The motivational role of cultural heritage in sustainable tourism development in Hue city

Abstract

This study analyzes the role of cultural heritage as a driving force in sustainable tourism development in Hue City, Vietnam. Based on a theoretical framework integrating heritage theory, sustainable tourism, and theory of developement driver, the study employs a combination of methods including synthesis and analysis of secondary data (2022-2024) and qualitative content analysis. The results show that cultural heritage is a core factor for attracting tourists, generating revenue and employment, and contributing to the preservation and promotion of local cultural identity. However, leveraging this potential faces many challenges such as monotonous tourism products, a shortage of high-quality human resources, inadequate digital marketing, and unsynchronized policies. The study proposes a set of synchronized solutions to optimize the role of heritage as a driver, including diversifying and enhancing heritage tourism experiences, investing in human resource development, applying digital technology, strengthening linkages and improving policy mechanisms, towards the goal of truly sustainable and responsible tourism development in Hue.