Proposing an Evaluation Framework for Tourism Product Development Based on French Colonial Architecturalheritage in Ho Chi Minh City

Abstract

Heritage tourism is identified as a key development orientation for urban tourism. However, research in Vietnam has primarily focused on monument conservation or general cultural tourism development, leaving a significant gap in the establishment of specialized criteria frameworks for evaluating tourism products derived from architectural heritage. This paper proposes a criteria framework for developing tourism products from French architectural heritage in Ho Chi Minh City, based on a synthesis of theoretical foundations and empirical data. The study employs qualitative methods combined with surveys and in-depth interviews. The findings establish six core criteria groups: (i) Heritage values; (ii) Experience design; (iii) Infrastructure and accessibility; (iv) Human resources; (v) Ancillary activities and communication; and (vi) Management and conservation. Furthermore, the research highlights a discrepancy between tourist expectations and the current state of heritage exploitation.