HÀ NỘI The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) has announced ten outstanding cultural, sports and tourism achievements for 2024.
The top ten came directly from votes cast in person and on line from December 6 to 9, with the participation of representatives from various departments within the ministry and nearly 70 journalists.
Below are the ten outstanding cultural, sports and tourism cases for the year published by the MCST:
1. The National Assembly approved the investment policy for the National Target Programme on Cultural Development for the period 2025-2035
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| The National Assembly officially approved the investment policy for the National Target Programme on Cultural Development for the period 2025-2035.. — Photo courtesy of the MCST |
The NA officially approved the investment policy for the National Target Programme on Cultural Development for the period 2025-2035 during the 8th session of the 15th National Assembly.
The establishment of this programme is of significant importance, creating a breakthrough to solidify and enhance the effective implementation of the Party and State's leadership and directives on cultural development.
It contributes to the comprehensive development of people and the construction of an advanced Vietnamese culture rich in national identity, so that culture truly becomes an inner strength and a driving force for national development and the defence of the country.
2. The NA passed the amended Cultural Heritage Law, completing the legal framework for the cultural heritage sector
The 8th session of the 15th National Assembly passed the amendments to Cultural Heritage Law, marking an important milestone in completing the legal framework for the cultural heritage sector.
3. The Government issued two major plans for culture, sports and tourism
Two plans for the network of cultural and sports facilities, as well as the tourism system for the period 2021-2030, with a vision toward 2045, issued by the Prime Minister this year, are significant milestones.
They contribute to removing institutional bottlenecks and implementing the guidelines and policies for the development of culture, sports and tourism in Việt Nam during the new era.
4. A series of cultural, sports and tourism events commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Điện Biên Phủ Battle Victory
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| An art performance commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Điện Biên Phủ Battle Victory. — Photo courtesy of the MCST |
A series of cultural, sports and tourism events were well-received and highly appreciated by the people and tourists, contributing to the overall success of the activities and programmes commemorating the 70th anniversary of this great victory in the nation’s history.
5. Two heritages were recognised by UNESCO: Nine Dynastic Urns inscribed on UNESCO Memory of World Register and the Festival of Vía Bà Chúa Xứ (Holy Mother of the Realm) at Sam Mountain named by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
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| The Nine Dynastic Urns, housed in the Huế Imperial Citadel in the central province of Thừa Thiên Huế, was officially inscribed in the Memory of the World Register. — Photo courtesy of the MCST |
The Nine Dynastic Urns, housed in the Huế Imperial Citadel in the central province of Thừa Thiên Huế, was officially inscribed in the UNESCO Memory of the World Register during the 10th plenary meeting of the Memory of the World Committee for Asia and the Pacific, held in Mongolia on May 8.
The profound festival of Vía Bà Chúa Xứ (Holy Mother of the Realm) at Sam Mountain in the southern province of An Giang was named in the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritages of Humanity during the 19th session of the UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, held in Asunción, Paraguay on December 4.
The inscription of two heritages by UNESCO in one year further demonstrates the achievements in the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage.
This also clearly reflects Việt Nam’s role and responsibility as an active member of UNESCO in its efforts to incorporate international treaties and programmes regarding cultural heritage, of which the nation is a participant.
6. The cultural industry made breakthroughs with large-scale programmes that have significant appeal and social impact
2024 is a year marked by many positive signals in the development of Việt Nam’s cultural industry. The Creative Design Festival Hanoi 2024, Anh Trai Vượt Ngàn Chông Gai (Call Me By Fire) concert, Anh Trai Say Hi (Say Hi Brother) concert, the first International Jazz Programme in Nha Trang 2024, and the success of films like Đào, Phở Và Piano (Peach Blossom, Phở, and Piano) or Lật Mặt (Face Off) have created a positive impact, contributing to the promotion of cultural industry development.
7. Vietnamese tourism and cinema were promoted in the US for the first time
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| A large-scale programme to promote Vietnamese tourism and cinema was held in the US for the first time. — Photo courtesy of the MCST |
A large-scale programme to promote Vietnamese tourism and cinema was held in Hollywood, the US, for the first time. It attracted more than 500 guests, including top producers and directors from Hollywood. This marks a breakthrough and innovative step in promoting Vietnamese tourism, aiming to develop visitor numbers and film production through cinema.
8. Vietnamese tourism rebounded strongly after the pandemic, welcoming about 17 million international tourists and 120 million domestic tourists
Tourism remains a bright spot in the economy despite significant fluctuations in both domestic and global contexts. Welcoming 17 million international visitors and 120 million domestic tourists, the tourism sector has marked a complete recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Việt Nam also proudly received three awards this year: Top Destination in Asia, Top Heritage Destination in the World, and Top Natural Destination in Asia. Notably, this is the sixth time in seven years that the country has been honoured as Top Destination in Asia, affirming Việt Nam’s position as an attractive destination and a shining star on the tourism map of Asia and the world.
9. Việt Nam hosted the first International Conference on Tourism for Rural Development
The first International Conference on Tourism for Rural Development was jointly hosted by United Nations Tourism with the MCST in the ancient town of Hội An. Bringing together over 300 delegates from 50 countries around the world, the conference not only promoted the development of agricultural and rural tourism in Việt Nam but also demonstrated the country’s role, responsibility, and prestige in international tourism organisations, thereby advancing the achievement of UN Tourism's sustainable tourism development goals.
UN Tourism also awarded the title of Best Tourism Village to Trà Quế in the central province of Quảng Nam. It was also the only representative from Việt Nam to receive this award this year.
10. The Vietnamese women's volleyball team won a world medal for the first time and became Asian champions for the second time
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| The Vietnamese women's volleyball team made history by winning a medal for the first time at a world-level tournament. — Photo courtesy of the MCST |
The Vietnamese women's volleyball team made history by winning a medal for the first time at a world-level tournament - the FIVB Challenge Cup 2024 held in early July in the Philippines.
In late May, also in the Philippines, the team successfully defended their championship title at the AVC Challenge Cup 2024. VNS
