•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
A high-level delegation from Huế recently held a working session with the leadership of Sri Lanka’s Central Province to exchange directions for cooperation across culture, heritage preservation, spiritual tourism, and trade promotion.
At the meeting, Huế City People’s Committee Chairman Nguyễn Khắc Toàn introduced the locality’s potentials and advantages, noting that Huế is now one of Vietnam’s seven centrally governed cities. He said the city is developing around a heritage, culture, ecology, and smart city model, supported by increasingly coherent infrastructure, a high-quality workforce, and a favorable investment environment that is attracting both domestic and international projects.
As Vietnam’s former capital, Huế has eight UNESCO-recognized heritages, along with a system of national and provincial relics and sites. The city is also described as Vietnam’s festival city, with an aim to build an international brand.
In addition, Huế is presented as a major Buddhist center in Vietnam, with more than 800 Buddhist establishments, the Vietnam Buddhist Academy, and a structured Buddhist education system. The city hosts annual Buddhist cultural activities including Vesak Week, Ullambana, and vegetarian culinary festivals, which, according to Huế’s leaders, create significant potential for spiritual tourism development.
Sri Lanka’s Central Province Governor Sarath B.S. Abayakoon delivered commendations for Vietnam’s overall economic and social development achievements, particularly after overcoming war and natural disasters. He said Huế and Sri Lanka’s Central Province share similarities in history, culture, education, and health care, which he described as an important foundation for a long-term and sustainable partnership.
Governor Abayakoon characterized Sri Lanka’s Central Province as an important economic, cultural, educational, and tourism region, with its capital in Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988. He cited major cultural and religious destinations including Sigiriya, Nuwara Eliya, Adam’s Peak, and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of Buddhism’s most sacred sites. He also noted that the Esala Perahera festival each year draws both residents and international visitors.
On future directions, both sides agreed to report to their respective competent authorities to consider signing an official Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in Huế during the Huế Festival, when the Sri Lankan delegation to Huế participates in the event’s activities.
Premium gym chains are entering a “golden era” that is ending or already in decline, as rising operating costs collide with shifting consumer preferences toward more flexible, community-based ways to exercise. Long-term memberships are shrinking, margins are pressured by higher rents and facility expenses, and competition from smaller, more personalized…
