions with modern health care practices, Hue can provide travelers with an unparalleled experience that nourishes both the body and the mind.

For more information about wellness tourism in Hue, visit www.huetourism.gov.vn.