VietNamNet Bridge - The rapid urbanization has had serious consequences on tourism cities which are the home of natural and cultural heritage sites.

The former imperial capital city of Hue

Hue is a city at national level, a first-class urban area and a festival city of Vietnam. In recent years, it has had an annual two-digit economic growth rate. 

However, there are challenges for Hue.

The damage that flooding causes to the city, especially the valuable heritage from the Nguyen Emperors, is serious.

The same problem is faced by Da Lat, a resort town with a good climate. As a tourism city which attracts huge numbers of travelers each year, it now has many hotels, restaurants and resorts.

To stop floods, Hue has to regulate the Huong River and improve water drainage.

Analysts say that rapid urbanization has put a burden on the water drainage system. The areas which never saw floods in the past are now inundated when it rains. The map of flood-stricken areas has expanded because of urbanization.

Hue is a city of heritage sites, and new urban areas need to be developed in harmony with ancient towns. 

The same problem is faced by Da Lat, a resort town with a good climate. As a tourism city which attracts huge numbers of travelers each year, it now has many hotels, restaurants and resorts.

The overuse of energy sources as well as migration, however, are affecting the city. Waste pollutes the environment, while concretization of the ground and the use of air-conditioners also have had a negative impact on the environment.

Five years ago, the programme for Da Lat development with a vision until 2030 was initiated. 

Under the development model suggested by experts from France and Belgium, the current city would be preserved intact, while improvements and upgrading would be made selectively.

Meanwhile, satellite cities and sub-regions, resorts and residential quarters would be developed around a vast area, larger than Hanoi and HCMC.

Under the plan, Da Lat would be able to preserve its natural beauty and remain ‘the city in the forest’ and a favorite destination for tourists.

However, the plan has not been realized.

Experts say the most valuable aspects in Da Lat are the cool climate and beautiful landscapes. But, how to protect what is valuable, and, at the same time, develop the economy and tourism remains a big challenge.

In related news, local newspapers reported that the former imperial capital city of Hue is among the three Vietnamese cities awarded the ASEAN Clean Tourist City title, together with the city of old towns, Hoi An, and the city of villas, Da Lat.

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