Renovating a bomb shelter into a tourist destination
Renovating and using secret shelters as tourist destinations is no longer strange to the world. In Germany, St.Pauli is a famous shelter in the city of Hamburg. It was built in 1940 under the orders of during during during during during the airstrikes in Berlin, with a capacity of up to 25,000 people.
In July 2024, St.Pauli reopened with a new look with a complex of hotels, restaurants, cafes and a park on the terrace. Considered a "green oasis" in the city with full amenities, this place quickly became an attractive destination for domestic and international tourists.
In London (UK), the secret tunnel from World War II on Chancery Lane Street is being renovated into a unique attraction with a complex of museums, memorial areas, art galleries, bars... The project is expected to open in 2028 with a total investment of 149 million USD.
In Vietnam, there are also many shelters and secret tunnels from the war that have become famous relics and tourist destinations.
Mr. Nguyen Tien Dat - Vice President of Hanoi Tourism Association - said that in Hanoi, there have been a number of famous tunnels exploited for tourism such as the secret tunnel in Thang Long Imperial Citadel, tunnel H66 in the Presidential Palace Relic Site - where President Ho Chi Minh's safety was guaranteed during the war, or the bomb shelter under the Metropole Hotel. Some other localities have also exploited tourism from shelters, such as Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City. However, Mr. Dat said that Hanoi in particular and Vietnam in general still have many basements that are capable of becoming tourist destinations but have not been fully invested and exploited.
awakening the tourism potential of secret tunnels
Talking to Lao Dong, Mr. Phung Xuan Khanh - CEO of Tien Phong Travel - said that tunnel destinations are often included in the city exploration tour program, attracting foreign tourists.
Mr. Khanh informed: Each shelter has its own story bearing a historical mark. While foreign visitors, especially European visitors, are very interested in the culture and history of tourist destinations. Therefore, these tunnels always give them a sense of curiosity and desire to explore.
Speaking specifically about the secret tunnel over 100 years old in the North Power Corporation - No. 20 Tran Nguyen Han, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi City - Mr. Khanh said that this is a place that can be put into tourism exploitation.
Mr. Khanh believes that if the wartime tunnels are exploited for tourism, visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the historical records of war and the heroic historical imprint of the nation. Sharing the same view, Mr. Nguyen Tien Dat - Vice President of Hanoi Tourism Association - commented that the potential for tourism exploitation of secret basements is extremely large.
Mr. Dat said that tourism now needs a unique factor to attract tourists. The secret basement on Tran Nguyen Han street used to be a shelter and operating Hanoi electricity system during the war. If put into operation, this place can become an emotional sight, recreating the heroic resistance atmosphere. In particular, the basement is located right next to Ho Guom, the area has the advantage of welcoming thousands of guests every day. If it is possible to add, combine in the tours of Ngoc Son temple, the Huc bridge, the old town ... it is certainly possible to attract a relatively large number of visitors.
In the context of the planning to renovate the eastern space of Hoan Kiem Lake (including the position of a secret basement), Assoc.Prof.Dr.
When some constructions such as the Shark Ham Building were demolished to renovate public spaces, it is even more necessary to preserve and highlight the forgotten historical values. If the tunnel is preserved and connected with the journey to explore Hoan Kiem Lake, it will become an emotional highlight in the heart of Hanoi - Associate Professor, Dr. Bui Hoai Son commented.
However, according to Mr. Nguyen Tien Dat, to exploit tourism from secret tunnels, many factors are needed. Destinations must be renovated clean, airy, welcoming guests, equipped with suitable lighting systems, and have attractive explanations.
In particular, it is necessary to have an effective propaganda and promotion plan to attract domestic and international tourists.
