More than just a communication activity, this event marks a strategic turning point in shaping a heritage tourism model linked to conservation and sustainable development. A pioneering Hue – a heritage city – is taking the lead in addressing the challenge of balancing economic growth with the preservation of historical and cultural values.
The highlight of the program was the official awarding of LOTUS green building certification by the Vietnam Green Building Council to Thai Hoa Palace – an iconic architectural work of the Nguyen Dynasty. This is the first time a cultural site within the UNESCO World Heritage in Vietnam has achieved green building standards.
Over the course of three years, from November 2021 to November 2024, the restoration process of Thai Hoa Palace was carried out rigorously, using traditional materials combined with modern conservation techniques, optimizing energy efficiency, and limiting emissions – all aimed at restoring the building while ensuring its original features and meeting sustainability criteria.
Mr. Douglas Lee Snyders, the Executive Director of the VGBC, expressed: “We highly appreciate Hue's commitment to integrating green development thinking into heritage conservation. The LOTUS is not just a certification, but also an affirmation that heritage is not only about the past but also the future, if it is protected properly”.
Also within the framework of the event, the GCOO brand, belonging to the Gbike Group (South Korea), was honored as the first “LOTUS Green Service Provider” in Vietnam in the field of heritage tourism. Simultaneously, the GCOO donated 20 new-generation electric bicycles to Hue Monuments Conservation Center. These electric bicycles will be used within the Imperial Citadel, offering visitors a quiet, friendly, and flexible sightseeing experience while contributing to reducing air and noise pollution in the relic area.
According to Mr. Jongsoo Yoon, CEO of the Gbike, this partnership is not just a simple collaboration but also a long-term commitment by the Gbike to accompany Hue in realizing its vision of developing a green and sustainable tourism urban area. Gbike aims to promote the “bicycle city” model – where clean and friendly public transport will become a typical image of Hue in the eyes of international visitors.
The event also featured a community cycling campaign, “Hue - Pioneer in Green Heritage Tourism Development and Bicycle City”, through the Imperial Citadel area and iconic streets of Hue, spreading the message of green transition, sustainable tourism development, community responsibility, and the continuous efforts of Hue City on its journey towards becoming a “National Green City by 2030”. The activity attracted the participation of over 100 delegates, including the city leaders, entrepreneurs, and students, etc.
Mr. Hoang Viet Trung, Director of Hue Monuments Conservation Center, stated: “The ‘Hue - Green Heritage Tourism Development and Bicycle City’ ” demonstrates how Hue integrates conservation, tourism, and environmental education within a profound activity. This is a model for a heritage development strategy linked to sustainability”.
With the message “Sustainability from the roots - Reviving heritage, creating a green future”, Hue is not only preserving its heritage, but also nurturing the heritage within the breath of a green, humane, and inspiring city.
Towards the long-term implementation of green transportation, the GCOO will deploy 13 electric bicycle stations in key areas of Hue City in the initial phase, operating from April 20, 2025. It is expected that 140 bicycles will be put into operation at locations such as Tu Do Stadium, Hue City People's Committee, Ho Chi Minh Museum, and Kim Long Park, etc. After completing the inspection, this electric bicycle system will continue to be expanded to serve visitors and residents.
The following are some photos recorded at the event on the morning of April 19:
 |
| The GCOO will deploy 13 electric bicycle stations in key areas of Hue City in the initial phase, operating from April 20 |
 |
| Vice Chairman of the City People's Committee, Mr. Nguyen Chi Tai (second from the right), was exchanging with the representatives of Gbike and VietPM |
 |
| Vietnam Green Building Council awarded the LOTUS green building certification to Thai Hoa Palace |
 |
| Delegates participated in the cycling activity immediately after the event |
 |
| For the first time, a cultural relic within the UNESCO World Heritage in Vietnam meets green building standards, which is Thai Hoa Palace (Photo: Hue Monuments Conservation Center) |