Hanoi boosts craft exports and tourism with major global festival
VOV.VN - Hanoi will launch the first 2026 Global Festival for the Preservation and Development of Craft Villages this November, with a view to honouring traditional heritage while spurring handicraft exports and local tourism.
The festival honors master artisans, skilled craftspersons, and workers while encouraging younger generations to preserve traditional trades. Organizers aim to revitalize the craft economy by linking production with export opportunities and tourism, establishing professional craft travel routes, and raising local living standards.
The event expects to gather around 200 international delegates from 40 to 50 countries and territories, alongside domestic and foreign artisans, designers, craft cooperatives, and industry trade groups.
With the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long as its main venue, the festival spans roughly 10,000 square meters. It features specialized spaces for craft demonstrations, product showcases, creative design, digital transformation, Net-Zero initiatives, photography and floral displays, culinary arts, and commercial booths. Interactive activities will also take place at the Center for Vietnamese Craft Village Essence in Bat Trang and selected Hanoi craft villages.
Running from November 13 to 16, the festival officially opens at 7:00 p.m. on November 14. Key highlights include an investment promotion conference for rural industries on the morning of November 14 in Bat Trang, followed by a high-level reception hosted by Hanoi leaders and the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment for World Crafts Council executives and international delegations.
On November 15, Thang Long Citadel will host the Asia-Pacific Handicraft Competition to connect artisans with designers, trailed by an evening cultural exchange and handcrafted fashion showcase.
Ahead of the major event, guided tours featuring Hanoi’s craft heritage will launch on November 12 in renowned traditional villages like Van Phuc and Chuyen My. Side activities include the inaugural Hanoi Craft Product Contest, the 2026 Vietnam Handicraft Competition, and cultural performances across Hanoi and neighboring Ninh Binh province.
During the festival, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment will chair the national handicraft contest and the rural investment promotion conference. It will also manage invitations for domestic and international delegates, work directly with the World Crafts Council and foreign delegations, and coordinate with provinces nationwide to finalize their participation plans.
Two more Hanoi craft villages join World Craft Cities Network
VOV.VN - Two more traditional craft villages in Hanoi have officially joined the World Craft Cities Network, further strengthening Vietnam’s global profile in traditional handicrafts and creative culture.
