My Son relic site faces pressure from increasing visitors

Phan Ho, head of the My Son Relic and Tourism Management said that more than 314,000 visitors came to My Son last year, exceeding the annual target by 21 percent. The relic earned nearly 49 billion VND (2.17 million USD) of turnover, with 44 billion VND (1.95 million USD) from ticket proceeds, the highest amount so far.

According to Ho, there is no other way than improving conservation work and quality of services to cope with the pressure.

He also called for the support of State agencies, local people and tourists as well as scientists to protect the relic.

Narelly Stillone, a visitor from Australia, said the local authorities have done a good job in preserving the relic. He expressed the hope that everyone will join hand in protecting My Son.

My Son relic consists of more than 70 tower-temples that were a part of the religious and political capital of the Champa Kingdom for most of its existence.

The site also houses the remnants of a unique culture which owed its spiritual origins to Indian Hinduism developed on the coast of contemporary Vietnam between the 4th and the 13th centuries.

It was recognised as a World Culture Heritage Site by the UNESCO in 1999.