Hoan Kiem walking streets become cultural destination

Illustration photo

The Hoan Kiem district People’s Committee convened a conference to sum up three-year implementation of walking streets around the Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Returned Sword) 

From January 9, 2016 to January 9, 2019, 1,035 articles were published with good comments on the walking streets. However, 315 other articles pointed out shortcomings, limitations, and complaints of people and tourists. 

Each day, walking streets receive 3,000 to 5,000 tourists in daytime and 1.5-2 ten thousands of guests in the evening. Specifically, the number of visitors increased from over 1.3 million in 2016 to 1.9 million in 2017; 2.1 million in 2018. In the first nine months of 2019, the district greeted 1.23 million guests, representing a year-on-year growth of 13%. 

So far, the district was home to 176 travel agents; 586 hotels and accommodation facilities with 12,404 rooms.

Travel sector revenue was VND 5.3 trillion in 2016; VND 7.02 trillion in 2017; VND 8.84 trillion in 2018 and VND 9.74 trillion in 2019. 

Addressing the event, Chairman of the Ha Noi municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Duc Chung highlighted the sound orientation of the city on walking streets around the Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Returned Sword). 

He affirmed that walking streets around the Lake and surrounding areas have become a brand name and impressive destination in the city, serving to provide a playing field for local residents and tourists and create cultural integration avenue. 

Chairman Chung assessed that the walking streets around the Lake contributed to ensuring order, security; formulating the habit of walking; upholding cultural heritage values; and promoting the image of Ha Noi; promoting trade, service, and tourism. 

According to the Chairman, the trial period was finalized. Walking streets around the Lake will officially operate from January 1, 2020./.

By Kim Anh