Thua Thien-Hue – The central province of Thua Thien-Hue is witnessing a resurgence in cruise tourism, with an increasing number of international cruise ships docking at Chan May port. This revival comes after a prolonged lull caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Vietnam News Agency, a survey conducted by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), cruise tourism is recognized as a high-revenue sector, generating over 40% more revenue than other forms of travel such as air or road. The UNWTO has projected a robust recovery for cruise tourism in 2023, and Thua Thien-Hue, with its strategic advantages, is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend.
Chan May port in Thua Thien-Hue can accommodate ships of up to 70,000 DWT and tourist vessels as large as 225,000 GRT. This deep-water port is listed by the Asia Cruise Association as one of the 46 stopovers for cruise ships in Southeast Asia. The port’s natural features, including a 7 km-wide bay, a vast water area of 20 sq.km, and natural depths ranging from 9-14m with minimal sedimentation, make it particularly suitable for large cruise ships. The port has previously hosted substantial cruise ships carrying over 6,200 passengers and crewmembers.
Nguyen Van Chuong, Deputy General Director of Chan May Port JSC, highlighted the port’s unique natural attributes and the growing interest from domestic and foreign partners in developing Chan May as a prime destination for luxury liners in the region. Since 2018, the port has welcomed a series of luxury cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Costa Cruises, Small Cruise, Princess Cruises, Ovation of the Seas, and Mary Queen 2, solidifying its position in global and regional tourism.
Nguyen Thanh Binh, Permanent Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, disclosed plans for the Aeon Mall Hue commercial centre project. With a total investment of over 169 million USD, it is set to be the largest in the central region and is expected to commence operations in 2025. This project will enhance the province’s retail and service offerings for both locals and tourists. Moreover, efforts are underway to attract investment for a large-scale shopping mall near Phu Bai International Airport, further boosting the region’s tourism and commercial appeal.