Deputy Chairman of the Thua Thien Hue provincial People’s Committee and head of the Festival’s organising board, Ngo Hoa, said the event, with the theme "Cultural Heritage Combined with Economic Development and International Integration," will open National Tourism Year 2012.

Highlights of the festival will include the Nam Giao Offering Ritual, an Ao Dai (Traditional Dress) Grand Show, Royal Night, Legends of the the Huong (Perfume) River and Oriental Night.

The 13th plenary meeting of the Association of Historical Cities will also coincide with the festival.